Foodie Friday: Green Monster Protein Shake {No Protein Powder}

I haven’t been the only one around here recently that has been feeling the ramifications of our outings. A couple weeks ago, Nathan asked if I would make him a breakfast shake. Obviously I wanted to make sure it was something that would fill him up but since he’s not a protein powder fan, I wanted to make some adjustments to the typical recipes I find. I also wanted to sneak as many extra healthy ingredients in there as I could 😉

It just so happens, a few weeks ago my friends over at Kiss Me Organics asked if I wanted to review their Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder. One of my most favorite smoothies I’ve had was a matcha smoothie from a restaurant in Baltimore, so of course I jumped at the opportunity to make my own.

If you’re not familiar with matcha, you should know that it has some wonderful health benefits:

• Increased energy and focus
• Increased metabolism
• High in antioxidants
• Improved skin health

Nathan had no idea how healthy I was trying to make him! This smoothie is the perfect combination of healthy fats, carbs, and protein. And he liked it! 😉

Green Monster Protein Shake [No Protein Powder]

Serves 1

Ingredients
– Large handful of spinach
– 1/2 frozen banana
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt [I use 2% Fage]
– 3-5 medium strawberries
– 1/3 cup pineapple
– 1 tbsp hemp seed
– 1 tsp Kiss Me Organics matcha powder
– 1/4 medium avocado
– 1 cup almond milk [I use Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze]
– 3-5 ice cubes

Directions
Add all ingredients to your blender and whiz away!

Nutritional Information
Per smoothie

355 Calories  /  16g Fat  / 38g Carbs  /  10g Fiber  /  22g Sugar  /  20g Protein

I sometimes adjust the amount of fruit, specifically the pineapple and strawberries, depending on their sweetness. I’ve also used kale instead of spinach before, just a bit less since it can be bitter. It’s a great, refreshing way to start the day.

Food for Thought

Have you ever tried matcha powder before?
Are you a fan of protein powder in your shakes?

*This post is sponsored by Kiss Me Organics but, as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.