Tropical Green Tea Smoothie

Can you think of a time when you really wanted to have something nourishing and energizing but you were just too busy to sit down and enjoy a "proper" meal?

This happens all too often to me.

In fact, a friend who I used to work with told me recently that she will always remember how my breakfast would sit around half eaten right in front of me on my desk...sometimes lasting all the way until lunch and/or when I decided it had probably been sitting out too long for it to be a good idea to eat.

I just have superhuman focus when I'm working, I guess.  (At least that's one positive way of looking at it.)

I've been trying to work with these tendencies by giving myself permission to let go of the proper lunch and instead go with quick and convenient eats like this kalamata hummus or this lentil green smoothie.

I always love adding matcha green tea powder into my midday smoothies...mostly because it just tastes so delicious but also because I do find it very energizing - and not in that jittery one-too-many-coffees kind of way.  (This type of calm energy is thought to be related to l-theanine, which I get into more here.)

With the weather being so warm, I have been in the mood for more tropical fruits in recent days.

Luckily, I had my trusty bag of frozen bananas, along with some frozen mango chunks I had been saving for something special.  (Obviously digging the mango lately.)

Seriously everyone: banana + mango + matcha.  Try it.

This has to be one of my favorite smoothie combinations (this is another favorite) that is also really healthy too!

This smoothie does so many things to promote quick and convenient energy.

Chia, hemp, and flax bump up the protein and fat content, while banana, mango, and dates provide quick energy in the form of carbohydrates.

I also tossed in some spinach, just for some added micronutrients.

And also included turmeric for a little extra boost of antioxidants.

(I was also kind of curious what the color would look like from combining turmeric and matcha - the result looks pretty yummy if you ask me!)

Serving notes:

Although I had this smoothie for lunch, it makes a great breakfast and/or a healthy snack too.  (The recipe is intended to serve one as a meal or two as a snack.)

The coconut flakes are optional - but recommended if you have them on hand.  If you prefer toasted coconut flakes, I have a feeling they would be delicious here.  And, as always, feel free to add your own toppings as desired - things like nuts, seeds, fruit, cacao nibs, granola, and cereal are all good options!

5 from 1 vote

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Tropical Green Tea Smoothie

Prep Time

5 mins

Total Time

5 mins

 

This tropical green smoothie is packed with nutrients that will energize and also includes matcha green tea powder to promote alert calmness.

Course: Beverages, Breakfast, Smoothie

Cuisine: gluten-free, grain-free, vegan

Servings: 1 -2

Author: Stephanie McKercher, RDN

Ingredients

• ½ cup packed baby spinach
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 large frozen banana about 1 cup
• 1 cup frozen mango chunks
• 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp vanilla
• 1 tbsp each ground flax chia seeds, hemp seeds
• 1.25 cups unsweetened milk of choice I used almond milk
• 1-2 dates optional
• Coconut flakes for topping optional, toast if desired

Instructions

1. Add spinach and water to blender and blend until spinach is pureed. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Add additional milk and/or ice if desired.
2. Transfer to glass and top with coconut flakes if desired

What are your favorite foods to eat when you want to feel energized?

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