Banana Almond Green Smoothie (sweet and slimming)

Looking for a ‘sweet fix’ that’ll still keep you slim and trim?

Try this Banana almond green smoothie and satisfy that sweet tooth!

BANANAS?

QUESTION: Aren’t bananas ‘fattening’ due to the high carbs?

ANSWER: A medium banana has the same amount of carbs (27 grams) as a medium pear or apple

QUESTION: Don’t bananas have a high glycemic (GI) index causing your blood sugar to rise and fall shortly after?

ANSWER: Bananas are actually low on the GI scale, having a glycemic index value of 51. (Foods with a low GI cause your blood sugar to rise gradually, not quickly, after eating them. GI values less than 55 are considered low.)

QUESTION: Can bananas have a place in a Ketogenic style or low carb diet?

ANSWER: Yes. Given that a medium banana is 22.8 grams of carbs, those that are minimally active are best to set their carbs to 20 grams/day. Active folks can bump it up to about 50 grams/day. So calculate accordingly.

This is according to Mark Sisson in his book, The Keto Reset Diet. I like his information and integrate some of his recommendations into the Nutritional plans I customize for my clients.

Surprising health benefits of bananas

This shocked me. 

Bananas are soothing to the digestive tract. Due to high pectin levels, bananas can help to normalize bowel function (The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods, by Dr Michael Murray). 

Bananas help to regulate heart function as well as fluid balance. Due to high potassium levels, bananas can help to normalize blood pressure levels (The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods, by Dr Michael Murray).

Bananas are an effective prebiotic. Prebiotic rich foods help to feed our healthy bacteria.  Increasing their numbers can help to improve our gastrointestinal tract, immunity, overall health and vitality.

So there you have it. If you’ve been craving bananas (like I have), now you know the real facts.

Best times to eat bananas? Try these 3 ideas

• 2-3 hours before bed. Always fasting (stop eating) for 2 hrs before bed. Over 20+ pounds? Best to stop eating 4 hrs before bed.
• 1 hr before your workout (pre workout shake). Always giving yourself enough time to digest and assimilate before asking your body to exercise 
• within 1 hr after your workout (post workout shake). This is ideal for those who have a next day heavy training session, as it quickly replenishes glycogen stores for faster recovery.

NOTE: Always remember to combine bananas with a high quality protein and fat source for best hormonal balance.

Your 4 Steps to Creating Healthy Meals for best hormone balance can be found here Get Slim, Strong, and Sexy for Summer

See below for my new recipe (just created).

Banana almond green smoothie.

I used it as my pre workout 9am shake. Loved it and just wanted to share it!

Not only did it taste incredibly delicious, I had sustained energy for 4 hours after.

Lined up perfectly for a good appetite for lunch with friends.

Print Recipe

Banana Almond Green Smoothie (sweet and slimming)

Try this Banana Almond Green Smoothie as your next pre or post workout shake. Easy to digest, blood pressure balancing, and high in B6 (support for your immune system, nerves, bones, and arteries).

Prep Time

5 minutes

Servings

person

Ingredients

• 1 medium banana peeled
• 2 heaping tbsp crunchy almond butter
• 1 cup coconut milk full fat
• 3 cups greens try kale leaves, spinach, beet tops (or combo)
• 1 good pinch Celtic or Himalayian salt
• 1 serving protein powder Whey, pea, or equivalent

Prep Time 5 minutes Servings person Ingredients 1 medium banana peeled 2 heaping tbsp crunchy almond butter 1 cup coconut milk full fat 3 cups greens try kale leaves, spinach, beet tops (or combo) 1 good pinch Celtic or Himalayian salt 1 serving protein powder Whey, pea, or equivalent

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients into a blender except for the protein powder.
2. Blend for 30 seconds.
3. Add protein powder and blend until smooth.
4. Add water if needed to achieve desired consistency.