Greek Yogurt Green Smoothies

Happy Monday, my friends. How was the weekend?

I had one of those where I think I ate everything in site (whoops), but hey… Everything in moderation — including moderation!

… Today’s post is quite fitting, as a result.

By request, I’m going to start sharing more about my wellness, diet and weight loss strategies with you guys. Today it’s all about my favorite healthy, low-calorie and easy-to-make meal for before or in-between SoulCycle classes: The Green Smoothie.

Admittedly, I’ve been on a bit of a Greek yogurt bender over the last few months — and in smoothies, I use it consistently to achieve that thick, creamy consistency. (The one that’s seemingly impossible to create at home!)

Base-wise, I’ve been going with Chobani Simply 100’s flavors — and for a few reasons: They’re fat-free, flavorful and individually packaged (thus, no measuring is required — ideal for the girl who snoozes too long each AM). Plus, as mentioned in a post last week, it’s the only all-natural Greek yogurt on the market without any artificial sweeteners or add-ins.

Greek yogurt smoothies are delicious, nutritious and chock-full of protein. They’re great for weight loss and overall digestion — and they’re easy to make, too!

Here’s two of my current favorites, inspired by Chobani Simply 100’s Greek yogurt line:

Berry Banana Smoothie

• Handful of kale or spinach
• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 Chobani Simply 100 Strawberry Banana (around 5 ounces)
• Optional: Almond butter or a low-fat peanut butter powder (such as PB2)

Start by blending the kale and almond milk together. Once the consistency is liquid (i.e. no leafy green chunks), add the rest of the ingredients and mix together on high. It shouldn’t take longer than 30 seconds depending on your blender — I use the Nutribullet, available at Macy’s. (The premium version is great, too — and on sale at Bloomingdale’s.)

The combo of the frozen banana coupled with the Greek yogurt’s berry-tasting, creamy texture is key to making a smoothie with thicker consistency. Oh, and make sure you peel the banana before you stick it in the freezer!

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Here’s another favorite: This refreshing mix of coconut water, acai and mixed berry yogurt is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

Acai Berry Smoothie

• Handful of kale or spinach
• 1 frozen acai packet
• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup coconut water (or almond milk)
• 1 Chobani Simply 100 Very Berry (around 5 ounces)

The yogurt’s flavors (a mildly tart-tasting mix of strawberry, dragonfruit and raspberry puree) blend well with the coconut water and frozen acai. Don’t forget to blend the greens first-and-foremost!

What are some of your favorite smoothie recipes?

Pin this now (below), make it later — and let me know what you think! If you don’t have a blender/something to make smoothies at home, I’d highly recommend starting with the Nutribullet.

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Thanks to Chobani for partnering on this post.
All opinions are, of course, my own.