The smoothie

This fruit, spinach and yogurt smoothie is my go-to for a quick snack, dessert, or even a meal. I have these ingredients in my kitchen most days, and if I can switch up different fruits if needed. This nutritious smoothie fits the bill for health and happiness.

You can use frozen or fresh spinach for this. The frozen spinach helps cool the mixture and you might not need to add as much ice. Using spinach darkens the fruit color of the smoothie. Choose the fruit you prefer. Because we have wild blackberries at our house, I have a freezer stocked. I also use blueberries or strawberries and apples. Occasionally I’ve added raspberries when I have some in the fridge. A banana (or a half-banana) helps add sustenance and thickens the smoothie. On days when I want some extra protein, I add a Tablespoon of peanut butter. When I have kids at my house, they ask for Peanut Butter and they get it.

Putting the Yogurt Smoothie together

I layer my blender in this order: ice, yogurt, spinach, apple, banana, berries – and a dash of water if necessary. You can make it as thick or as thin as you like. I like to drink mine through a straw instead of with a spoon, so my mixture is thinned accordingly.

I usually use Chobani non-fat plain Greek yogurt. If another brand of non-fat plain Greek yogurt is available for a better price, I use it. Choose the brand you prefer.

Mix and match your favorite fruits or what you have on hand. When I use an apple, I leave the peelings on. Wash your apple, core, and cut into thin strips and put into the blender. Peanut Butter is an addition you can make. It sweetens the smoothie and adds protein, which is good for your kids.

Once you have your ingredients in the blender, use the pulse button until things are mixed. Pulse and let go, then pulse and let go until the ingredients are mixed together. If necessary, use a spatula to scrape the sides of the blender. Then turn the blender on low speed and increase the speed until you have the mixture as you like it. If it’s too thick, add some water or more ice. You can also add milk if you want it creamier.

Calories and Carbs

This is based on ALL of the ingredients listed below in this smoothie. It includes a whole banana, and not a half banana. Use half a banana instead of a whole, and you drop approximately 17 calories and 4.5 carbs per cup. One apple = 73 calories and 17.4 carbs (in the 3-cup smoothie). Of course, if you don’t add all the other ingredients, you will have less carbohydrates and less calories. I usually use two or three fruits at the most (1/2 a banana, blackberries and occasionally blueberries).

1 cup of this smoothie = 254 calories and 24 carbs

The recipe for your Yogurt Smoothie