Strawberry Banana Spinach Smoothie Weight Loss Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a refreshing, nutritious powerhouse that feels indulgent yet keeps me energized all day. Plus, blending up these simple ingredients is the perfect way to enjoy a deliciously guilt-free treat that’s both Instagram-worthy and satisfying!

Beginning my day with a nutrient-rich Strawberry Banana Spinach Smoothie for weight loss is something I love. It’s not just a delightful medley of fresh strawberries, unripened bananas, and baby spinach.

But when you turn the blender on, and for a moment, all those ingredients inside become one. And as you pour the smoothie into a glass, it transforms right before your eyes.

It shifts from an inviting green to the now-familiar pale hue of all smoothies made with spinach.

Ingredients

Fresh Strawberries:
Abundant in antioxidants; sweet with low calories; an excellent source of vitamin C.

Ripe Banana:
Offers nature’s sweetness; a wonderful source of potassium and fiber.

Baby Spinach:
Full of iron and magnesium; contributes slight savor and nourishment.

Unsweetened Almond Milk:
Low calorie; supplies calcium and vitamin E.

Plain Greek Yogurt:
Contains a high amount of proteins; has a creamy texture; and is beneficial to gut health.

Chia Seeds:
High in omega-3s and fiber; encourages satiety and digestive health.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 ripe banana, sliced
• 1 cup fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• 1/2 cup ice cubes

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients: hull and halve the strawberries, slice the banana, and wash the baby spinach thoroughly.

2. A blender is the receptacle for the strawberries that have been cut in half.

3. Next, add the sliced banana to the blender.

4. Throw in the new baby spinach leaves, making sure it’s compacted down to fit if needed.

5. Add the almond milk (unsweetened) to the blender containing the fruit and spinach.

6. For creaminess and protein, add the plain Greek yogurt.

7. Introduce fiber and omega-3 fatty acids by sprinkling in the chia seeds.

8. Add the optional tablespoon of honey now if you would like a sweeter smoothie.

9. To make the smoothie thicker and cooler, blend the ice.

10. Mix at top speed until all the components are smoothly incorporated and the blend has reached a creamy state. Pour into a goblet and partake instantly for the supreme taste moment.

Equipment Needed

1. Knife
2. Cutting board
3. Colander or salad spinner
4. Blender
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Spoon or spatula (for adding ingredients and scraping down blender sides)
8. Glass or goblet for serving

FAQ

• What are the health benefits of this smoothie?Vitamins and minerals abound in this smoothie. Antioxidants are in copious supply, thanks to the strawberries and spinach. Potassium comes courtesy of the banana. Fiber and omega-3 fatty acids from chia seeds help with weight management.
• Can I replace almond milk with another milk?Certainly! You can utilize a milk or milk alternative of your choice, such as oat milk, cow’s milk, or coconut milk, to best align with your dietary preferences.
• Is it necessary to include the honey?Adding honey to the smoothie is optional. For those who want something not so sweet, or who are watching their sugar intake, leave it out entirely. The ingredients will still make a delicious drink.
• Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?It’s most delicious fresh, but it keeps well if you make it a few hours ahead: just store it in the fridge and drink it when you’re ready. Shake or blend before serving, as it will separate if made too far in advance.
• What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?You can use plain yogurt instead, or do without it if you prefer a version with no dairy. The texture may be a little different, but there’s no reason a person couldn’t make this a dairy-free, nearly-similar texture dish.
• How many calories are in this smoothie?The count of calories can vary according to the particular brands of components used, but it is, in essence, about 250 to 300 calories per serving.
• Can I add protein powder?Unquestionably, incorporating a scoop of protein powder can elevate the nutritional profile and render it an excellent post-workout selection.

Substitutions and Variations

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved – If using frozen strawberries, use 1 cup and do not thaw.
1 ripe banana, sliced – Replace with 1/2 cup mango chunks or 1/2 cup avocado for a creamy texture.
1 cup fresh baby spinach – Change to 1 cup kale leaves with the stem removed
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk – Replace with 1/2 cup coconut water or 1/2 cup oat milk
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt – You can substitute this with 1/4 cup coconut yogurt or 1/4 cup yogurt that is dairy-free.

Pro Tips

1. Freeze the banana slices and strawberries ahead of time. This not only makes the smoothie extra cold and refreshing but also gives it a thicker, creamier texture without needing too much ice, which can water down the flavor.

2. Layer the ingredients strategically in the blender: start with the almond milk at the bottom, followed by spinach, yogurt, fruits, chia seeds, and ice cubes. This helps with easier blending and prevents spinach leaves from getting caught in the blades.

3. To maximize the nutritional benefits of chia seeds, you can soak them in almond milk for about 10 minutes before adding them to the blender. This helps them expand, making them easier to blend and digest.

4. If you want a bit more flavor complexity, consider adding a small pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of vanilla extract. These little additions can enhance the overall taste profile of the smoothie.

5. If the smoothie ends up too thick for your preference, blend in a little extra almond milk until the desired consistency is reached. Conversely, if you like it thicker, use less almond milk or add more frozen banana.