Kick Start Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie

on September 23, 2010

Hello, hello! Howâ€™s your day going?

Mine is pretty great. :) Working on some freelance pieces and organizing my To Do list in general. October and November are going to be very fun months with lots of Operation Beautiful speaking engagements to girls AND guys in all age groups. Iâ€™m pretty pumped!

Took a break to run 2.25 miles (making up lost mileage from yesterday) and go to Power Mixed yoga. And now I am officially spent. 🙂

Pre-workout lunch #1:

Toast with PB and blueberries.

And post-workout, I enjoyed a really delicious and filling smoothie. Looks like sludge, tastes amazing. Trust me!

In the mix:

Kick Start Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie

1 cup vanilla almond breeze (unsweetened)
1 tablespoon Nesquik (Do it. Itâ€™s so much yummier than cocoa powder)
1 tablespoon Instant Coffee
1 banana
Two cups spinach
1 cup frozen strawberries

If youâ€™re not into coffee-flavors, Iâ€™d recommend skipping the instant coffee â€“ it would still be great without it.

A smoothie that contains two servings of fruit and a serving of vegetables, but still manages to tame my sweet tooth? Score.

Are you still enjoying smoothies or is smoothie season officially over for you now that weâ€™re into Fall? What smoothie combos have you been enjoying lately?

{ 96 comments }

Heather (Heather's Dish) September 23, 2010, 2:39 pm
i always love smoothies…it’s weird, i actually crave them more when it’s blowing snow outside. crazy, right?!

i love the addition of coffee in this one though…i bet it brings out the chocolate well with caffeine to boot!
Tina September 23, 2010, 2:40 pm
I love smoothies year round. They make for such easy snacks! And I’m all about easy.
Michele @ Healthy Cultivations September 23, 2010, 2:42 pm
I don’t think smoothie season ever officially ends. Even in winter, I’ll have one after going to the gym. Gotta drink my spinach.

In the blender recently: The Standard — banana, almond milk, and spinach

However, I foresee pumpkin over the weekend!!
Freya September 23, 2010, 2:42 pm
I had a massive smoothie yesterday 😀 (melon, banana, strawberries, blackberries, papaya) – smoothie season is NEVER over!
Kacy September 23, 2010, 2:43 pm
I enjoy green smoothies all through the year for my weekday breakfasts because nothing else makes me feel quite as energized. They do make me really cold in the winter though!!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape September 23, 2010, 2:44 pm
I went back to college without my blender. No smoothes for me 🙁
the veg meg September 23, 2010, 2:45 pm
it is DEFINITELY still smoothie time for me. twice a week i have an 830am math class and i make one and drink it on the way to class–i don’t know what i’d do for breakfast otherwise on those days! today mine had a nectarine in it, which was delicious!
Heather September 23, 2010, 2:45 pm
I have 7 litres of blackberries in my freezer, from our backyard…so I am smoothie-ing it up daily! Yum!
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday September 23, 2010, 2:46 pm
The hideous ones are usually the best!
Lisa September 23, 2010, 2:46 pm
I have smoothies year round…the fruit just changes with the season!
Amanda @ livehealthyish.com September 23, 2010, 2:46 pm
Fall can’t keep me away from smoothies! 🙂 I drink them in the car on the way to work with my heater on when it’s cold.
Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) September 23, 2010, 2:47 pm
MMM… delicious sludge!! 😉

Sometimes the ugliest foods or drinks are the most delicious!
Leanne @ Radiant, Balanced & Fit September 23, 2010, 2:47 pm
It’s still smoothie season.. you just need to be wearing a sweater or sip it while snuggling under a blanket! I don’t know if I can give up my green monsters…
AllieNic (Frisky Lemon) September 23, 2010, 2:50 pm
Half gallons of unsweetened Almond Breeze? I’m jealous! I can only find those little guys at my grocery store…I wish we had big ones like that!
Stacey (The Habit of Healthy) September 23, 2010, 2:51 pm
Your smoothie sounds delish. I love the look (and taste!) of smoothies but never have them because they don’t seem to keep me going for very long. They feel more like a drink to me than a meal or snack. 🙁
Trish September 23, 2010, 2:53 pm
Well I am in Florida – so it’s always time for a smoothie!

