Recipe: Almond and Coconut Butter “Nicecream” Smoothie

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This could be the most excited I have been to share a recipe with you all. Being on the Whole30 has had its highs and lows- this recipe has been one of the highest highs! I loved creating this amazing, nutrient dense, superfood smoothie. This can be served in a glass or a bowl- and you can vary the desired thickness by adding or removing ice. It is perfect. If I could only eat one things for the rest of the Whole30 this would be it.

Speaking of smoothies and the Whole30- its not actually recommended to drink smoothies during the 30 days. Here is what the authors have to say:

“Food that you drink sends a different satiety signal to your brain than food that you chew. So when you drink your meal, your brain isn’t getting the feedback it needs to tell your body that you’ve eaten- and you get hungry again fast, even though you just ingested plenty of calories.” -Whole30, Melissa and Dallas Hartwig

I agree with their stance, 100%. But, I am not able to sit down for a hot, savory home cooked breakfast every morning. Smoothies are a way for me to get nutrients, fats and superfoods and still be able to feed the kids, pack lunches and get everyone loaded up for school drop off.

Many times I hear that smoothies don’t keep people full until lunch. I wanted to share some smoothie tips with you- these will help you feel full longer and improve your smoothie game.

  1. Chew your smoothie. I know it sounds silly- but a smoothie is more than a drink- it is a meal. You wouldn’t just swallow a salad- think of all the ingredients in your smoothie and pretend they are “whole” foods. You need to chew, chew, chew. If you don’t chew your body doesn’t release necessary pre-digestive enzymes. This means that you body doesn’t have what it needs to properly digest your smoothie. Chewing your smoothie (or pressed juice) = more energy & less gas and bloating.
  2. Add healthy fats. Adding nuts, nut butters, seeds, coconut and oils really amp up your smoothies. Adding the right amount of fat to your smoothies make them more filling, satisfying and can keep you energized for longer. Another perk is that these healthy fats slow any sugars in your smoothie down so that you don’t get a sugar high then crash.
  3. Sip them slllooooowwww. So many people I work with say that they drink smoothies for a “fast” breakfast. I am a big believer in the Slow Food Movement- even when it comes to a liquid breakfast. Slow down and sip, don’t gulp. Think of all the goodness in your smoothie: fruits, vegetables, nut milk/butters, chia seeds, hemp- give your body time to appreciate each sip and what it is giving your body. Slowing down this process also gives your brain time to receive the signal that you have eaten and are full. Triggering satiety is very important step towards feeling satisfied.

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Almond and Coconut Butter “Nicecream” Smoothie

  • 1 cup nut milk (I use this recipe all the time and it is Whole30 approved: Oh She Glows- Cinnamon Vanilla Almond Milk )
  • 1 large frozen banana
  • 1 Tbsp. almond butter (if you are on the Whole30 this is perfect: Barney Butter- Bare “Smooth” Almond Butter )
  • 1 Tbsp. chia seeds (soak these in 3 Tbsp. of water for 5 minutes if you don’t have a high speed blender. This will ensure a smooth consistency)
  • 1 Tbsp. coconut butter
  • 1 Tbsp. hemp hearts
  • 4-5 ice cubes (add more or less depending on your desired thickness)
  • optional: 1 medjool date, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes (if you need this a little sweeter you can add this date in, but believe me it is perfect without it!)
  • Toppings: frozen blueberries, fresh fruit, raw nuts, toasted coconut or Superfood, Nut, Seed and Fruit Granola

Directions: Put all ingredients in a high speed blender and tamp down until smooth. Add ice or water/ almond milk to vary the consistency. If you are creating a bowl, add ice. If you are drinking through a straw add some water or almond milk.

This smoothie is my favorite- but our kids are loving them, too. They wake up asking for them and I am more than happy to oblige.

One other health coach tip for moms: if your child struggles with constipation you can add 1 tsp. coconut oil to this smoothie. This natural addition is so helpful and has provided a lot of relief for our little ones.

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Happy Friday to you all! I hope that you have had a great week and that you enjoy this recipe and the smoothie tips. Thank you for reading and take care!

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  1. sabrina

    I simply cannot wait to try this tomorrow morning! And thanks for your thoughts on smoothies during Whole30- as you know, I’ve struggled with breakfast while on this program- if I didn’t turn to smoothies I think I would have quite the program by day 10! I actually drink my smoothie with a spoon to slow myself down- a cold soup! Thanks for sharing this recipe and for all you do for us!

    January 22, 2016 • 1:29 pm •
  2. So glad you find it helpful and can’t wait to hear what the Ott’s think!

    January 22, 2016 • 2:06 pm •