‘Av an avocado smoothie, will ya?

Gone are the days of fruit-filled, sugar-laden smoothies that are enjoyed as a treat… don’t worry, this pale green avocado smoothie recipe is still enjoyable and treat-like, but with a few more complex ingredients, it can also be enjoyed as a full, satiating meal. For busy folk, this a welcome discovery! It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

This avocado smoothie is simply delicious! It also ticks all the macronutrient boxes thanks to its balance of carbohydrate, protein and good fats. A good meal requires a balance of these food groups; carbohydrates provide fast energy, protein helps to maintain energy levels and build muscle, and fat is essential for producing and regulating our hormones and keeping us full.

Given the current food trends, kale and avocado blended into a beverage probably doesn’t confuse many people anymore and rightfully so. Thanks to its green hue, kale is a real superfood; it’s full of alkalising chlorophyll and is rich in Vitamin K which is needed in the body to regulate blood clotting. Absorption of Vitamin K relies on fat, so lucky for you, avocado in this smoothie blend saves the day! It also lends a delectable creaminess and is full of essential fatty acids that play an important structural role in the body and help to balance inflammation in the body.

Although it feels a bit funny, it’s really important that you chew your smoothie. Yes, chew. When food hits the tongue, chewing activates enzymes in your saliva that send a message to the stomach to let it know that food is on its way!  We’ve included some crunchy toppings to add to this smoothie recipe to ensure you consume your smoothie the right way. Enjoy!

Avocado smoothie

Ingredients

• ½ cup cashews
• ¼ cup avocado, mashed
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 handful kale or baby spinach
• Coconut fakes, for garnish
• Pomegranate seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a clean jar, soak the cashews in 1 cup of water for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
2. Drain the water, rinse the cashews and place in a blender or food processor. Add the almond milk and kale and blend until creamy.
3. Add the rest of the ingredients (aside from the coconut flakes and pomegranate and blend again until smooth and combined.
4. Pour into a glass and top with coconut flakes and pomegranate seeds. Yum!

With thanks to Kate, our recipe developer and student of nutrition, for breaking down the facts on this good-for-you smoothie.