Smoothies have become one of my favorite ways to keep healthier eating simple. After losing 90 pounds, I have learned that the habits that stick are usually the ones that are easy to repeat. For me, that often means starting the morning with something quick, filling, and easy to drink while I am getting my day started.
My everyday morning smoothie is usually not very sweet. I focus on protein first, then add ingredients like spinach, oats, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, collagen, cinnamon, and flavored extracts. This green smoothie recipe is different because it is more of a naturally sweet, refreshing treat. The banana and dates add sweetness, while the mint keeps it fresh and light.
Why I Like Smoothies
Smoothies are quick, flexible, and easy to adjust based on what you need that day. You can make one lighter, sweeter, thicker, or more filling with just a few small changes. They can also be a simple way to add more fruits, greens, and fiber-rich foods to your routine. The CDC explains that fiber can support digestion, fullness, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
Of course, not every smoothie is a healthy choice. Some can become more like dessert depending on what you add. Since I focus more on protein and balanced meals now, I try to be mindful of ingredients and sweetness. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars, which is why I like that this smoothie gets its sweetness from fruit and dates instead of added sugar.
A Naturally Sweet Green Smoothie
This smoothie is a nice option when you want something cold, creamy, and a little sweet while still including greens. Spinach blends especially well and has a mild flavor, while kale gives it that classic green smoothie feel. I would not call this my everyday high-protein breakfast smoothie, but it is a good option when you want something refreshing and more nutritious than grabbing a sugary drink or snack.
If you enjoy smoothie recipes, you may also like this Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Recipe or this Carrot Pineapple Chia Smoothie.
Easy Ways to Customize It
If you want this smoothie to be more filling, add protein powder, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, chia seeds, or ground flaxseed. For days when you want something cool but need more staying power, these snacks that keep you full are a great way to pair protein, fiber, and healthy fats with simple summer ingredients.
If you want it less sweet, use fewer dates or reduce the banana. If you want it thicker, use frozen banana instead of fresh banana. If you want it lighter, add more milk and use less fruit.
For more filling meal ideas, you may also like these High Protein Low Carb Healthy Lunch Recipes.
Make-Ahead Tips
This smoothie tastes best right after blending, but you can store it in a covered jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake it well before drinking because it may separate as it sits.
You can also prep smoothie packs ahead of time by portioning the fruit and greens into freezer bags. When you are ready to make your smoothie, add everything to the blender with your liquid and blend. If you are working on drinking more water throughout the day, these tips to rehydrate quickly may also be helpful.
Green Smoothie Recipe with Kale, Spinach, Mint, and Banana
Ingredients
- 1 cup kale stems removed
- 1 cup spinach
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 bananas
- 4 to 5 dates pitted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk oat milk, or your favorite non-dairy milk
- ½ cup ice optional
Instructions
- Add the non-dairy milk to the blender first to help everything blend smoothly.
- Add the kale, spinach, mint, bananas, dates, vanilla extract, and ice if using.
- Blend for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the smoothie is creamy and no leafy pieces remain.
- Taste and adjust as needed. Add more milk for a thinner smoothie or more ice for a colder, thicker texture.
- Pour into two glasses and serve right away.
Notes
- For a less sweet smoothie, use 1 banana and 2 to 3 dates.
- For a thicker smoothie, use frozen banana instead of fresh banana.
- For more staying power, add Greek yogurt, protein powder, chia seeds, or ground flaxseed.
- This smoothie is best fresh, but it can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours and shaken before drinking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information has been calculated using an autogenerating online calculation and is intended for informational purposes. For accurate nutritional information, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used.
This refreshing green smoothie recipe is naturally sweet, creamy, and easy to make with kale, spinach, mint, banana, and dates. It is a simple way to add more greens to your day while still enjoying something that tastes fresh and satisfying.
