Green smoothie

Hey everyone! I'm still here don't worry. I haven't had much time to really plan any cool meals or desserts to share. Working weird hours makes me keep my cooking to a minimum that is really easy to put together and also is something I can use for my work lunches. Don't worry it has all been healthy meals with fruits, veggies, and protein! Just nothing "too" appealing to share. ;) On Monday I was able to FINALLY get to the gym. I didn't go for 3 days in a row. Let me just say that is the weirdest feeling ever when you can't make it to the gym. I didn't know how to feel. I'm glad I've been back at the gym 2 days in a row now and I feel MUCH better.  

Anyways back to Monday. I recently picked up a new protein powder by Rainbow Light called Protein Energizer. I loved the high amount of fiber and protein I get from this powder. It is low carb rice protein with no soy, dairy or sugar! It is sweetened with Stevia. It also has plant source digestion enzymes and spirulina. I also noticed it contains Guar Gum which is a natural thickener. I don't like watery smoothies. I think that is why I fell in love with this protein powder! I bought it in chocolate and vanilla. Chocolate is always my favorite and vanilla still has to grow on me. No matter how much frozen banana I would use it was just hard to stomach. Then my friend, who is actually my boyfriend's brother's wife gave me this awesome recommendation. Pineapple and coconut! So if you guessed it, on Monday after my workout I made a smoothie with my vanilla protein powder, pineapple and coconut. It was DELICIOUS!  

Green Pineapple-Coconut Smoothie  
Ingredients
4 oz milk (I used almond milk)
4 oz water
1 serving of protein powder
1/2 frozen banana
70g or 1/2 cup fresh pineapple (frozen would work too)
1 tbsp of shredded coconut (mine was sweetened but unsweetened be just as good)  
Optional:
1 tbsp PB2
Handful of spinach

I have a special process when it comes to making my smoothies. First I start with the liquid. Next I'll add the protein powder. Last I'll the PB2, spinach, fruit and shredded coconut. Give it a nice shake, and then blend for a minute or two. I like to make sure all my fruit has pureed, so I'll stop the blending to give it a small shake, and then blend again for a few more seconds. Now if I had a Vitamix I don't think I'd have to worry about this at all. ;)  
 
The sweet and tart of the pineapple definitely help mask the vanilla taste I was experimenting with. As for the coconut, it was a nice treat getting it up the straw, and it left a light taste to the smoothie! I forgot I have coconut milk in the pantry and this would make the smoothie even BETTER! As for the spinach, you can't even taste it, and you are getting an added boost of nutrition to any smoothie if you had some spinach! It definitely doesn't hurt to try. ;)

Until next time...
Fallon