If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to add more nutrient-rich foods to your diet, then you’ve come to the right place!
This incredibly filling fruity smoothie is super quick and easy to make. Plus, it’s jam-packed with nutritional goodness: gut-healing okra, antioxidant berries, energy-giving MCT oil, and skin-loving collagen, just to name a few.
It’s a nutritious smoothie recipe that is sugar-free, low fat, and dairy-free. If you follow the Trim Healthy Mama plan, it would be considered an “E” option. I’ve also included some substitutions to make the recipe AIP-compliant (Auto-Immune Protocol) as well.
And it’s even kid-approved!
In fact, I often make this exact recipe for my kids for breakfast, but with chia seeds and avocado blended in for extra healthy fat (which you can do too, but it would make this recipe a THM crossover). My kids love it, and I’ll bet yours will, too!
This banana berry smoothie also makes an awesome afternoon snack. It helps curb your hunger before dinner and gives you some much-needed energy right before the dinner/dishes/bedtime evening rush.
Banana Berry Smoothie Powerhouse Ingredients
Okra
Okra packs a powerful punch in this smoothie by being high in fiber, antioxidants, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, folate, and magnesium. It’s also a good source of calcium and potassium.
Okra is extremely beneficial to the digestive tract and aids in good digestion.
If you’re a little hesitant to try okra in a smoothie, don’t be! When it’s completely blended in, and the other delicious ingredients are added, you won’t even know it’s there.
The other benefit of having frozen chopped okra in this recipe is that it creates a thick smoothie without having to add any ice.
Berries
Organic frozen mixed berries are used in this recipe (strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry) but feel free to use whichever berry or mix of berries you like.
Strawberries are very high in antioxidants and are an excellent source of Vitamin C. They also contain good amounts of folate and manganese.
Blueberries are antioxidant-rich and contain high amounts of Vitamin C, fiber, and manganese.
Blackberries have been found to have extremely high amounts of antioxidants and are a rich source of Vitamin C. They are also a great source of manganese, Vitamin K1, and fiber.
Raspberries are high in Vitamin C and manganese and provide a decent amount of Vitamin K1, folate, and fiber.
Banana
Bananas not only add sweetness to the recipe (which may eliminate the need for a sweetener, depending on your taste), but they are also high in a great source of potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and fiber.
Bananas are high in carbohydrates, which is what makes this smoothie a great THM: E option.
MCT Oil
Medium-chain triglycerides (or MCT) are healthy fats found in certain foods, such as coconut oil.
MCT oil is high in natural, healthy fats and is great for revving your metabolism, can aid in weight loss, improves mental focus, and provides a quick boost of energy.
It also helps to make a creamier smoothie, without having to add any actual cream or dairy to the recipe.
I personally use and love this brand because it’s made from 100% organic non-GMO coconuts and is easily accessible on Amazon.
*Please note: Be careful when adding this to any food or drink, though. Start with small amounts (about ½ a teaspoon to 1 teaspoon at first) and work your way up to a maximum of 1 tablespoon per serving.
Adding too much too soon could cause an unwanted laxative effect (and us moms already deal with too much poop on a daily basis, amiright?).
Collagen Peptides
Collagen peptides aid in healthy bones and joints and can also improve the condition of hair, skin, and nails. It’s a pure, fine protein powder that dissolves easily into liquids and is completely tasteless.
I have used and loved both this brand on Amazon and also the Trim Healthy Mama brand.
Whey Protein Powder
Whey protein is the protein found in whey (the liquid formed in the process of cheese making).
It’s an excellent source of protein, supports your immune system, and boosts your metabolism. Whey protein is also high in calcium but low in lactose, which means that many people who are lactose-intolerant can still easily consume whey protein without issues.
Of course, if consuming whey protein does cause you issues or if you’re not sure if it will, you can absolutely omit this ingredient from the recipe.
I love adding whey protein to my smoothies because it helps to create a creamier consistency while also adding protein to it.
Not all whey protein powders are the same, so always be sure to check ingredients. I like both the THM brand and this one you can get on Amazon.
Baobab Powder
Baobab powder is a finely ground powder that comes from the fruit of the Baobab tree.
It’s a nutrient-packed food that contains very high amounts of Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and fiber. Phew! That’s a lot. But that’s not all — it also has extremely high levels of antioxidants and is said to have almost 8 times the amount of antioxidants than Acai berries!
Baobab powder has somewhat of a citrusy and slightly earthy taste that is undetectable in smoothies in small amounts. I usually add anywhere from ½ a teaspoon to a full tablespoon to my smoothies.
I love the Trim Healthy Mama brand, but I’ve also bought and really liked this one on Amazon just as much.
Trim Healthy Mama Compliant and AIP Compliant Substitutions
This banana berry smoothie is considered an E food for those following the Trim Healthy Mama plan, which means that it is filled with protein and healthy carbs while being low in fat.
Our family typically eats according to the Trim Healthy Mama plan for the most part, but I’ve recently started following the AIP diet (Auto Immune Protocol) due to some health issues I’ve been struggling with for a long time.
My hope is to find some answers and some healing through the AIP diet, before transitioning back to full-on THM. I figured I would also include the appropriate AIP-approved substitutions in this recipe for others who may be following the AIP diet as well.
I will say, though, that I’ve managed to be completely compliant with all my AIP meals while still holding true to THM’s concepts of separating S and E meals. I’ve been continuing to drop weight all while starting to feel a whole lot better, too!
Banana Berry Superfood Smoothie | THM: E
You will love this super filling and tasty Banana Berry Superfood Smoothie that is both a THM: E option and also kid-approved! (*See Notes section for AIP-compliant substitutions)
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen chopped okra
- 1 cup of frozen mixed berries
- 1 medium ripe banana
- 1 Tbsp. of collagen
- 1 Tbsp. of whey protein powder (optional)*
- 1-2 tsp. of baobab powder
- 2 tsp. of Gentle Sweet, or other on-plan sweeter (optional)**
- 1 tsp. MCT oil
- 1 cup of coconut milk or almond milk***
Instructions
- Add okra, MCT oil, and coconut or almond milk to your blender and blend on high until liquified.
- Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Notes
* Whey protein powder usually does not bother people who are lactose intolerant, but if you have issues with it or aren't sure if you can tolerate it, you can omit this ingredient. Skip this ingredient for those who need to stay AIP-compliant.
** You can substitute any THM-approved sweetener, or omit if desired. For AIP, either skip this ingredient or you can substitute either honey or pure maple syrup.
*** Coconut milk, almond milk, or any other milk you desire can be used here (be mindful of ingredient lists). Water can also be used. For those who follow AIP, on-plan pure coconut milk can be used (without any thickeners -- check ingredients) or water.