Mint Chip Smoothie Bowl

Fresh mint is a beautiful thing. Not only does it taste amazing and incredibly refreshing, but it provides a full host of health benefits, including aiding digestion, relieving nausea and headaches and reducing pain. I'm always drawn to the fresh mint at the farmer's market and would frequently bring it home with high hopes of adding it to my water and smoothies, only to have it go bad shortly into the week. The other day, I had an idea to preserve the mint and keep it accessible by chopping it up and freezing it in a ice cube tray with almond milk. I ended up with a full tray of mint almond milk ice cubes fully ready for easy smoothie blending. GAME CHANGER. All you have to do is wash and chop the mint, divide the chopped leaves among the molds of an ice cube tray and top with almond milk. You could also use water, coconut milk or any other nut milk here. Stick the tray in the freezer for a few hours and then pop the molds out and store in a freezer bag for easy use! I've been enjoying fresh mint smoothies like this mint chip smoothie all week long and I don't plan on stopping any time soon! 

This smoothie isn't your normal mint chip smoothie. It's entirely vegetable and healthy fat-based using frozen zucchini (you can't taste it - I promise!), spinach, almond butter, raw unsweetened cacao nibs and unsweetened almond milk. For the protein, I used the new Vanilla Collagen Fuel from Primal Kitchen, which is a product I discovered at Expo West and have been all about recently. The ingredients are very clean and they use monk fruit as a sweetener, which I have found to be much easier on the stomach than stevia or other sweeteners. Because I don't like too much added sweetener in my smoothies, I did 1 scoop of the Collagen Fuel and 1 scoop of my classic favorite, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, since the Vital Proteins is completely unflavored. Both of these proteins are an easy way to get the health benefits of collagen, which is one supplement I really would recommend to everyone. The amino acids in collagen protein are extremely supportive for the gut lining, as well as for the hair, skin, nails, bones, cartilage and connective tissue. I have also just found collagen protein to be FAR easier on the stomach than other protein powders, so that is always a win in my book. 

Overall, the blend of protein, healthy fats, nutrients and fiber in this smoothie will keep you full and energized through the morning. Plus, it tastes like a cool and refreshing treat. Give it a try!

PALEO / GLUTEN FREE

SERVES: 1

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk 
• 1 scoop Vanilla Collagen Fuel (or your favorite vanilla protein) 
• 1 scoop Collagen Peptides (or another scoop of Vanilla Collagen Fuel) 
• 1 cup zucchini (chopped and frozen) 
• 1 big handful spinach 
• 1 Tbs almond butter
• 1 Tbs raw unsweetened cacao nibs
• 1 mint ice cube 
• Unsweetened shredded coconut for topping 

INSTRUCTIONS: 

1. Add all ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until smooth. 
2. Pour into a bowl and top with unsweetened shredded coconut. 
3. Enjoy!