A healthy green smoothie is one of the BEST ways to break your intermittent fast each day. This recipe is not only delicious, but it also packs a ton of nutrition so that you maximize all the benefits of fasting!
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How to Break Your Intermittent Fast – Delicious Plant-Based Smoothie Recipe
I have been intermittent fasting as a vegan for a few years now and a healthy green smoothie is my favorite way to break my fast each day. It is delicious and packs a ton of nutrition – so that you get all the benefits of your fasts!!
Smoothies are an easy and delicious way for people who don’t love fruits and vegetables, to get their daily recommended minimum in. And blending fruit and vegetables help break fruits and vegetables down better than chewing – which increases absorption of their potent nutrients….so even those who love eating (as in chewing!) their fruits and vegetables will still benefit from a daily smoothie!
Making your smoothies at home is the way to go…..store-bought smoothies are usually packed with added sugar and this can spike your blood sugar (which isn’t what you want to do – especially after a fast!).
Note: This recipe works best in a high-powered blender such as a Vita-mix or Blend-Tec (but I’ve also used a standard blender as well, and just needed to blend a little bit longer and with a little more liquid).
Chocolate Peanut Butter “Green” Smoothie
Note: Each of these ingredients serves a purpose, be sure to read the Ingredient Notes/Comments below for more information on each one!
Ingredients (this is the order I put them in the blender too!):
- 1 cup plant milk (whichever kind you have on hand – I prefer unsweetened Vanilla organic soy milk)
- 1 scoop (or serving) vanilla OR chocolate plant-based vegan protein powder
- 1 tablespoon raw cacao OR cocoa powder (YOU ONLY NEED THIS IF YOU ARE USING VANILLA PROTEIN POWDER)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (you shouldn’t taste this at all)
- Pinch of black pepper (this is needed to activate the turmeric – you won’t taste this either!)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 banana, frozen is best
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries (any kind)*
- 1/2 cup carrots OR cauliflower (optional for newbie smoothie drinkers! – but SO healthy and you won’t taste!)
- 2 cups packed of fresh spinach (this is the “green” part of the smoothie!)
Blend blend blend until smooth and enjoy!!
Ingredient Notes/Comments
Plant milk – should be unsweetened. I prefer soy milk because it’s a good source of plant protein AND it has a healthy effect on women’s hormones. Learn more here. Oh….and no, men will NOT get “man boobs” from soy either – another myth. Learn more why here. 🙂
Peanut butter – adding a healthy fat like nut butter not only helps with nutrient absorption but also helps slow digestion (to keep you full longer) and helps prevent blood sugar spikes. But always read the label before you buy any peanut butter. The majority of peanut butter you will find at the grocery store have sugar and/or palm oil added – these are SO unnecessary and unhealthy! The only ingredients in peanut butter should be peanuts (and a little salt is ok too)….that’s it!
Turmeric is a super healthy spice that gives a bright yellow color to Indian food. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and many scientifically proven health benefits. Adding a little to your smoothie is a super-easy way to add to your diet on a daily basis.
Black pepper – this works WITH the turmeric – helping your body to better absorb it.
Bananas – I buy a bunch, peel them, and freeze them whole in a giant reusable freezer bag – they are always ready to get tossed into my smoothie!
Berries are an important addition to your smoothie, because of the effect they have on blood sugar. Drinking blended berries actually improves blood sugar and may even improve whole-insulin sensitivity. Read more here.
Carrots &/or Cauliflower will boost the antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber in your smoothie – and you will not notice this (carrots will add a little more natural sweetness, while cauliflower tends to make the smoothie creamier!)
Spinach – I will buy a package of pre-washed organic spinach from the produce section (NOT frozen spinach) and throw it in my freezer. It does not get soggy, but rather stays fresh in the freezer and ready for your smoothie!
Note: This recipe works best in a high-powered blender such as a Vita-mix or Blend-Tec (but I’ve also used a standard blender as well, and just needed to blend a little bit longer and with a little more liquid).
