Gluten Free Green Berry Smoothie Recipe

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I originally found out that I should be on a gluten-free diet through a friend. Imagine my shock when I discovered that, given when I got my diagnosis, I should have eaten gluten-free for the last 2 years. Why didn’t my doctor tell me? Why did I feel like everyone else with Hashimoto’s was privy to this bit of information that took me 2 years to find out? I was incredibly frustrated with my doctor, and even more so I was in shock and disbelief that a gluten-free life was my new reality.

I really struggled figuring out how to revamp my idea of how to eat. I grew up with pretty much every meal containing a meat, veggie, fruit, and carb/grain. And, being honest, breakfasts were pretty much always a carb fest as a kid. Pop Tarts, Lucky Charms, toast, pancakes, the typical S-A-D (standard American diet). Being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease was exactly the kick in the pants that I needed to give my eating habits a gigantic overhaul (once I learned that going gluten-free helped manage almost every autoimmune disease). Given that I was already good about exercising (I’m what you might refer to as a “runner”), and that alone wasn’t working anymore, I figured it was worth a shot to give the gluten-free lifestyle a try.

One of my current favorite go-to gluten-free meal options is my own perfected recipe for a berrylicious green protein smoothie. Some days it’s my breakfast, most days it’s my lunch. I usually work out in the early afternoon hours, so a protein rich smoothie is the perfect post-workout meal. It took a lot of trial and error, but I finally arrived at this delicious recipe. It’s quick and easy, nutrient rich, and keeps me full.

Gluten Free Green and Berry Smoothie Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• Aloha vanilla flavored plant-based superfood protein powder
• 1 c fresh or frozen berry mix (preferably with blackberries, they really help the coloring of the smoothie)
• 1/4 c low-fat vanilla greek yogurt
• 1 c tightly packed fresh baby spinach
• 1 T black chia seeds
• a splash of skim milk
• about 1/4 c crushed ice (depending on how thick you want to make your smoothie)

STEP ONE

If using frozen berries, microwave for about 30 seconds to soften them up. I have found that trying to blend them when totally frozen is unnecessarily difficult. Obviously, if you’re using fresh berries you can skip this step.
 

STEP TWO

Fill your container with the rest of the ingredients (minus the crushed ice). For ease of blending I usually dump in the protein powder, then chia seeds, then greek yogurt, then milk, and then finish it off with the spinach. I use an immersion blender and I feel like this is the best way to not end up with a kitchen splashed with the makings of a protein smoothie all over the walls.
 

STEP THREE

STEP FOUR

Sip and enjoy your delicious, nutritious green berry smoothie!
 

I’ve tried other plant-based protein powders that left a chalky, gritty taste in my mouth. Aloha is hands down the most delicious protein powder I’ve ever used in my smoothies. Not to mention, Aloha has a million other features and benefits:

• Made with whole foods naturally rich in nutrients
• 18 grams of plant-based protein
• Made with superfood ingredients
• Complete amino acid profile
• Patented infrared drying process
• No added chemical amino acids, vitamins, or minerals
• No “natural” or artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, or fillers. Ever

Make sure you visit Aloha to claim your free trial (while supplies last)! I received 4 packets of their premium protein powder to sample through their free trial, I can’t wait to try the chocolate.