Healthy food that helps you lose weight does not have to be little more than a lettuce leaf on your plate! You can have the things you love – this PBJ Banana Smoothie from Lauren Blake, RD, LDN at WholeLivingLauren is a case in point – just keep things in perspective and don’t overdo it.
I love peanut butter and jelly, peanut butter and honey, peanut butter and banana … and get this … peanut butter and steak sauce. Yes, I said steak sauce (A1, or HP for the Brits among us!) Mix it in with the peanut butter and spread on toast or a sandwich. Mmmmmuh!
So when I saw Lauren’s delicious smoothie recipe I just had to try it! Here’s why it’s good for you …
This smoothie is kind of a grown up version of PB&J and I am kind of obsessed with it. I make this smoothie often because, well, smoothies in general are awesome, and a healthy, yummy (vegan) smoothie that reminds you of your childhood is even more awesome. The banana and date provide a natural sweetness, the berries and cherries plenty of antioxidants, peanut butter protein and healthy fat, and flaxseed fiber and omega-3s. You get a lot more nutrient bang for your buck with this smoothie. And I am A-OK with that.
Recipe: PBJ Banana Smoothie
Serves 1; 322 cals
All calorie calculations are an estimate. Calorie-content varies according to product and accuracy of measurement. Check the info on your packaging if you require exact numbers for what you eat.
Ingredients:
1 medium Banana
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla Almond Milk
1/3 cup frozen unsweetened dark Cherries
1/3 cup frozen Blueberries
1/3 cup frozen Strawberries
1 pitted Date
1 Tbsp natural Peanut Butter
1 Tbsp ground Flaxseed
Blend until smooth and enjoy.
NOTES:
Don’t worry if you do not have the specific berries listed. You require a total of 1 cup of fruit, so use whatever you have. However, berries are lower in calories than other fruits.
There is even room in this smoothie to add a couple of tablespoons of Oats for a little more protein and soluble fiber to keep you full for longer. Play around to see what works best for you. For example, using half a banana means the calorie count stays more or less the same, despite the oats.
Also consider adding some veggies like a Carrot and/or a small Beet, which will also add a little extra sweetness without adding sugar or other sweeteners. You would not lose the vibrant color with these veggies as you would adding spinach.
You may also like these smoothies:
Perfect Skinny Smoothie Magic Formula!
Source: WholeLivingLauren
Photo: DrinkMeHealthy
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