I actually only just started having them again a couple of weeks ago. I love chocolate almond milk, some water, lots of spinach, amazing grass chocolate powder, frozen mango, and cottage cheese. Love it!! So refreshing!
Kelly September 23, 2010, 2:53 pm
Year long smoothie season for me 🙂
My current favorite, is chocolate protien powder, pumkin, pb, milk, ice,cinnamon and nutmeg.
Lily @ Lily's Health Pad September 23, 2010, 2:53 pm
Smoothies are a year-round experience for me! I enjoy my smoothies even in the winter.
tina September 23, 2010, 2:54 pm
i’m tellin you- chia seed gel!!!

and i’ll be drinking them every morning even when its snowing!!!
Rachel September 23, 2010, 2:56 pm
I’m super into smoothies still! Then again, I live in Miami…I still can’t wait to try your instant coffee trick in my next smoothie!
Jenn @ LiveWellFitNow September 23, 2010, 2:57 pm
Smoothie season is year round over here!!! I’m currently drinking as we speak, a chocolate cherry bomb. Oh boy is it delish.

But my new love is 1/2 c pumpkin, chocolate protein powder or cocoa powder, 1 cup almond milk, spinach and ice. Sometimes I’ll throw in a bit of greek yogurt to thicken it up and get a bit more protein. Yum!!!
Jen September 23, 2010, 2:58 pm
Smoothie season is year round for me!!! I enjoyed a spinach, banana, peach, vanilla monster yesterday.

Jen
http://jenslosinit.blogspot.com/
Sana September 23, 2010, 2:59 pm
Which is better sweetened or unsweetened almond breeze (tastewise)?
- Caitlin September 23, 2010, 3:20 pm
  i like unsweet the best because when you mix it with other sweet ingredients, the sweet milk can be too much!
Kelly September 23, 2010, 3:00 pm
Maybe if it wasn’t still 90 degrees out I’d be over smoothies, haha. But it is!
Camille September 23, 2010, 3:01 pm
The smoothie sounds tasty!
I love smoothies but I find that liquid nourishment isn’t very satisfying for me 🙁
Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) September 23, 2010, 3:02 pm
I don’t do smoothies, but I bet pumpkin chai would be really good…now I am craving one!
Amber K September 23, 2010, 3:04 pm
Isn’t that really two servings of veggies? 1 cup raw, 1/2 cup cooked, right? Or is spinach and lettuces different. Darn it, I’m so curious now, just from one little sentence. lol

