Banana Date Shakes – A Delicious Way to Start the Day

I’m a big fan of green smoothies, and most days I start the day with a berry smoothie that’s heavy on the greens. Some days, on the other hand, I feel like something different.

One of my favorite green smoothies for days that I just want something quick and delicious is a Banana Date Shake. This one is so yummy that my kids are happy to drink it – even if it IS a beautiful emerald green (my daughter doesn’t tend to appreciate that in a fruit smoothie).  Here’s my recipe.

Banana Date Shake recipe (serves 3 large servings):

Ingredients:

– 4 cups cold water
– 2 tbsp flaxseed (pre-ground, if you don’t have a Vitamix)
– 4 cups spinach (or more – I use about 8 cups)
– 5 dates, pitted (I use medjool dates)
– 1/4 cup dried shredded coconut (unsweetened)
– 2 frozen bananas (peeled)

Instructions:

Put water, flax, spinach, dates, and coconut in blender – blend til smooth. Add frozen bananas, blend til smooth.

If you don’t currently have a blender, or you do have one, but it’s not up to the task of blending dates and frozen bananas, consider purchasing your own Vitamix! To get free shipping (regular $25) on your shiny new Vitamix, click on my affiliate link, or mention my affiliate number (***06-006010***) when you order.

If you prefer to order by phone, here is the Vitamix contact information:
Jean-Pierre “J.P.” Minard
Direct Household Sales Consultant
Vitamix Corporation
Phone: +1 800 848 2649 ext 2303
UK: 0808 156 6633
IE: 0766 709 854

Nutritional breakdown (per serving) [nutritiondata.com] :

This food is low in Sodium, and very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C and Manganese, and a very good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin K.

– calories 250
– fat 5 grams – high in both Omega-3 fatty acids
– protein 4 grams
– dietary fiber 7 grams
– Vitamin A 77% DV
– Vitamin C 30% DV
– Vitamin K 244% DV
– Thiamin 10% DV
– Riboflavin 10% DV
– Vitamin B6 25% DV
– Folate 26% DV
– Calcium 10% DV
– Iron 11% DV
– Magnesium 25% DV
– Phosphorus 10% DV
– Potassium 24% DV
– Copper 19% DV
– Manganese 50% DV
– Phytosterols ~16mg