JUNK FOOD SMOOTHIES - The Kitchy Kitchen

Junk Food Smoothies are my new favorite thing. I resent diets so much. I went on a juice cleanse once, for eight hours, and by the end of the day I was practically snarling and foaming at the mouth. Will power is not something I possess in the face of food. I can muster the strength to say, “No Claire, no chocolate today,” but by 9 pm, I’m dumping the contents of my purse on the floor and digging around for any sweet morsel I can find. It’s hard to see the line between “love of” and “obsession with” food sometimes, and when you constantly reward and punish yourself with it, or use your plate like an food powered mood ring, the line subsumes even more.

This is taking a darker turn than I expected for a smoothie post.

My point is that sometimes you shouldn’t have to choose between loving food and obsessing over it. I’ve recently gotten into “healthifying” some of my favorite dishes, but in a way I can get behind. So here are some bomb smoothies. I love the idea of taking those craveable flavors and packaging them in an easy, quick, and actually healthy snack. I included some suggestions for additions that will make them even healthier, if you’re into it.

SNICKERDOODLE SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS

For 2 12-ounce smoothies

2 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons flax meal

1/3 cup oats

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon chia seeds

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 frozen banana, peeled and chopped

1 1/2 cups vanilla almond milk

1 scoop hemp protein (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Pop the ingredients in a blender, and go from mix to liquify in steps. Let it blend on liquify (or the highest setting) for 30 seconds. The trick to this smoothie is REALLY blending it. Taste and add more almond milk if you like a thinner consistency.

PROTEIN PEANUT BUTTER CUP SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS

For 2 12-ounce smoothies

3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon agave nectar

2 tablespoons flax meal

1/3 cup peanut butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 frozen banana, peeled and chopped

1 1/2 cups vanilla almond milk

1 scoop protein powder (optional)

DIRECTIONS

PINA COLADA SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS

For 2 12-ounce smoothies

1 frozen banana, peeled and chopped

1 1/2 cup pineapple, chopped

1 cup almond coconut milk

DIRECTIONS

Pop everything in the blender, and puree thoroughly. This drink is best enjoyed immediately!

MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS

For 2 12-ounce smoothies

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

20 mint leaves

2 cups spinach, packed

1 frozen banana, peeled and chopped

1 1/2 cups vanilla almond milk

1/4 cup cacao nibs (or chocolate chips)

1 teaspoon spirulina (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Pop the ingredients in a blender, except for the cacao nibs, and go from mix to liquify in steps. Let it blend on liquify (or the highest setting) for 30 seconds. The trick to this smoothie is REALLY blending it. Add the cacao nibs and blend again, just to incorporate them. If you over-blend your smoothie will turn brown. Taste and add more almond milk if you like a thinner consistency.