I LOVE smoothies. Year round. I actually had one this morning when I woke up two hours earlier than I need to. Very similar to the one you made, except I used water instead of milk, cocoa powder (yay clean antioxidants!), stevia, and no coffee.
- Caitlin September 23, 2010, 3:21 pm
  probably!! yay! two servings of veg!
  - Amber K September 23, 2010, 3:36 pm
    Way to get those fruit/veggie servings in! 🙂
Liz @ Blog is the New Black September 23, 2010, 3:05 pm
Still rockin’ the smoothies!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) September 23, 2010, 3:07 pm
Honestly, I haven’t had very many smoothie concoctions within the past couple of months, and now I’m craving them. I’m a little backwards when it comes to seasonal eats. 😉
amanda @ Hungry Vegan Traveler September 23, 2010, 3:11 pm
No pumpkin smoothies, Caitlin?
- Caitlin September 23, 2010, 3:21 pm
  oh you just wait!
yummiee cupcake September 23, 2010, 3:12 pm
hmm i dont think smoothie is ever over for me. perhaps we could try pumpkin smoothie!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine September 23, 2010, 3:13 pm
I haven’t had a smoothie since coming back to school, but the weather has nothing to do with it- I just don’t feel like cleaning the blender by hand!! I do love chocolate and spinach together though…the chocolate masks the “green” taste so well!
Holly @ couchpotatoathlete September 23, 2010, 3:14 pm
I will always love smoothies! My favorite is vanilla protein + banana + spinach + PB + chia seeds + blueberries + almond milk + ice.
Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks September 23, 2010, 3:16 pm
Smoothies are awesome, and living in California, I have ’em all year round.
hippierunner September 23, 2010, 3:17 pm
I am going to trust you that it tastes good with instant coffee. Sometimes in my house there is a monopoly with roomates over the coffee maker so maybe this will do the trick for me!
Catherine @ Life 2.0 September 23, 2010, 3:17 pm
I am still loving smoothies here in Dallas (I think it is near 90 here today)! Strawberry, pineapple, banana and spinach is my go-to smoothie.
Kimberly Lee September 23, 2010, 3:18 pm
Even though it is offically fall, the weather in South Georgia is hot, hot, and hotter. Therefore, I am still loving my smoothies for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack. My favorite smoothie is still a Chocolate Cherry Bomb.
Sarah September 23, 2010, 3:19 pm
You must be needing to eat constantly to keep up with all of the running and yoga!
- Caitlin September 23, 2010, 3:19 pm
  Girl, you know it!
lauren September 23, 2010, 3:22 pm
My standard smoothie: almond milk, chia seeds, scoop of oats, banana, cocoa powder, peanut butter!
Rachel September 23, 2010, 3:22 pm
Smoothies scare me. Just sayin’.
Victoria September 23, 2010, 3:23 pm
It’s fall but it’s still 90 degrees here, so smoothies are still fine with me!
Amisha September 23, 2010, 3:25 pm
Fresh PEACH + Milk + Vanilla yogurt + honey + cinnamon + ginger = one delicious smoothie!!
Erin September 23, 2010, 3:32 pm
I love smoothies all year long! I really need to invest in a blender so I can make my own. I’ve wanted to try your green monster for weeks!

http://www.bishella.blogspot.com
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman September 23, 2010, 3:33 pm
That does look pretty gross, but reading the ingredients it sounds good. According to my broken-down blender, smoothie season is over.
Wendy @ Seriously Sassy September 23, 2010, 3:35 pm
Oh my golly – blueberries on bread. Why do I never think of this simple but brilliant ideas?! You are so totally my hero!
Maura September 23, 2010, 3:46 pm
Smoothie season still YEAR ROUND. I live in New England but I can’t give up those GM’s! My go-to recipe right now is 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder, ground flax seed, 1c almond breeze, a whole lot of spinach & frozen strawberries. mhhhhmm so good.
Heather September 23, 2010, 3:53 pm
still smoothie season for me, as its still hot here!
Alayna @ Thyme Bombe September 23, 2010, 4:08 pm
Awesome trick: I used to do this with milk, but it works just as well with nut and seed milks. Heat the milk of your choice on the stove with a tea bag in it, not to boiling, just enough to steep the tea. Let it cool in the fridge and use it however, good for jazzing up a really bland-tasting cereal. I’m betting a chai and almond milk brew blended in with your usual smoothie mix would be awesome for transitioning into fall smoothies!
Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat September 23, 2010, 4:12 pm
I went on a smoothie kick in the middle of summer, so I actually haven’t had one in ages. You can be I’m craving one now though!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg September 23, 2010, 4:17 pm
I just made a pumpkin smoothie today that was the BOMB…I’ll definitely be making it again, even though the temps are dropping!
Jamie September 23, 2010, 4:18 pm
I think I’m done with smoothie season for now, but ya never know when the mood will strike.

