Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Banana Cashew Smoothie

Now that the holiday season is over, I'm looking to return to my normal diet. No more snacking on sugary sweet treats and eating until I'm stuffed. During this transition phase, I like to mix things up a bit so I'm not bored with my food or feeling deprived. I normally eat granola for breakfast, but have learned that a smoothie is a great way break out of my routine. A while back I found this recipe and it is usually my go-to when I'm craving a smoothie.


Banana Cashew Smoothie
via Real Simple
Serves 1

Ingredients:
1/4 cup raw unsalted cashews*
1 cup ice
1/2 banana
1T pure maple syrup

Directions:
1. Place 1/2 cup water and the cashews in a blender.
2. Cover and refrigerate until the cashews have softened, at least six hours (and up to overnight).
3. Add the ice, banana, and maple syrup to the cashew/water mixture and blend until smooth and frothy.

*If you are trying to lose weight, don't be scared by the fat content of the cashews. It is considered "good fat" and according to Health Diaries, research has shown that people who eat nuts twice a week are much less likely to gain weight than those who rarely eat nuts.  


I find that this smoothie starts my day out right and leaves me feeling satisfied until lunchtime. For me, if I begin the day with a healthy breakfast choice, I am more likely to choose healthy options all day long. This smoothie really helps me start the day off on the right foot!

~Tammy

Shared with Down Home Blog Hop, Thursday Favorite Things, Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop, What I'm Eating, Healthy Vegan Friday, Creative Things Thursday, Food on Friday   
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29 comments:

  1. Buttons ThoughtsJanuary 2, 2013 at 11:51 AM

    Oh I never thought od putting cashews in my smoothie in the morning thanks for the tip I am going to try that. Happy New year and I am getting sick of sweets and full bellies too:) B

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  2. Masshole MommyJanuary 2, 2013 at 11:53 AM

    This sounds like such a healthy, delicious way to start the day (or anytime really). I love cashews and I've never even thought to put them into a smoothie before.

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  3. Old Time CindyJanuary 2, 2013 at 11:54 AM

    I do a similar smoothie every afternoon. The banana in it takes care of my sweet tooth.
    Farmhouse hugs,
    Cindy

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  4. daisy gJanuary 2, 2013 at 12:51 PM

    That looks mighty good! What a great way to start your day!

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  5. Optimistic ExistentialistJanuary 2, 2013 at 1:11 PM

    Must. Try. SOON. :)

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  6. AnonymousJanuary 2, 2013 at 1:37 PM

    looks so yummy! congratulations sweetie, you have a gift for shooting food :) you make everything look so delicious. hope you have a blast of a new year! happy 2013 ;) xxo

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  7. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmJanuary 2, 2013 at 1:40 PM

    No bananas for me - not even in a smoothie!

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  8. mail4roseyJanuary 2, 2013 at 2:17 PM

    I JUST bought myself a blender, so yes, please!

    :)

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  9. Rob January 2, 2013 at 2:17 PM

    Sounds delicious! I either have homemade granola or a green smoothie (wheat grass, banana, apple & blueberries)for breakfast every day. Smoothies are also great in the afternoon after a workout!

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  10. JoriJanuary 2, 2013 at 2:32 PM

    Awesome! I am doing smoothies and juicing right now. I am excited for new recipes!

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  11. The Charm of HomeJanuary 2, 2013 at 3:07 PM

    That sounds like a great smoothie Tammy. I have gone back to giving up all sugar and flour. Just a few treats over the holidays reminds me of why it tears my stomach up! Have a blessed 2013!
    Sherry

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  12. HeatherJanuary 2, 2013 at 3:48 PM

    Interesting! I have never used nuts in my smoothies, but it does sound delicious. Recently I have been seeing a lot of recipes for sauces using raw cashews, I haven't done it myself yet, but am thinking that I might need to try them sometime soon!

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  13. Sherry at The Rusty PearlJanuary 2, 2013 at 4:22 PM

    Sounds fabulous.. Cant keep any cashews here though .. Daughter very allergic .. : ( so help me find another great healthy treat sister .......

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  14. carol l mckennaJanuary 2, 2013 at 4:52 PM

    Oh it sounds wonderful and so healthy !

    (A Creative Harbor aka ArtMuseDog and Carol)

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  15. LindaJanuary 2, 2013 at 5:46 PM

    That sounds interesting...we do smoothies all the time...but it has been too cold to want one lately. I freeze my bananas so I don't have to use ice...and put some yogurt in too. Happy New Year!!

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  16. Ann JonesJanuary 2, 2013 at 6:19 PM

    I love smoothies, your recipe and photo look great :)

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  17. Little Susie Home MakerJanuary 2, 2013 at 6:25 PM

    Now this is a smoothy that I should try! I am going to do the same, cut back on all sugars and eat healthier, but I am a Christmas food fanatic! LOL
    Blessings,
    Susie

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  18. 20 North OraJanuary 2, 2013 at 6:39 PM

    Tammy, how good of you to start back to normal so quickly! Proud of you. I haven't started yet and I must! Igot a gift of an Alaskan cruise in July, so I really must start working on my weight.

    Judy

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  19. MichelleJanuary 2, 2013 at 6:58 PM

    I do like the addition of the cashews!

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  20. ♥ Sean -N- Sonja ♥January 2, 2013 at 8:18 PM

    That sounds delicious! I am going to try it for an easy breakfast for my crew one day this week. Thanks for the recipe!

    Sonja
    www.lallybrochfarms.blogspot.com

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  21. LeslieJanuary 2, 2013 at 11:22 PM

    I'm ready to visit the vegetable isle of my natural foods market! Great smoothie recipe ~ cashews and bananas may help curb my desire for sweets post holidays;) It DOES feel great to get back on track. I am making a slower transition than I'd planned (partially because my company didn't leave until today) but I did pull my juicer out this morning and it felt wonderful to have something healthy.

    xxleslie

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  22. luckybunnyJanuary 3, 2013 at 12:15 PM

    I'm so trying this today! Sounds delish! Thanks for sharing this :) Especially love the maple syrup! YUMMM

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  23. Jessica @ Barefoot by the SeaJanuary 3, 2013 at 12:19 PM

    Yum, this looks fantastic! I also need some new inspiring recipes to kick start the year! What a great place to start!

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  24. Valerie BoersmaJanuary 3, 2013 at 12:48 PM

    I love smoothies-and I'm excited to try this recipe. I love the addition of the cashews-what a creative ingredient! After the excess sugar of the holidays, smoothies always help me get back on track:)

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  25. NancyJanuary 4, 2013 at 8:22 AM

    I've never had a smoothie, but if I were to, this would be the one I'd try!

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  26. HeatherJanuary 4, 2013 at 1:55 PM

    Thanks for sharing at what i am eating! Getting some cashews this weekend to try this! I think it will be a definite hit with my kids :-)

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  27. Sue FrelickJanuary 5, 2013 at 11:25 AM

    Love my breakfast smoothies! This recipe looks like a nice change from MY norm which is green smoothies ;-)

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    Replies
    1. Sue FrelickJanuary 13, 2013 at 8:06 AM

      I'm having the smoothie for breakfast this morning. It's yummy! I substuted half the water with cranberry juice. Thanks for the recipe.

      Delete
  28. Katherines CornerJanuary 6, 2013 at 9:07 AM

    I am making this! Happy New Year wishes and thank you for sharing at the hop. I hope you will stop by again soon. I posted the new giveaway! xo

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