Power up your morning with this Acai Banana Kale Smoothie, packed with antioxidants.
This summer, the twins have been working out feverishly, which has had a trickle down effect on my husband and me. Funny how that works. Not only are they working out, but they’re also trying to put on some weight, so they’ve been eating a big breakfast each morning (read my recent Refried Bean Breakfast Bowl post) and drinking protein shakes after their workouts.
My husband and I, on the other hand, are trying to lose a few pounds and get into better shape. You might have seen the picture I posted of this Acai Banana Kale Smoothie on Instagram last week. I made this smoothie before my morning workout. I actually put a whole cup of kale into this smoothie, and was pleasantly surprised that I couldn’t taste any kale in this smoothie. The color of this smoothie isn’t the most appealing, but I can honestly say that it tastes really good. Next time, I might add some blueberries to bump up the visual appeal.
Have you ever tried acai? Acai is a berry that grows on acai palm trees in the rainforests of South America. Acai berries are supposed to be packed with antioxidants, similar to other dark berries like blueberries and blackberries, so it’s a great addition to smoothies. You can find packs of pureed acai in the freezer section at Whole Foods, or if you’re lucky enough to have a Brazilian market or deli nearby, you might be able to find it cheaper there.
Drinking this smoothie was like giving myself an infusion of nutrition quickly – it gave me a burst of energy before my workout.
For another recipe using acai, check out my Acai Breakfast Bowl recipe, inspired by a poster I saw at our local Brazilian deli.
Acai Banana Kale Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 pack frozen acai 100 grams, broken into chunks
- 1 cup kale leaves loosely packed
- 1 medium banana
- 1/2 cup organic low-fat vanilla yogurt
- 1/2 cup low-fat organic milk
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
WOW – what a nutrient punch this smoothie has – looks so creamy!
I love how healthy and delicious this sounds!
Talk about healthy! You’re making me feel bad for eating junk all day! 😉
I still haven’t tried Acai yet, but this looks delicious! I love your Refried Bean Brekafast Bowl too-my son is a huge fan of refried beans, so we’ll definitely have to make that one together!
I fell in love with acai when traveling in Brazil, and had an acai smoothie almost every day. Thanks for the reminder to do that more often at home.
Ha, my son is on a mission to workout as much as possible and gain muscle. He keeps asking me to create a nutrition and workout plan for him. I still remember how easy it use to be to get into shape and stay that way. Aging is no fun. I have to work so much harder. Thankfully, there are lots of great recipes for tasty treats. This smoothie sounds so delicious! I will be trying this!
My husband and I are in the same boat as you guys. . trying to lose a few pounds and get into better shape. I need to cut down on my morning coffee. . which I have but can’t give it up completely but I have been good about having fruit and yogurt (or yogurt and granola) or a smoothie for breakfast . . so, pinning this!!! Can’t wait to try this!
I haven’t tried acai in smoothies yet and it sounds really good! Love how much kale you packed into this too 🙂
I love putting acai in my smoothies and kale too!
This is a great idea Jeanette! I love adding more vegetables everywhere too. I’ll have to look for Acai the freezer since I can’t seem to find it anywhere. Looks great!
I haven’t tried acai in my smoothies yet. Good idea! I love getting new inspiration from healthy food experts like you! Thank you! Gotta find acai. 😀