Lately when referring to that fabulous husband of mine, instead of calling him Hubbs, I referred to him by his real name, David. But why? Has the pet name lost it’s endearing quality? Have I given in to peer pressure? (<- BTW, this is totally worth reading, even though I can’t give up emoticons. Sorry Katie, I’m addicted 
).
When I started my little blog 2 years ago, I wasn’t sure what direction it would take or how personal I’d get, so I decided to use a cover name for David, you know, to protect his identity. But a lot has changed since then. My modesty has been thrown out the window. People know who David is (sorry, babe!). And perhaps the biggest change of all since I began blogging? David has started drinking green monsters… on purpose.
His one stipulation is that he doesn’t want to see what goes in it. I can deal with that. It means that the smoothie TASTES good, “despite” it’s healthy ingredients. Well, let’s hope he isn’t reading this because I’m showing you what goes in this man-friendly health drink.
- 2 Tbsp natural peanut butter (I love me some JIF)
- 1 frozen banana, cut into chunks
- 2 tsp chia seeds
- 1 scoop Amazing Grass Chocolate powder
- 1-2 pinches of xanthan gum (*Key for thickening)
- 1.25 c almond milk (I use original)
- 2 handfuls of baby spinach
Directions? Put it all in the blender.
Blend. Blend well.
Smile because your loved one is drinking a salad for breakfast… and liking it!
At around 430 calories, it’s a perfect blend of carbs, fat and proteins for breakfast. And the best part? It’s freaking delicious.
What’s your favorite green monster combo?
Parita @ myinnershakti says
That is my PB of choice as well!
My green monsters (that Vishnu has come to love as well) usually consist of almond milk, a frozen banana, chocolate protein powder, PB, instant coffee, and spinach. YUM.
Brittany says
oh, I’ll bet instant coffee adds a lot! I never thought to add that in Great idea 🙂
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
I loved that post of Katie’s. I’ve stopped using emoticons since reading it (that was the one thing I was guilty of) and literally every night have to force my fingers away from the colon & parentheses keys while I’m writing my posts. It’s so hard but I feel like the humor actually comes across more pointedly without them.
Anyway…love green monsters. I usually just do some combo of spinach + berries + yogurt + protein powder + milk.
Brittany says
I tried giving up emoticons and it almost physically hurt. I’ve decided that it’s part of what makes me, me and to go on without my 😉 🙂 and 😮 faces just wouldn’t feel right- haha.
Urban Wife says
I love green monsters! My fav is spinach + almond milk + frozen banana + ground flaxseed meal. I’m still working on getting my hubby to try one.
Cristin says
Loved this! That last picture totally looks like he is in a commercial. For the record, I like the faces, but I am pretty cheesy. Have a great day!
Lauren B. says
I have green monsters several mornings a week, and my fav combo is frozen strawberries, half a frozen banana, frozen pineapple, ground flax seed, kale or spinach, and a big scoop of vanilla protein powder. I made my parents try it while they were visiting, after they turned their noses up initially, and they actually admitted that it tasted good. Success!!
Jenny @ simply be me says
The chocolate amazing grass powder is my favorite! We (my 2 & 1/2 year old and I) had green smoothies this morning with coconut milk, banana, frozen kale, cocoa powder and vanilla. I added the amazing grass to mine after his was served.
KatieTX says
Ironically enough, my husband is named David and will totally drink a green monster if I make it for him. He will even admit they are delicious! I had one this morning with leftover chocolate milk from last night’s dinner (I got too full to finish it), baby spinach, peanut butter (Skippy natural all the way), banana, and lots of ice. Yummy!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I’m so used to you calling him Hubbs, and think it’s funny when you call him David. Mostly because my boyfriend is David.
I like spinach, coconut milk, banana, mango, and pineapple in my green smoothies.
Lindsay @ Fuel My Family says
My husband loves green smoothies as does my 3 year old. I think I am going to start making a baby version for my 6 month old, the pediatrician thought it was a good idea since my baby hates eating off a spoon! I will just sub breastmilk in for the almond milk since i have about 400 oz in my freezer to use up and a baby who refuses to take a bottle!
Brittany says
You have 400 oz saved up?! Holy moly!
Lindsay @ Fuel My Family says
yes and thats after giving 150 oz to a friend who couldn’t breastfeed. Looks like I may be giving her even more soon! I have an overproduction to say the least, I could easily pump twice what I do, but since its a supply and demand I only pump when I need pressure relief!
Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans says
I love that he has taken up this healthy habit! Looks like you are rubbing off on him 🙂
I like mine with spinach (obviously ;))blueberries and raspberries, milk, vanilla protein and some orange juice to sweeten it right up!!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
haha – I loved this. My husband REFUSES to drink anyting green. And I still refer to John as “the Husband” because it’s more fun and stories are much more hilarious that way. I’m all about making people giggle.
Aima says
My husband gets hyper over green smoothies. It’s actually hilarious to see him get all bulgy- eyed when he sees me taking out the blender. Btw, I was wondering if Gibbs works in the health care system.
Brittany says
Funny that I know you meant to type Hubbs, because my phone always auto-corrects Hubbs to Gibbs, too 🙂 Yes, he sells medical devices, so he spends a lot of time in the hospitals!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
yay for hubbys drinking greens 🙂 i’m writing a post similar to this right now!!
Jen@FoodFamilyFitness says
My husband is the same way, he’ll drink them, as long as he doesn’t know what’s in them.
Baking Serendipity says
I love this! My husband has taken to eating so many different foods since I’ve starting blogging, but he won’t always admit it 🙂
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength says
HAHA…my husband won’t drink green smoothies either. I keep telling him they taste exactly the same as what he’s having but he just doesn’t buy it.
Lauren K says
We always add plain green yogurt for some added protein and thickness and also use unsweetened almond milk (vanilla flavor is great) since it has no added sugar!
Suzana says
I’m wondering if you freeze your bananas without the peel? My room-mates stick them in the freezer with the peel, and it’s ridiculous trying to get it off when it’s frozen! 🙁
Brittany says
Yes, def freeze them after I peel them! So much easier 🙂
Jamie @ Don't Forget the Cinnamon says
1 frozen banana, 1-2 tbsp pb, 1/2 cup almond milk, handful of spinach, and a few good shakes of cinnamon!
Tina @ Best Body Fitness says
I’m a Skippy natural gal myself…but either way – who needs Maranatha or Teddy $15/jar stuff? 😉
Bethany @ Forever After Blog says
Hmmm…your Green Monster Smoothie recipe sounds great! I will definitely be trying this one for my husband. I like adding apple slices (with the peels) to my green monsters because they add a refreshing sweetness.
Belinda says
I have only recently started drinking green monsters (very similar to your recipe, Brittany) and at first I was terrified! But from the first sip it was love… sigh. My boyfriend (also David) almost died when he saw the green colour but he was surprised at how delicious it was 🙂
Jenny says
I love the video of H singing! Too cute and getting to be such a big girl sitting in the cart! We’ve been to Big Daddy’s and didn’t love it, but heard so much about it that we has to try it out! Good work on sticking with your pescatarian diet over the weekend. Can’t imagine that was easy!