Coconut Mango Green Recovery Smoothie.

I’ve been drinking a lot  of smoothies lately.  They are so much easier on busy nights when I have board meetings, swim open house or doc appointments or for a quick lunch. This smoothie is one of my favorites.  I also love to make this after a run, like this morning, to help rebuild muscles and let my body recover after training.  I then eat my oatmeal a bit after – allowing my body’s efforts to tackle healing muscles versus digesting a big breakfast post run.

This smoothie is totally dairy free (as I’ve mentioned, I’ve been experimenting with my daughter’s diet removing dairy and gluten) and I’m amazed at how in 3 days the difference I’m seeing!  More on that later.  This also makes a great breakfast or snack.  Packed with protein!  Tastes incredibly tropical – which is a good thing any time of day.   My daughter loves smoothies for breakfast because she doesn’t have a big appetite first thing in the morning but knows she needs nutrient dense food to keep her mind and body going till lunch.  This is a great option, especially for those kids who shy away from veggies.  I promise – they will love this one!

Ingredients:

1 cup of coconut water
1 handful of baby spinach leaves
1 mango, pitted, skin removed and chopped
1 tablespoon of protein powder (I use hemp protein – vegan, dairy free but if you prefer, you can use your favorite protein powder)
1 kiwi, peeled
1/2 cup of frozen or fresh pineapple (you can use an apple or pear)
1 banana
Ice cubes (5-7)
Optional:  a small piece of peeled ginger

Directions:

Add the ingredients in the order I have listed.  The liquid on the bottom helps the blender to process the ingredients, I’ve found, much more efficiently. Process on the smoothie setting.  Pour into glasses and enjoy!

Today’s training run was a bit cold but less humid.  Getting used to being outside running hills again.

— Knead to Cook