Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Vegetarian
SERVES 2
PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES
This beautiful purple smoothie combines high-fiber, filling ingredients as well as yogurt and chia seeds for protein. Using green tea as the base for your smoothie adds unique health benefits, a vibrant flavor, and lots of antioxidants. If you don’t drink caffeine, consider a decaffeinated green tea instead.
1 green tea bag
1½ cups boiling water
1 frozen medium banana, peeled
½ cup frozen blueberries
½ cup baby spinach
3 ounces nonfat plain yogurt or soy yogurt
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1 teaspoon chia seeds
1 cup ice cubes, divided
Bioactive ingredients:
green tea, blueberry, spinach, yogurt, flaxseed, chia seed
1.
Put the green tea bag in a large, heatproof measuring cup.
2.
Add the water. Steep for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the tea reaches your desired strength.
3.
While the tea steeps, put the banana, blueberries, spinach, yogurt, flaxseed, and chia seeds in a blender.
4.
Drop ½ cup of ice cubes into the tea to cool it partially. Pour into the blender, and add the remaining ½ cup of ice cubes. Blend for about 1 minute, or until smooth.
Per Serving:
Calories: 125; Total fat: 4g; Saturated fat: 1g; Protein: 3g; Total carbohydrates: 22g; Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 13g; Cholesterol: 6g
VARIATION:
Increase the chia seeds to 2 teaspoons and/or the flaxseed to 2 tablespoons to double your fiber intake. Make sure to grind your flaxseed, because that’s the way the body is best able to absorb its benefits.