Toasted Almond Butter & Banana Smoothie

I have become addicted to juicing and making healthy smoothies over recent years, and I’m always coming across new versions that become my favorites. Presently I crave juices blended with kale, pineapple, parsley, ginger, and lemon. When it comes to smoothies, I love my Spiced Banana & Oatmeal Smoothie or this Almond Banana Smoothie and often use both to replace meals when I have especially busy days. Now that I am making my own Roasted Almond Butter, it is delicious used in smoothies as roasting the almonds enhances the nut flavor and creates an intense almond flavor.

I switched from regular milk to almond milk over a year ago, and use it for everything from my morning coffee, to my baking, and always use it in my smoothies. Almond milk is delicious, very low in fat and calories when you use the unsweetened version, but each cup provides 45% of your daily calcium requirement. The richness of the almond butter is very satisfying and filling, and though I usually keep this smoothie simple, you can spice it up with some cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

• Almonds are a good source of protein and are rich in phytosterols which help to lower cholesterol. Also rich in fiber and vitamin E.
• Unsweetened almond milk is low in fat and calories and supplies 45% of your daily calcium needs.