Healthy Banana and Peanut Butter Smoothie

My Healthy Banana and Peanut Butter Smoothie is loaded with simple, good ingredients and will keep you feeling satisfied all day long.

After many weeks of Holiday over-eating indulgences, I always look forward to January 2nd. Why the 2nd? Well because I’m still over-indulging on New Year’s Day! Anyways, I am always in the mood to strip my body of its dependence on all things sugary and chocolatey (at least until Valentine’s Day) and this organic smoothie is the perfect start to my mornings. We always have an abundance of bananas in our home and I am always looking for new ways to use them up.

I love Bananas for many reasons, but most importantly, they’re great for keeping headaches at bay (and I tend to get a lot of headaches). But the health benefits of bananas don’t stop there. These super-fruits can help overcome depression; they protect against muscle cramps during workouts; they improve your mood and reduce PMS symptoms; and they are officially recognized by the FDA as being able to lower blood pressure, and protect against heart attack and stroke.

Cinnamon is also on my “must-have” list of healthy things to incorporate into my meals as often as possible. Studies have shown that just smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory, and cinnamon has been found to be an effective natural remedy for eliminating headaches and migraine relief. (I know, we’re back to headaches again!) As if that wasn’t enough, cinnamon can also help stabilize blood sugar (which is great for weight loss), and just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower your bad cholesterol (or LDL).

And what about Peanut Butter? Well peanut butter always gets a bad rap, but it really shouldn’t. When you eat the right peanut butter, it is offers a nutrient-rich addition to your diet. Peanut butter also packs 7 grams of protein per each 2-tablespoon serving, and your body uses the amino acids found in protein to build and repair muscle tissue. Harvard Medical School also says that peanut butter contains the same ratio of saturated to unsaturated fats as olive oil, and the poly- and monounsaturated fats in peanut butter lower your risk of developing heart disease by reducing the amount of harmful cholesterol in your bloodstream.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your blender and DRINK UP!

HEALTHY BANANA AND PEANUT BUTTER SMOOTHIE

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons organic peanut butter (I’ve been using Full Circle creamy peanut butter)
• 1 overripe organic banana (Whole Foods has the BEST bananas – hands-down!)
• ½ cup Stonyfield Organic Vanilla Low-Fat yogurt
• ½ cup Stonyfield Organic whole milk
• 2 tablespoons wheat germ
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (to taste)
• A good ‘ole squirt of honey
• Ice cubes

Directions:

Step 1: Toss all ingredients into the blender and pulse until smooth. Grab a fun glass and enjoy!

Happy New Year,

Denine

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Need more reasons to love bananas? Then head on over to Food Matters and read 25 Powerful Reasons To Eat Bananas.

Need more reasons to add cinnamon to your morning tea or cereal? Then head on over to Organic Authority and read 11 Health Benefits of Cinnamon That You Need To Know.

Need more reasons to like peanut butter? Then head on over to Livestrong.com and read Health Benefits of Peanut Butter.

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