Open Arms of Minnesota

Weekly Recipe #250: Spinach Smoothie

By Jacqui Van Grouw, Dietetic Intern [Minneapolis VA Healthcare System]

Photo credit: Robert Gourley/Flickr

Throughout college, I formed bad habits of skipping breakfast or just grabbing a sugary granola bar on my way out the door. I always found myself ravenous by lunchtime, which would often lead to making a less healthy meal choice such as fast food.

I knew I needed to change my ways so I set out to develop a smoothie that would be a quick, nutritious breakfast alternative – and, most importantly, delicious!

This nutrient-packed smoothie is perfect for breakfast on the go. This recipe has the protein equivalent of 2.5 eggs and is loaded with fiber to help keep you satisfied until lunchtime.

Spinach Smoothie

Makes one 16-oz. smoothie

Ingredients:

  • ½ avocado
  • ½ banana
  • ½ cup frozen mangos
  • 1 cup raw spinach (about 1 handful)
  • 1 cup milk (skim or 1%)
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla; fat free or 2%)

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in blender until smooth.
  2. Enjoy!

Tips:

  • Can use 1 whole avocado or banana instead of ½ of each.
  • Substitute any frozen fruit for mangos (note: if you substitute berries, smoothie will be brown in color but will still taste great!).
  • When buying Greek yogurt, make sure to read your labels! Choose brands with at least 12 grams of protein per serving.

Nutrition Information:

Per 16 oz. serving: 349 calories, 11 g total fat (2 g saturated fat), 6 mg cholesterol, 51 g carbohydrate, 9 g fiber, 18 g protein, 162 mg sodium.

More from Open Arms

HIV Day On The Hill Graphic

HIV Day On The Hill

Join Us For HIV Day On The Hill Join us for a day of advocacy on Tuesday, March 12, at 8 AM for HIV on the Hill! Collaborate with HIV advocates and LGBTQ leaders as we discuss legislative priorities such as expanding PrEP access

Read More »

Voyage Minnesota Features Leah Hebert Welles

Open Arms CEO Leah Hebert Welles Featured By VoyageMinnesota Open Arms of Minnesota CEO Leah Hebert Welles has been featured by VoyageMinnesota as part of its Daily Inspiration series.  VoyageMinnesota’s mission is to promote mom and pops, artists, creatives, makers and small businesses by

Read More »
End Of Year Giving Graphic

Your Gift Will Help Us Serve More Clients!

Together we can continue to meet the increased demand for medically tailored meals with your support! We hope you think of us as you consider your year-end giving. Your donation is a gift of care, compassion, and encouragement!