Here it is…your new best afternoon sweet cravings/healthy snack/beauty elixir: my new Coconut Banana Dream Smoothie!
Most all of us crave sweet yummies in the afternoon at time.s What I really love about this new smoothie that I’m unveiling for you today is that it is reminiscent of a milkshake.
This smoothie is without the dairy and refined sugar and other crap that weighs us down and ruins our skin and guts. Instead, it satisfies while it actually gives us Beauty Nutrients.
It does satisfy- because dammit, we need that sweet fix when we need it! (While we work on the root cause of course- there’s more info on sweet and other cravings in The Beauty Detox Power and the right kind of probiotics are key :) ).
Beauty Food: All things Coconut
If there is one beauty food that comes in an array of forms, it’s the incredible coconut. And wow- have I had far beyond my fair share of coconuts over the years (to put it lightly!).
From eating them all day when I was traveling in the Philippines to drinking 4+ a day in Puerto Rico. Buying a box of them every week in Chinatown when I lived in NYC, you can say I have adored coconuts forever.
I love that the young flesh, coconut water, and mature meat are all from the same source. Not to mention the coconut milk and coconut yogurt that is also created from it.
What’s a drupe?
First, did you know that coconut is a drupe? A what?! Simply put, it’s a fruit with a hard stony covering that encloses the seed. That’s it. And don’t you worry, there won’t be a test at the end of this.
Some of the key nutrients contained in coconut are lauric acid, iron, potassium, magnesium and calcium. The potassium is an electrolyte that helps to facilitate cellular cleansing. It’s about twice as concentrated in coconut water, as in a banana.
Add to that the soft, young meat that is moisturizing and nutrient-rich that some cultures believe has healing, youth-promoting qualities.
It truly is one of the most natural hydrating fruits out there, which should be highly prized since dehydration can cause us to look tired and haggard. In other words, drying us out, making us look weathered and leathery.
Giving us dark circles, causing collagen damage, wrinkles, and premature aging. Ugh stop, who wants all of that? Not us!
The brand of coconut yogurt I trust
In this recipe I like and use the Unsweetened Coconut Milk-Based Yogurt from a brand called So Delicous. It is dairy free and soy-free, and it tastes pretty good. It’s a good alternative for yogurt, although it’s not perfect.
There are some ingredients added in beyond just coconut. That is what we get for the convenience of a commercial coconut yogurt. Without having to open a bunch of young coconuts, scrape them out, blend them and ferment the meat.
It’s something I’ve done in the past and believe me, it is a ton of work. So this is an easy to find option. Again, is pretty good, non-GMO, all plant-based and doesn’t use artificial flavors. There are no colors, hydrogenated oils or trans-fats either.
Non-dairy milks such as coconut milk are the best for our bodies AND our precious environment. It’s a win-win-win-win-win when we ditch dairy once and for all.
Beautifying Bananas
If you’ve peeked into my new book, Radical Beauty, than you know that whole Beauty carbs such as bananas are an important way to get fiber, vitamins, minerals and long-term energy.
Diets that tell you to avoid all carbs to lose weight are not natural and not a good way to lose weight while also promoting your natural energy and beauty.
Those that follow such plans miss out on loads of vitamins and other phytonutrients. Moderate levels of whole beauty fat, some whole, unrefined carbs and moderate levels of protein from all or mostly all plant foods (ie the Beauty Detox plan!) is really the most effective way to naturally slim down and look amazing.
It’s time to hydrate and fill your body with some of the best beautifying ingredients out there!
Prepare ingredients.
Add the coconut yogurt to your blender.
Next, add your coconut milk.
Add the banana.
Add the vanilla extract to the blender. Starting the blender on a low speed, blend until smooth. If needed gradually increase to higher speeds and blend until smooth.
Enjoy!
With the nourishing, beautifying coconut and banana in this smoothie- this is one afternoon treat that you do not have to ever feel guilty about. What are you waiting for?! ;) Let’s give it a go…
See full recipe below…
Coconut Banana Dream Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut yogurt
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 large banana frozen (if possible, to make more "milkshake-y" :) )
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the coconut yogurt, coconut milk, banana and vanilla extract to the blender. Starting the blender on a low speed, blend until smooth. If needed gradually increase to higher speeds and blend until smooth.
- Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was on Instagram!
Let me know what you think of this recipe and don’t forget to add this to your Pinterest Smoothie board!
All love,
Kimberly
Get your smoothie smile on, like our beloved Lil Bubby!!! ;)
Thank you for this recipe! I can’t wait to try it!! What kind of coconut milk do you use? Canned or the So Delicious?
Hi Dawn…I like So Delicious brand (unsweetened coconut milk). Let me know what you think! ;)
Yum! I am going to try this today.. I am so excited! I love all things coconut :)
I’ve just made this smoothie and it’s soo good. Finally we can buy coconut yogurt here in Germany, too. I used an organic brand called HARVEST MOON and besides coconut milk it only includes starch and yogurt cultures. That’s alright, isn’t it?
My absolute favourite sweet treat is your raw chocolate ginger cake with cacao frosting from the Beauty Detox Foods but this smoothie will definitely be one of my new favourite treats. So thank you SO much!
Hi Kathi and thanks for sharing your feedback. I’m happy to hear you found a coconut yogurt where you live. You should be fine with the starch and yogurt cultures. Keep track of how you feel after consuming it- always listening to your body first and foremost. Sending you lots of love! ;)
I just made this smoothie and it is so delicious!! I love how it’s all natural, good for you and taste great! I have all of your books and have been gradually transitioning my diet! You are so inspiring thank you so much!!
That is wonderful Jodi and so happy to hear you are on this amazing journey. Your body will be so happy you are nourishing it with the best natural ingredients out there. Lots of love and support to you! ;)
very delicious & light <3