Banana Almond Flax Smoothie

~Amanda~

Spring is finally here! Or at least it feels like it in Colorado (off and on), other parts of the country may not feel that way right now with all the crazy winter storms, but it’s definitely coming and when it’s here you’re going to be craving a delicious, refreshing and healthy smoothie! I absolutely looove smoothies but tend to not drink them often in the winter because they make me so cold. I am almost always cold in the winter – or chilled to the bone as I like to tell my husband while he sits next to me in his t-shirt and rolls his eyes. So when warmer weather hits I love to incorporate them into my breakfast rotation of chia seed pudding and avocado toast.

This Banana Almond Flax smoothie is one of my favorites because it’s so simple and I almost always have the ingredients in my house. To make them, start by placing some sliced bananas in the freezer the night before you plan on making your smoothie – if you forget this part, you can always use room temperature bananas and add some ice, but it’s definitely way better and smoother if you use frozen bananas. Next grab your favorite milk; I think almond or cashew milk works best in this recipe – I’ve been buying cashew milk more these days, but the almond will definitely complement the almond butter flavor best! Feel free to sub in a dairy milk too if that’s what you prefer. That’s what’s great about smoothies; it’s not a science and almost anything goes.

Almond butter is what gives this smoothie a good pop of flavor, creamy texture and it’s a good source of the healthy monounsaturated fats our bodies need. Use a natural almond butter with no added sugars or other ingredients. A little bit of honey gives the smoothie a hint of sweetness, you don’t need much, but it definitely makes it that much better. Cinnamon is so great for you and i love adding it in smoothies and baked goods; it’s high in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, protects heart health, fights infections and viruses and on and on. Plus I love the flavor combined with the almond. Last but not least is the ground flaxseed (this does not add any flavor, it is purely for the nutritional benefit). Place everything in a blender, blend it up and it’s ready for you to enjoy and the best way to start your day – Cheers!!