Side note- thanks for the tip to use Windows live writer and Wordpress when starting a blog. Part of the reason I stopped blogging is because of the challenges I had on other site and the time it took to compose posts. These tips made a huge difference. I’m glad to be back as a member in the healthy living blog community!
Clare September 23, 2010, 4:19 pm
I haven’t been having too many smoothies lately since I eat most of my meals at work! However I get cravings for them randomly…lots of times after a sweaty workout, but even if it’s cold I’ll go put on a sweatshirt just to enjoy one! I especially love Green Monsters if I’m feeling blah, hungover, or sick at all…instant cure!
Theodora September 23, 2010, 4:43 pm
I never have smoothies for breakfast because drinking two things at once should only be done at a bar, and I need my caffeine! But putting the coffee IN the smoothie?? I’ll have to try that.
Karena September 23, 2010, 4:46 pm
I always drink my smoothies out of a Hoegaarden glass — love that!
Kelly H. (Running Phoodie) September 23, 2010, 5:06 pm
That smoothie combo sounds good! My newest fave is the Maple Pumpkin Pie Smoothie from RW- check out my blog for the low-down 😉
Lisa (bakebikeblog) September 23, 2010, 5:55 pm
oooh I am on a smoothie kick right now, and LOVE coffe flavours – so will have to give the instant coffee trick a try 🙂
maria @ Chasing the Now September 23, 2010, 5:57 pm
I’m definitely craving smoothies a lot less, but I don’t really cut them out entirely.
Melissa September 23, 2010, 6:50 pm
I am not a big smoothie drinker, but the season doesn’t matter to me either way living in southern Louisiana it doesn’t stay cold for very long. So if I’m in the mood, I’ll drink it.
Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary) September 23, 2010, 6:59 pm
It’s still warm here (supposed to be around 90 til mid-next week), so we’re still enjoying green monsters. Some of my favorites are:

http://whatscookinwithmary.blogspot.com/2010/05/tropical-green-monster.html

http://whatscookinwithmary.blogspot.com/2010/04/green-mocha.html

http://whatscookinwithmary.blogspot.com/2010/04/blueberry-vanilla-protein-shake.html

http://whatscookinwithmary.blogspot.com/2010/03/good-bye-acai-hello-chia-mango-vanilla.html

http://whatscookinwithmary.blogspot.com/2010/08/chocolate-almond-green-monster.html
Sara September 23, 2010, 7:02 pm
My sister recently hosted a fall-themed brunch and did pumpkin pie smoothies…I loved them so much I made my own, but I tweaked her recipe slightly to add vanilla. It is a delicious treat to get you in the fall spirit!

8oz can pumpkin puree
1 cup soy milk
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract (this is a good vanilla for foods that aren’t baked so you don’t get the alcohol after taste)
- Sara September 23, 2010, 7:04 pm
  Oh, and if you want it to be more of a “frozen” consistency, pop a few ice cubes in the blender before mixing.
sarah k. @ the pajama chef September 23, 2010, 7:11 pm
yum! that looks great. i love dq’s chocolate covered strawberry blizzard 🙂
- eatmovelove September 23, 2010, 7:18 pm
  I’m not a smoothie girl…but THAT’S my kind of “Smoothie” 🙂
  - sarah k. @ the pajama chef September 23, 2010, 7:47 pm
    haha i love smoothies but i also love blizzards. 🙂 i’m so excited about the mini size, i could never finish the small. 🙂
eatmovelove September 23, 2010, 7:16 pm
I’ve never been a Smoothie person…don’t shoot 😉

But Nesquik? Uh, yahhhh 🙂

Lovin’ the toast!

(oh and this is the pop-up link I get…http://www.oozm.com/ca/healthtips1/?uc=1_013be216-9b10-49c4-b423-757ed0c248d0)

maybe it is just this computer? I don’t know, probably because mine is ridiculously sensitive and overly “protective” 😉

