Recipe: PB-Banana Coffee Smoothie

🧋 I know this recipe sounds weird for a few reasons, but trust me, it’s DELICIOUS and it makes a quick & easy light breakfast on the go.

1. The peanut butter: I was skeptical too, but it goes really well with coffee

2. Yes, that’s regular ground coffee, not instant. It gives a nice “crunch” to your smoothie.

TIP: If you want to boost the staying powder of this smoothie, add ½ to 1 scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder! 🍌

Makes 1 smoothie.

Ingredients:

• ½ tbsp ground coffee 

• 1 tbsp peanut butter

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• ¾ cup (180 ml) of your milk of choice

• ¼ cup (60 ml) brewed coffee, chilled

• ½ frozen ripe banana (the riper, the sweeter)

• ice, as needed to thicken

• OPTIONAL: Add a small amount of honey or maple syrup to sweeten if necessary

Directions:

1. Place all the ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Add more ice (if it’s too thin) or milk (if it’s too thick) to reach your desired consistency. 

2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe by: Dr. Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by nata_vkusidey from Getty Images 

Recipe: Cherry-Banana Smoothie

This smoothie recipe is DELICIOUS and it makes a great pre- or post-workout snack. 🍒

Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some more nutrients into your picky eaters!

Makes 1 serving.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 ml) of your favorite milk

• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

• Handful of baby spinach

• ½ cup (70 g) frozen pitted cherries

• 1 medium banana

• ½ cup (115 g) plain Greek yogurt

Directions:

1. Place the first three ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and continue to blend until well combined. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk. Serve immediately.

Recipe by: Dr. Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by natashamam from Getty Images

Recipe: Palm Springs-ish Date Shake Smoothie

Have you ever heard of a Palm Springs date shake? The shake apparently were invented in that California resort city – and they’re delicious. The only downside is they are made with ice cream.

This recipe takes the best of the date shake and turns it into a treat you can enjoy any time without feeling weighed down.

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 3 Medjool dates, pitted, chopped and soaked in 1/4 cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes

• ¼ cup toasted walnuts

• ½ banana, sliced and frozen

• ¼ tsp vanilla bean powder or ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of sea salt

• Pinch of cinnamon

• ⅓ to ½ cup cashew milk (or other nut milk)

• (optional: ½ cup of ice)

Directions:

1. Place all the ingredients (including the date soaking liquid) in a high-speed blender and blend until combined. Adjust the amount of cashew milk to achieve a shake-like consistency.

2. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Recipe by: Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by etorres69 from Getty Images