a simple {real food} recipe :: salad smoothie {dairy, egg, nut free options}

Smoothies are not a new concept – you can find all kinds of recipes for them – just google it (is that even proper grammar?! “Google it”?!).

Anyway, while I was nursing they were my go-to snack and meal to help with milk supply since I could load it up with coconut oil. This summer we seem to be doing them more since it’s a nice oven free option, and Claire *finally* figured out a straw, so I don’t have to help her with a spoon!

I have some thoughts on smoothies I will be putting in a separate post at some point, but my biggest mantra when making them is “make it count”. Fruits and veggies are great – but what else can you stick in them to make it meal that will fill them up and nourish their minds? LOTS of things!

…that will be another topic for another day 🙂

For now try this ridiculously delicious smoothie – I bet the kids will love it! And take note of the extras I’ve put in there that you most likely won’t even taste, but they will make it a smoothie that will last those babes all morning in school, or all afternoon if you serve it for lunch.

(This is a serving I would drink – I make one of these and split it between the girls – Chloe usually finishes the half she gets and Claire almost does ;))

Here’s what you’ll need:

½ – 1 cup whole milk (Preferably raw, or non homogenized, low pasteurized, never ultra-pasteurized. OR use coconut milk if you are dairy free. THIS is a good brand in a BPA free container if you choose not to make it homemade.)

½ banana

2 cups salad greens

1 ½ TB organic natural peanut butter (Watch those ingredients – shouldn’t have extras! Or make your own! OR use sunbutter if you are nut free.)

2 TB coconut oil

¼ cup homemade whey (OR 1 TB Great Lakes Gelatin(pictured) OR 2 pastured egg yolks)

1. Blend until smooth. That’s it!

Kitchen Tips:

1. If you like it super cold add some ice to the blender.
2. Freeze it up in popsicle molds!
3. The Great Lakes Gelatin is PACKED with real grassfed protein and nutrients from the collagen of grass fed cows. It is AMAZING – it is the truest form of protein powder you will EVER come across besides real whey dripped from yogurt.  Read THIS and THIS on the dangers of processed soy products like soy protein found in many protein powders.
4. If you use the Great Lakes Gelatin it will leave your smoothie a little thicker – when I use it, I use the 1 cup of milk vs the ½ cup, or add more ice to thin it out. If you don’t have the gelatin yet, use some of those nourishing egg yolks in your fridge or the homemade whey you made last week!
5. If the babes need it sweeter just add more banana – I think it’s pretty sweet myself, and the girls think they are having a treat!
6. Sometimes I use plain whole milk yogurt instead of the whole milk if I feel the girls need extra probiotic goodness 😉
7. If your coconut oil is solid when the weather is cooler, just melt it over the stove a little or it won’t mix in.
8. Read THIS and THIS on the benefits of coconut oil.
9. Read THIS, THIS and THIS on the benefits of raw milk and THIS on where to find it near you.
10. Read THIS  and THIS on the importance of whole, real, friendly fats in our diet like the fats in the whole milk and coconut oil in this post.

YOUR TURN!

Tell me what you think once you try it! Do you have a favorite smoothie recipe?

So who’s got zucchini’s coming out of their ears?! Save one til Wednesday and come back for a great on the go breakfast idea that will fill up and nourish your family for the day!