Killer Kale Smoothie
Killer Kale Smoothie
So being The Holy Kale and all, I realized that I have been quite selfish for not sharing with you all my favorite, and most dear, kale recipes. So to make it up to you, I will do my very best to start posting them as frequently as I can measure them out (I am terrible at cooking with measurements, I am more of a “make it up along the way” kinda girl). Therefore, I am beginning with my new current obsession… The Killer Kale Smoothie!
I tend to always get into some type of food rut, where I am obsessed with a few things and stick to them until I am absolutely, positively over them and I fear this might not be any different than the rest. Although I might say this is a good sign, because I tend to only obsess over things that taste amazing but also give you that long-lasting energy we all so desperately need.
As cheesy as it might be, this drink has been my saving grace during this outrageously crazy time in my life. When you have moved across the country, with all your favorite things in boxes and bags, you realize how important it is to have good food, especially food that does not make you tired and sleepy. Therefore, this smoothie has been at the base of my “getting though the day” survival pack, allowing me to make a big batch in the morning and savoring it throughout the day.
Banana Tree by nehbol_alcantara
THK Killer Kale Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 1/2 c Almond Milk (unsweetened)
1 1/2 heaping tbs. Almond Butter, raw
1 Banana, frozen (frozen is key)
1 bunch Kale (about 2 cups)
Extra Goodness: although not required, so much tastier and healthier with!
1 tbs Hemp Seeds
1 tbs Rice Bran
Instructions:
Blend up in a high speed blender until completely smooth (no chunks or bumps). My VitaMix does the best job!
Sprinkle with Bee Pollen and Hemp Seeds
A little note about Rice Bran. This is not a very common superfood, but has quickly become one of my most favorites. I seriously cannot live without it for a number of reasons. First off it tastes amazing! It has a creamy, vanilla flavor that is perfect for smoothies, desserts and to even eat plain (I have been known to have my head stuck in a jar many late nights). Secondly, Rice Bran is a fabulous superfood because it is a natural source of 100 vital nutrients that we don’t typically get enough of from our diets and can even act as a multi-vitamin.
Rice Stalk by IRRI Images
Here are the Nutrient Highlights:
- Vitamin E (all 7 components)
- B Complex
- Antioxidants: Alpha Lipoic Acid, CoQ 10, Glutathione
- Carotenoids: Lycopene (prostate support), Lutein, Zeaxanthine (eye support)
- Essential Amino Acids
- Essential Fatty Acids
- Phospholipids – needed for cellular membrane production, essential for the brain, nerve and heart
- Polysaccharides
- And More…
Immunologic Rice Bran
Fabulous Health Implications:
- Supports normal glucose levels by balancing blood sugar
- Supplies fuel for the cell, therefore increasing energy and metabolism
- Supports immune, brain, heart and nerve health
- Easily absorbed, so perfect for those with digestive issues
- Can be used to make the perfect baby food but can also aid in athletic performance
- Ideal support for joint, circulation, and cholesterol
- Contains healthy fiber making it a good weight management food
- Vegan!
If you would like to try some for your smoothies, go ahead and click this link! You will not be disappointed!
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To the healthiest, tastiest food we can create!
L
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Hi Kale Enthusiasts! My name is Lauren and I am a certified nutritionist but more importantly a nutrition nerd. My favorite things are farmer's markets, the ocean, my vitamix, stopping to smell the roses and most anything that comes straight from the ground. Welcome to my quest! 
Join me in my quest to find "The Holy Kale" of the health and wellness world. On this journey I will share with you the best way to feed your mind, body and soul so that you can be inspired to express your ultimate health! 
Frozen bananas have changed my life. Maybe that’s an exaggeration, but I’m obsessed with smoothies and they make everything taste good! I love any combo of greens, bananas and nut butter, but I’ll have to try adding hemp seeds and rice brans (2 ingredients I’ve never had). Thanks for the idea!
Absolutely! The frozen banana really makes it creamier almost. And yes, I LOVE rice bran. It is really the best thing ever because it has a creamy vanilla-like taste which is perfect for smoothies and dessert recipes, and its super rich in Vitamin E and it helps balance blood sugar as well. Definitely try it. This is where I get mine (sometimes it is hard to find): Rice Bran Superfood
I am definitely going to try this recipe! I’ve had rice bran pasta, but never rice bran in smoothies…very curious now
Looks delicious and healthy as can be
Ya, it’s not very common, but it really has been one of my all time favorite superfoods. Sometimes I just eat it plain!
Sharing this on my facebook page!
Emily Lynne / The Best of this Life recently posted..Nutty Sorbet with Mango and Flax Seeds
I’ve never used rice bran. Now I’m on the look out for it in my store!
Trish recently posted..Things I’m loving now: Pita Chips
I just recently purchased a vitamix and have been smoothie crazy lately. I love having at least one green smoothie a day. I can’t wait to try out this kale smoothie! I’ve been using dino kale and I wonder if the curly kale is better for smoothies since I’ve read it has a mild flavor. The dino kale is just SO green (which I love!) Do you make your own nut butter?
