Since Ryan and I will be out of town all weekend, I figured I should use the big bag of spinach we have in our fridge since it would likely go bad while we’re away. Making a big green monster smoothie seemed like the perfect way to use several handfuls of the green stuff.
Into the blender went:
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 large scoop of chocolate protein powder
- Almond milk
- Several handfuls of fresh spinach
- 1/2 tbsp. cocoa powder
- Spoonful of peanut butter
This unappetizing creation was the result:
Green Monster
Green Goodness
What intrigued me most about the smoothie was how thick it was.
I definitely prefer to eat my calories rather than drink them, but a thick smoothie seems a lot more substantial and I can get on board with that!
Me & My First Green Monster
Chug, Chug
So, how was it???
Surprisingly delicious!
I put several large handfuls of spinach in the smoothie, but couldn’t taste it at all (thank goodness). Aside from the putrid green color, I honestly would never know spinach was in this chocolatey delight.
When Ryan came into the kitchen I immediately got a “What in the world did you make for breakfast” reaction. Apparently a blender full of thick, green goop doesn’t look so good???
Workout
I slept horribly last night.
As Ryan and I were going to bed, we started talking about my “escape plan” should an intruder ever break into our apartment.
I always have a plan in my head to get out of our apartment quickly should a “bad guy” ever break in. Since we’re in a new pad, I had to rethink my former escape route.
I think all the talk about bad people made me a little uneasy as I went to bed and I kept waking up and had trouble falling back asleep multiple times.
I figured this would make me tired and translate into a not-so-hot workout.
WRONG!
I was shocked how strong I felt in BodyPump today. It was so unexpected since I assumed I’d feel exhausted, but I think my workout really helped re-energize me. Thank goodness!
After BodyPump, I finished my workout with 25 minutes of light cardio on the elliptical.
Today’s Plans
Since Ryan has the day off, I have a hot lunch date planned with him this afternoon. Three guesses where we’ll be going… 
Immediately after work we’re heading to my parents’ house in St. Pete. There are talks of a bon-fire tonight… S’mores, here I come!
Have you ever tried Jimmy John’s? If you need a good place for lunch, you should go there
coffeeismycarrot
haha! i think you’re on to me…
peanutbutterfingers
Jimmy John’s?!
Congrats on your first green smoothie! They fill me up a lot better than I’d expect as well.
You always look so cute in your dresses. I need to shell out some money for some more cute summer dresses!
lisaou11
I have a green monster every day! I’m glad you’ve joined the club
Sophie @ yumventures
Hey Julie:
You have probably answered this before, but I was just wondering, what type of protein powder do you use? I have been looking for a good one for women, b/c I know a lot of them have a TON of calories & are typically for guys..and the few “made for women” ones that I have seen are really not that great, & loaded w/ calories. Thanks so much
Have a great weekend!
Holly
i totally agree about the “women” protein powders. i stick with all the whey protein powder. it’s really delicious (fav flavors are chocolate peanut butter cup & cup cake batter) and has a great amt. of protein w/o a psycho amt. of calories. delish! i usually buy mine from nutraplanet.com. hope this helps!
peanutbutterfingers
Thank you
It definitely does!!
Holly
I still haven’t tried a green monster. I’m not a smoothie type of gal.
Your hair looks great today! Enjoy your lunch date.
MelissaNibbles
Mmmmm I love green monsters but I’m with you on the whole rather eat your calories thing!!!
Megan (from Happily Healthy)
Hahaha I love Sadie in the background of the picture where you’re drinking your smoothie. I think she’s as skeptical of the green goo as Ryan was!
Paige
I love green monsters– especially in the spring and summer!
V. cute dress!!
Anna
I haven’t tried a green monster yet. But I do have some spinach in my fridge so I will give it a try.
Have a great Easter break!
Vee
hmm Jimmy John’s sub day for you!
I prefer to eat my calories too.
Super cute dress
)
Molly
Now where is that dress from?! Seriously I need to invest in more sundresses. And also grow my hair out. Glad your first green monster experience went well.
Kelly
I haven’t ever tried the green monster either…so you definitely weren’t the last one. Now I guess I hold that title alone!
Kelly
Great! You are going to love adding spinach to your smoothies. I even add kale sometimes. The texture doesn’t blend as well though. Plus, just drinking that crazy, thick, green mess just has to make you feel good right. I have been to a few body pump classes and loved it!
plamarie
I haven’t tried one either yet. I assume it’s pretty much just like making a smoothie and adding some spinach to it at the last minute. Since mostly everyone says that you can’t taste the spinach, I bet it’s still really good but just every more healthy!
You look sooo cute in your pics!
jqlee
Your dress is so cute! I love green smoothies because I hate veggies – this way I get them in!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
That dress is cute. And this may sound inappropriate but your boobs look so perky in it! LOL Sorry, I just notice random things.
I had no clue you hadn’t tried green monsters yet! They are good, huh? And I love how much thicker they are. Because I’m like you and I need something to fill me up.
And I do the SAME thing!!! I have this elaborate escape plan too, and I HAD to update it when M was born. Peter thinks I’m crazy. Probably doesn’t help that I love reading suspense novels.
Tina
hahaha thanks! when you have teenie boobies like me, compliments like that make you smile.
peanutbutterfingers
I can’t believe you just tried a green monster…that was actually my insiration to start my blog! So funny. I don’t make them that often, but man when I do…YUMMM!!!! THey are delish! ANd the color is growing on me. lol
HEather @ http://www.forthehealthofit01.wordpress.com
Heather @ For The Health Of It!
You’re dress is too cute, I love it! Have a great weekend at home with your family!
kaitm