This Low Carb Mint Chip Smoothie is so good, I have to hide from my three year old son if I want to keep any for myself. It’s that good…whether eating low carb is on your radar or not. While I dearly love my carbs (hello, fluffy biscuits and chip-loaded chicken taco bake), my hips and thighs don’t love the carbs nearly as much as I do.

Or maybe they DO and that’s the problem. 😉 They love the carbs so much, they just suck them in and hold on for dear life.

*sigh*

Lol!:D

*This post contains affiliate links in pink – if you choose to make a purchase using one of my links, I receive a small percentage at NO extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my coffee habit – the fuel behind this blog.* 😉

 

Enter the Low Carb Mint Chip Smoothie

Thankfully, there’s Trim Healthy Mama. Now, before you think I’m going to start blogging a bunch of THM stuff, don’t worry, I’m not. I’ll still share my usual (read: carb-laden) family favorite recipes. 😉 But today, I’m sharing one of my favorite go-to low carb smoothie recipes that I make so often, I could make it in my sleep.

I make this smoothie 3-4 days a week. It’s fast, easy and sometimes I just don’t feel like eating – but I know I should. I’m not the only one, right?

Baby spinach is what gives this smoothie it’s luscious green color.

 

 

Now, before you turn your nose up at the thought of using spinach in a smoothie, let me assure you that you CANNOT taste it. Baby spinach is mild in flavor and packed full of goodness….I made this handy little graphic for you as a quick snapshot of all the Spinach-y goodness…including some helpful tips on what to look for as you choose your nutritional superhero.

 

 

Now, back to the recipe. The ingredient list might look a little long, but once you’ve made this a few times, it’ll go fast. This is my spin off of Gwen’s original recipe, which you can find here or in the Trim Healthy Mama cookbook. Gwen has a boatload of scrumptious THM recipes and if you do happen to be looking for a great THM website, I highly recommend hers.

Low Carb Mint Chip Smoothie Ingredients

 

• 1 c.unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 c. cottage cheese (1% or 2% is fine) – if you are dairy-free, you could omit this ingedient
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• dash salt
• 2 Tbs heavy cream (I did say this was low carb…not low fat) 😉 – if you’re DF, you can sub coconut milk
• scant 1/2 tsp. stevia powder (this brand is my all-time favorite)
• 1/2 tsp Sunflower Lecithin *see below for my “why” on this ingredient*
• 3-5 drops of Peppermint essential oil – or less, according to your taste (this is my favorite brand here)
• 1-2 tsp. MCT oil (boosts metabolism. Need I say more?)
• giant handful of fresh baby spinach (approx. 1 1/2 cups, packed tightly – or less, if you’re hesitant and just starting out)
• 2-3 c. ice cubes (I use 2 c.)
• 1 scoop Pristine Protein Powder (or your fave – just make sure there’s no added sugar – to keep this low carb)
• 1/2 oz. 85% dark chocolate, broken into small chunks (I get mine at Aldi, but there is some here, too)

 

Low Carb Mint Chip Smoothie Instructions

• Place the first ten ingredients (almond milk through ice cubes) into your blender and blend until uniform in texture. (this is the one I have and love but I hear these are the best)
• Stop blender; add the Protein Powder.
• Blend for 10-12 seconds and stop.
• Break the chocolate into small-ish chunks and add to smoothie.
• Blend again, just until the chocolate is in small enough pieces to fit through a shake straw.

Pour into a pretty glass (or a quart jar, if you don’t want to be bothered with refills) 😉 and ENJOY.

 

 

This right here is low carb, guilt-free deliciousness – and my favorite way to get in a ton of superfood greens.

So maybe the next time you’re craving a sweet-something, instead of Peach Cobbler or Snickers Ice Cream cake, give this low carb mint chip smoothie a try…you might find it’s a new favorite!

 

 

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*A quick note about “why” Sunflower Lecithin

in this Low Carb Mint Chip Smoothie:

 

1) I think it lends a slight “malty” flavor

2) it’s a fantastic brain food

3) it’s anti-aging (sign me UP!) 😀

4) it adds luscious creamy texture and keeps your drinks creamier longer.

5) all you ever wanted to know about Sunflower Lecithin here and here.

 

In case you’re curious to learn more about Trim Healthy Mama, I own both the original Trim Healthy Mama book and the “Easy Does It Approach” book. I love all three books (including the cookbook mentioned above).

 

Be sure to pin for later!

 

So tell me…are you a “spinach in smoothie” person or no?

 

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