I don’t recall if I got it on any other computer…
Lauren September 23, 2010, 7:22 pm
Smoothie season is year round for me! I’m just switching from summer style (fruit) to fall (pumpkin and squash puree). Pumpkin in a GM is absolutely wonderful 🙂
Jessica @ The Process of Healing September 23, 2010, 7:29 pm
I’m always into smoothies… especially ones that involve chocolate!
Laura (Starloz) September 23, 2010, 7:39 pm
i really need to pull out my juicer, i seriously think it’s juice time
Jessica@tastyandtrim September 23, 2010, 7:40 pm
The title of this post sucked me in! That smoothie sounds SO good. I think I would even whip one up in the cold winter months 🙂 I want to try and concoct a pumpkin smoothie for Fall!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin September 23, 2010, 7:42 pm
I haven’t been having as many smoothies lately now that it’s cold. I wonder if there would be a way to make a warm smoothie taste good? 😛
Rachael September 23, 2010, 7:52 pm
I love smoothies year round – fall is a perfect time to make them incorporate chai, apples, pumpkin and cinnamon-y flavors. My favorite is still a black sesame smoothie – seeds, coconut oil, almond butter and banana!
rebecca September 23, 2010, 8:04 pm
who are you rooting for tonight? the U or Pitt?!?!
- Caitlin September 23, 2010, 8:21 pm
  Miami 🙂
Jenna September 23, 2010, 8:35 pm
I hope you are coming to the Triangle on Operation Beautiful stuff! I’d love to have you sign my book. 🙂 And talk all kinds of health and food and fun things.
- Caitlin September 23, 2010, 8:42 pm
  what;s the triangle?!
  - Jenna September 23, 2010, 8:46 pm
    It’s Raleigh- Durham – Chapel Hill. I forgot you were from Florida! 🙂
  - Caitlin September 23, 2010, 8:51 pm
    I am going to ECU on November 3!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey September 23, 2010, 8:37 pm
I haven’t had a smoothie for some time now – I did a butternut squash smoothie lately that i REALLY want to try!!!
Charlie September 23, 2010, 8:38 pm
There is no smoothie season for me! I have them in winter if I want to!! 😉
I tried to add cocoa powder in a smoothie and didn’t like it but I’ll try nesquick to see… Maybe tomorrow morning! 🙂
Chelsea at Striking Balance September 23, 2010, 8:59 pm
I’m definitely still drinking smoothies! It is one of the quickest breakfasts/lunch/snack/whatever choices I have, and it’s always yummy 🙂
Krystina September 23, 2010, 9:16 pm
I love Hoegaarden.
Peggy September 24, 2010, 12:39 am
Green smoothies have been scaring me the whole time they’ve been around the blog world, but just last night I mentioned the concept to my boyfriend (who has a smoothie every morning) and he was like, “that sounds great! Let’s try it!” If he’s not afraid, I certainly can’t be. Bring them on!
maricel September 24, 2010, 2:45 am
Hmmm nice mix!
Kristy September 24, 2010, 9:03 am
Reason 1,356,845 that I adore you – Nesquik in your diet
Camels & Chocolate September 24, 2010, 9:59 am
I would NEVER think to put blueberries on peanut butter, and yet it looks delicious all the same. Also, I’ve started making the Green Monster per all your talk of it, and you’re right: so much better than it looks! Though sometimes I do find the taste a bit bland. Do you ever add anything more to give it a bit of a kick or added flavor?
- Caitlin September 24, 2010, 10:02 am
  do you use vanilla almond milk? that helps.
Camels & Chocolate September 24, 2010, 10:04 am
I think so, but I should double check. I’m probably using too much spinach, too…Maybe I’ll add some Nesquik to it and see how that turns out =)
Meaghan September 24, 2010, 10:43 am
I just found you last week – and I’m lovin’ every minute of it! You are making me want to be weekday vegetarian again – but I’m still trying to figure out how to get the Boy on board without making two seperate dinners every night. For now I’m transitioning to veggie breakfast and lunch. And upping the fish in our lives. Anyway, I have an AWESOME smoothie for you it is SO filling for breakfast – seriously full for a good 4 hours. Almond Butter, Almond Milk, 1 Banana, cinnimon, agave nector ice. I also throw in some ground flax. here’s a link to my post about it http://thetwentiesroar.wordpress.com/2010/05/13/another-merry-monkey-morning/ Enjoy!
Question – can you do your smoothies in just a regular blender or are you a Vitamix girl?
- Caitlin September 24, 2010, 2:22 pm
  My blender is more than 8 years old, I stole it from my ex boyfriend in our break up. Its just a $25 blender. It’s not perfect but it works.
  - Meaghan September 24, 2010, 2:29 pm
    PERFECT! I was wondering mainly because of the spinach – if you need some sort of super blender to make it into smoothie goodness.
    Knowing this – I will be spending my weekend planning out some smoothie breakfasts and veggie lunches!
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) September 24, 2010, 7:45 pm
I drink smoothies all year round, but more in the spring and summer. I definitely drink them on days I sleep in!

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