No real bananas were hurt in the making of this low carb peanut butter chia smoothie recipe! But it sure tastes like they were. A great way to fuel up for your day.
I’ve been on the go like a madwoman lately and so easy recipes are the order of the day. Recipes I can whip up in a short time without too much fuss or mess. You know me, typically I like to create rather complicated goodies with many ingredients and multiple steps. And believe me, many more of those are to come (oh, you will LOVE the no-bake cheesecake I just created!). But easy, quick and delicious recipes have their place in our busy lives. Kids, family and work obligations can max out our time for cooking and baking and we can be left standing in our kitchens, looking into our cupboards and refrigerators, wondering how on earth we are going to feed ourselves and our families.
Enter the easy recipes, like my Ridiculously Easy Taco Pie (a keeper of a recipe if ever there was one). And this smoothie recipe. I find myself quite enamoured of banana extract, now that I’ve finally purchased some and I keep thinking of fun ways to use it. I wanted a hearty, easy smoothie, one that would fill the tummy and prove energy for the day ahead. Bananas themselves are not an option (not for me, anyway, although my family members still partake). But banana and peanut butter is such a delicious combo and I love me some peanut butter in the morning. And I love finding ways to work chia into my day. So this recipe was a natural. I never even told my kids it didn’t have real banana and they loved it. Win-win, I would say!
Please see my Peanut Butter Banana Chia Smoothie Recipe on A Sweet Life Diabetes Magazine.
Cici says
Can you explain any benefit and difference between extracts vs flavors?
Carolyn says
I’m wondering about that too. I’m looking at the Olive Nation extracts and the LorAnn flavorings. I think you’ve used both. Do you have a preference, or would you use each for different things? (I want pineapple, if it makes a difference.)
Carolyn says
My understanding is extracts are typically made by combining the fruit with alcohol or some other solvent to get the flavour. Whereas flavourings and artificial extracts are made in a lab to simulate the flavours. I tend to prefer the natural extract when I can get them. But I am not against artificial flavours in small amounts when I need them. Bakto makes some good fruit flavours.
Amber @ Fit Foodie Runs says
I’m on it! I make something similar when I’m in a rush, but never thought to put Chia seeds in it or no banana! Ha! Thank you for such a nice upgrade to my morning 🙂
Vinita says
Sounds pretty yummy. Banana shakes are my favourite!!
Becca from ItsYummi! says
This sounds so perfect, Carolyn. I’m all over the peanut butter banana combo!
MAMAHT says
This recipe looks great!! is there a way to make it dairy free?
Carolyn says
You could probably use coconut milk, full fat. It would be thinner but still very good.
Neda-May says
Is the nutritional info based per serving or the whole thing? Thanks x
Carolyn says
Per serving.