We have quite a few yummy smoothie spots here in Utah, but we pretty much never visit any of them. Maybe it’s my background at Jamba Juice that busts out some pretty killer smoothies or maybe it’s Cade who totally rocks the protein shake, but when our forces combine, “We are Captain Planet!” ER, I mean killer smoothie makes. We did learn one thing from a smoothie shop here, make it a bowl or parfait. And then Cade and Carrian’s Protein Green Smoothie Granola Parfait was born.
Really though, my time at Jamba Juice was short, just a summer job in fact. The owners were fantastic, employees were super fun to work with, but the marketing guy that I worked alongside wasn’t the best. I felt like he was making poor marketing decisions and not at all being honest the whole time. I’d work so hard to get a school signed up for smoothies or some business and next thing you know he’s there taking credit or acting like he was working so hard when in reality he was doing nothing. It wasn’t my favorite.
But I did learn that playing around with flavors in a smoothie was so fun and while Jamba Juice is making efforts to be a healthier smoothie spot we still prefer to add a little spinach, protein powder and keep the fruit to frozen so we don’t have to add any ice to our smoothies. And then the best part, slap a little granola on top and a touch of fresh fruit and you’ve got a filling and healthy breakfast or snack!
I mean, I love protein smoothies, but love a good crunch and something a little carby in the morning to give me a full tummy and energy to make it to lunch. Oh, who’m I kiddin’, I eat again like an hour later, but that’s just because I eat all day long. Either way, try your smoothie with a little granola next time. Just bust out your Blendtec and go to town.
What Are Green Smoothies?
A green smoothie is a smoothie that is blended with green leafy vegetables.
Common vegetables included in green smoothies are, collard greens, kale, rainbow or Swiss chard or spinach.
Why Are Green Smoothies Good For You?
Green smoothies offer unique health benefits.
They are made with leafy greens that are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins.
Green smoothies are an excellent way to get a good serving of healthy vegetables and enjoy a delicious drink with maximum nutrition.
Is Protein Powder Healthy?
Studies show that protein can help you increase strength, gain muscle and lose significant amounts of body fat.
Protein powder is a convenient way to make sure you are getting the right amount of protein in your diet.
Protein Green Smoothie Granola Parfait
Protein Green Smoothie Granola Parfait
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces milk (almond, rice or coconut milk are fine too)
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup frozen mango
- 1/4 cup frozen banana slices
- 4 almonds
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- Granola
- 3 slices fresh banana
Directions:
- In a blender, in this order, add the milk, spinach, mango, bananas, almonds and protein.
- Blend until completely smooth.
- Pour into a glass and top with 1/2 cup granola and banana slices.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 1 serving, Serving Size: 1
- Amount Per Serving:
- Calories: 523 Calories
- Total Fat: 7.8g
- Cholesterol: 11.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 112.7g
- Fiber: 13.1g
- Sugar: 67.3g
- Protein: 10.5g
How to Freeze Fruit for Better Smoothies
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I’m not one to drink green smoothies, but this variation sounds amazing. May have to try it sometime… 😛