Peanut Butter + Banana Smoothie

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SamsClubMag #CollectiveBias

I love smoothies.  They are such a simple, yet, healthy way to have breakfast each morning.  I stay busy and after preparing the kids’ breakfast and putting together their school lunches each morning, I have no time left to cook for myself.  With a smoothie I can toss a few items into my blender and have a delicious, filling drink.

My favorite smoothie is the peanut butter and banana smoothie.  Even my kids love it.  I rarely make a smoothie without tossing in some greens.  I even sneak spinach leaves into my son’s smoothie without him knowing.  He never notices, therefore never complains.  Score one for mom!

During the month of August the Healthy Living Made Simple magazine published by Sam’s Club featured coconut inspired recipes.  I love coconut.  Even if you do not love the flavor of coconut you can still cook/bake/mix with it and reap the health benefits without the full flavor of pure coconut.  Instead of using regular milk in my smoothies I always opt for almond milk or coconut milk.  Drinking a full smoothie in the morning on an empty stomach that is filled with milk, doesn’t sit well with me.  This makes coconut milk a perfect solution.

How to Make a Peanut Butter + Banana Smoothie

I pick up fresh produce at Sam’s Club for my smoothies.  Since we have a large family I like to buy in bulk.  When I get home I always separate the fresh fruit out and freeze it.  This makes preparing my smoothies for the day easier, plus the frozen fruit helps make the smoothie cold.  However, if your favorite fruit is not in season you can check the frozen isle of Sam’s Club.  They have an entire section of frozen fruit that is the perfect size for a smoothie.

Ingredients

• whole banana
• 2 tbs of peanut butter
• 2 tbs low fat yogurt
• 1 cup of coconut milk
• 4-5 spinach leaves
• 3 ice cubes

Directions

Making the smoothie is simple.  You just toss all your ingredients into your blender of choice and mix.  Tada!  I use a NutriBullet for my smoothies and can drink straight from the container that I mix it in.  This cuts down on the amount of dirty dishes in the morning.  I always add my peanut butter in the middle of the ingredients.  This helps prevent it from getting stuck to the side of the container and not mixing well.  This is just a personal preference of mine through trial and error.

I love reading the Healthy Living Made Simple magazine that Sam’s Club provides.  They are free and you can find them on the counter of your local Sam’s Club pharmacy.  There is an entire section written by doctors answering some common questions and lots of great tips.  I especially love the yoga section this month.  They even have a section for the health of your pets!

Sam’s Club is offering free health screenings on September 12th.  Find a Sam’s Club near you to receive your free health screening.

What is your favorite smoothie flavor?  How do you use coconut in your meal planning?  How does your membership with Sam’s Club help keep you healthy?