Looking to get back to a normal routine after the holidays? Get going with this nutrient dense Tropical Green Energy Smoothie, packed with fresh tropical fruit and baby kale!
Ah… the start of the new year! Isn’t it glorious? Time for a new calendar, time for new beginnings and time for new goals!
It seems like everyone is talking about resolutions, their 2016 focus word, new diets and new gym memberships. And I’m sure your social media feeds have quickly changed from holiday treats and what everyone is currently binge watching, to pics of salads, green smoothies and the inside of a gym. Of course, I support being healthy and active, and also believe in all things in moderation, being realistic, having positive food and body relationships, and being the best YOU with your resources.
Personally, that means I start most mornings with oatmeal, a smoothie or fruit and yogurt. For lunch I have leftovers from dinner the night before, a salad or canned tuna and veggies. And dinner could be anything… from fish, veggies and brown rice; to enchiladas, to grilled chicken and vegetable kabobs, to burgers and fries, to obnoxious over the top foods. Most days I have a banana and peanut butter for a snack and then sometimes I want a cookie, a chocolate candy bar or ice cream for an after dinner treat.
I workout, but I am not crazy about it. I’m not training for a marathon and I currently don’t have a gym membership, and that’s ok, because I am up and active in some form or fashion every single day. I like to walk and go on long bike rides. I like to do yoga, cheesy workout videos, try new activities and be outdoors.
For me, this mind set is the most realistic and positive approach to health and fitness. I don’t ever want to feel bad about myself because I enjoyed a night out at the local ice cream shop with friends, or tried the newest, hottest restaurant, or forgot to workout all day because I was busy earning a living, taking care of sick family member or doing laundry.
Real life… is all about balance.
With the new year, it is a great time to re-evaluate one’s life and current or future goals, and like many I do have some goals I am working on and maybe I’ll share a post dedicated to them soon. However, many of mine are things I have been working on for quite sometime and now I just get to add them to my new planner and 2016 vision board!
Since I love whipping up smoothies for breakfast or an afternoon snack, and since many of us are on the “I enjoyed the holidays and now it’s back to normal” lifestyle; I thought I would share with you one of my favorite green smoothies. I have shared many green smoothies over the years and sometimes I think that it is a waste of a blog post. I mean really do you a.) need another green smoothie recipe flooding your in-box, and 2.) do you really need a recipe for a smoothie (something so simple that all you do is dump things in your blender and press go)? BUT even though most days I just “wing it” when it comes to smoothie making, sometimes I like having recipes for inspiration, motivation and flavor combination ideas. So I’m sharing, yet another green smoothie! Yay!
I’ll be honest, when I first saw this smoothie recipe, I was only drawn to it because of the cute play on the words in the title. “Tropikale”… brilliant. But then I started making this smoothie and liked it so much that I have made it again and again! Like with most smoothies, this smoothie is versatile and can be changed up with what you have on hand. Most times I use kale, but sometimes I use spinach. And while fresh fruit is great, some times I use a frozen tropical fruit blend to have a really thick and creamy smoothie that happens to be lactose free.
One Year Ago: Mini Heart Shaped Cranberry Hand Pies
Two Years Ago: Creamy Fruit Salad
Three Years Ago: Cooking Basics: Working with Dried Beans
Four Years Ago: Greek Seasoning
Five Years Ago: Crispy Fish Tacos
Six Years Ago: Savory Biscotti
- 1/3 - 1/2 cup unsweetened almond or soy milk
- 1/2 medium banana, sliced and frozen
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1 cup diced mango
- 2-3 teaspoons honey or agave nectar
- 1 cup heaping baby kale
- 1-2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional)
- 1-2 teaspoons flax seeds (optional)
- 3-4 ice cubes
- Combine all ingredients in a powerful blender or food processor. Blend on high for at least 3 minutes or until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed. Add additional milk or ice, if needed, to reach desired constancy. Serve immediately.
Note: 1 (10-ounce) bag frozen tropical mixed fruit can be substituted for the fresh fruit and frozen banana.
Adapted from Sally's Baking Addiction
If you like this Tropical Green Energy Smoothie, then you’ll love these other smoothie recipes:
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