green “hulk” smoothies

prep: 5 MINUTES | total: 5 MINUTES | serves 1

Every family should have a smoothie in their rotation—they’re beyond easy to make (toss in a blender and blend), and they are hands-down the best way to get some greens into everyone. This recipe got its name because Caleb and Maxwell think it’s hilarious to pretend that they’re turning into the Hulk while they sip, complete with flexing their muscles and flying around like superheroes. I pack them each a thermos to take in the car, and I never forget to make myself a serving, whether it’s for breakfast or a post-workout snack. Feel free to add a scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder, if you like.

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or your favorite milk)

2 handfuls spinach leaves (see Notes)

1 medium banana (see Notes)

Heaping ½ cup frozen mango chunks

Heaping ½ cup frozen pineapple chunks

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)

1 teaspoon chia seeds

2 teaspoons flaxseed meal

In a blender, combine the milk, spinach, banana, mango, pineapple, protein powder (if using), chia seeds, and flaxseed meal. Make sure the lid is on tight and blend until smooth.

NOTES: I like to keep a bunch of peeled bananas in a freezer bag in the freezer just for this recipe because they give the smoothie extra creamy body. If you only have room-temperature bananas, throw a small handful of ice cubes in with the rest of the ingredients. You can also substitute other greens besides spinach if you prefer—kale is great. And if your kids are afraid of the green color, you could add ½ cup frozen blueberries for camouflage. They’ll never know they are drinking their greens!