Healthy Banana Smoothie

This healthy banana smoothie is made from five simple ingredients. We blend fresh bananas, coconut milk yogurt, almond milk, cinnamon and a splash of vanilla extract to create a delicious creamy texture and a decadent flavor that almost tastes like dessert. It’s packed with potassium and magnesium from the bananas and calcium and vitamin D from the yogurt so while it tastes like a special treat, it’s actually a healthy, kid-friendly, quick-and-easy weekday breakfast.

Banana Ripeness Stages

Did you know that the benefits of a banana differ depending on the stage of ripeness? The nutrients in underripe bananas (firm and green) promote gut health. Barely ripe bananas (pale yellow with green at the top) are high in fiber and low in carbs. Perfectly ripe bananas (yellow, no brown spots) have the maximum amount of vitamin B6.

If you choose to use bananas in one of these stages of ripeness for the health benefits that it provides, you may need to add a little bit of honey to sweeten the smoothie. I suggest starting with ½ tablespoon. Taste and add more as needed.

Variations of this healthy banana smoothie

• Add 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter and an additional 1/2 cup almond milk to the smoothie for added protein.
• Add cocoa powder to taste for a chocolate banana flavor twist. Who doesn’t love that flavor combo?
• Add a handful of fresh spinach for extra vitamins and magnesium, iron and fiber. The spinach will change the color of the smoothie (which could be a problem if you’re making this for kids who eat with their eyes) but not the flavor.
• Add chia seeds to boost nutrients and create a thicker smoothie consistency.

Bananas: The ADHD superfood.

Did you know that bananas are an ADHD superfood? As an ADHD’r myself, I’ve learned that with the right treatment plan including education to create self-awareness and a healthy diet and exercise routine, it’s easier to manage the problematic symptoms and to hone all of the positives of this brain difference.

A full day of school or work can be a challenge for ADHD’rs so starting the day off right with a nutritious breakfast is essential. I’ve created this healthy banana smoothie to reap all of the benefits of bananas. I added the yogurt and milk for protein and the extract and cinnamon to create a tasty flavor.

There are so many benefits of eating bananas for those with ADHD. Just to name a few…bananas have magnesium which promotes healthy sleep. Magnesium has also been proven to lower stress and decrease hyperactive behavior. Bananas also have vitamin B6. Some research suggests that many people with ADHD are vitamin B deficient which can cause fatigue and feelings of irritability. Increasing your B6 can increase your ability to remain alert and decrease anxiety.

What’s in this healthy banana smoothie?

• 4 large ripe bananas – Depending on the ripeness of your bananas you may need to add a little bit of honey. Taste and add as needed. If you prefer a chilled smoothie with a milkshake consistency, pop your bananas in the freezer the night before making this breakfast smoothie.
• 5.3 ounces vanilla flavored coconut milk yogurt – So Delicious is my favorite brand. If you’re not preparing this smoothie vegan, you can substitute for vanilla greek yogurt.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup vanilla flavored almond milk or any plant-based milk

Looking for more banana recipes?

• 3 ingredient frozen banana bites
• Breakfast ice cream
• Baked banana upside down pancake