Well I typically love the Dino Kale for making salads, I will massage with lemon juice and olive oil and then top with seeds, dried fruit etc. and then use the curly kale for the smoothies. Like you said it does have a milder taste so it can be blended with other flavors well. As for the nut butter, I usually make nut cheeses and then just get the artisana raw butters…. sooo good and they have flavors like pistachio, macadamia …. yummm!
Glad to have finally found the holy kale!!!! I drink a lot of green smoothies, but I was wondering how strong this is with an entire bunch of kale. Whenever I use more than 2-3 stalks it seems very strong. Maybe I have not acquired enough of a taste for it in smoothies. I love kale salads and kale in my juice. Thoughts?!
Did you freeze the banana? That makes ALL the difference… for me this smoothie really tastes only of bananas and almond butter, but if you are more sensitive, just add some more banana!
Thanks for the great recipe, I will be trying it out, but would be interested in a substitute for rice bran which some studies have shown is linked with high levels of arsenic, owing to rice’s ability to take up arsenic from the soil.
Hi Sarah, I cannot speak for all brands, but I personally know the owners of products that I am recommending, so I know there are super safe
Hi there,
I just purchased all the ingredients to make this smoothie at Whole Foods. How do you measure two cups of Kale? Pack it in and push it down or leave it loose?
Looking forward to trying this out.
Thank you!
Sal C.
I take the stems off the kale and then pack it into the blender and measure
Hi,
Do you have any advice for substituting out the banana? I can’t stand banana taste smell or texture. I also hate yogurt (and most dairy) unfortunately.
You can try using coconut meat as a substitute!
Just made this smoothie and it was sensational! Thanks!!
Awesome go-to!!!
How about some mention of the toxic effects of oxalic acid that abounds in dark green leafy vegetables and the dire health problems that can appear from chronic consumption of green smoothies.
Hi Don, I can understand your concern, but most people can process the oxalic acid just fine with moderation in mind. WIth that being said, I would always be more mindful of oxalic acid consumption if you are dealing with kidney stones or other kidney related issues.
Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads
up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why
but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same results.
Soon recently posted..Soon
Thanks! But I don’t seem to have an issue on my end… have you updated adobe?
Excellent recipe! I am just getting into Kale and this was a fabulous way to get a huge serving in one meal. Thank you so much!
You are welcome! Feel free to mix the recipe up as well. You can use pumpkin seed butter, or walnut butter as a replacement.
Hi Lauren,
I was planning on purchasing the Premier Research Labs Daily Multi per your Basic Supplement Plan recommendation, but then I saw the Immunologic Rice Bran and now I am a little confused. Could I take both of these together, or would that be ‘overdosing’? Could I take the rice bran instead of the PRL Daily Multi (since you mentioned it could act as a multi-vitamin)? Basically, with these 2 supplements, is it one OR the other or can they be taken in unison? Thanks!
I would suggest taking them in unison. The daily multi definitely has a broader spectrum of nutrients, but the rice bran is especially high in Vitamin E which I think is a very important vitamin for overall health. Not to mention the rice bran tastes amazing, so its an easy addition.
Hello Lauren, I have been trying to change my diet around and add more leafy greens such as kale and spinach; however, I stumbled upon this website right after reading your (this) post on kale smoothies.
I would love if you could take a look at it and tell me what you think.
Here it is: http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/how-green-smoothies-can-devestate-your-health/
If the link does not work just google “kale smoothies” and it should be the first one.
HI Danny, Oxalates are found in green leafy vegetables, but unless you have issues with your kidneys, then I would not be concerned. The amount that you would have to eat daily to cause any issues would be more than the common person consumes, and your body should be able to process them just fine. The only time I tell people to be careful of foods with oxalates is if they have kidneys issues, and if they have had kidney stones that were composed of oxalates. Other than that I do not have any concerns about it.
Do you know if pureed Kale has the same nutritional value as eating it whole?
Hi Jack, pureed kale does since it is the whole vegetable. The only time kale has less nutritional value is if it is conventional, or cooked.
Hi there – I am new to the kale bandwagon, but happily joining the ride
. I was wondering if you have ever steamed the kale before putting in the smoothie? Does that increase the nutritional value? Also, when using raw kale, do you tear it up into the measuring cup and pack it like brown sugar to measure it? Or just toss it in to the measuring cup? I was a little confused and it makes a huge difference in the amount of kale 
Thanks so much!!
Also, do you use the stems in the smoothie?
No, definitely take the stems off. If you are juicing, then you can use the stems.
I would not steam the kale. In a smoothie, that would change the taste. While steaming vegetables is most certainly the best way to cook them in terms of preserving their nutrients, even then some are lost. Therefore, consuming it raw is best, but even more than that, it tastes WAY better in a smoothie. In terms of a cup, I would typically just grab a large hand full of cut up kale and throw it in. I am not huge on measurements and really like the kale taste, so you will have to play around with it to see what suits you best. Good Luck!!
Hi Lauren,
I will like to make this smothie but my husband is diabetic type 1. Do you now the carbs count for this smothie? Thank you!
Hi Jennifer, unfortunately i do not. You can always just make substitutes!