Creamy Apple Pear Smoothie (Banana-Free, Nut-Free)

This smoothie has become one of my favorite mid-day snacks.

I've actually been making this for quite a while, but only recently wrote down just exactly how much of each ingredient goes into making it.

While many women experience a surge in their appetite during pregnancy, mine has remained pretty similar to my normal self, possibly due to the sporadic nausea I'm still combating, so smoothies have been a great way for me to ingest both calories and nutrients.

My first encounter with a smoothie was back in my late teens after high school. I had gained some weight, due to lack of physical activity and not eating the best, and I began reading books about both fitness and nutrition, many of which suggested whey protein powder as a way to gain lean muscle, lose weight, and be healthy.

My smoothies back then were very simple, typically consisting of soy milk, vanilla whey protein powder of some sort, and a couple of frozen bananas, but they became something I looked forward to each day!

I remember this habit extending into my early twenties, even after I became sick and lost my hair. My routine was to go to the gym at about five each morning, work out for about an hour, come home and enjoy my shake. I remember craving them each night, wishing it was morning so that I could relish it once again!

These days, though I avoid protein powders, I still look forward to a daily smoothie, and I've definitely 'grown up' a bit in my additions. Greens are always a great nutritional inclusion, and lately, I've been using collard greens, as they are a bit less expensive than the currently ultra-popular kale and even spinach.

I also enjoy adding some hemp seeds for healthy fats as well as coconut water, which gives me a good boost of energy for the rest of my day! My youngest daughter is a fan of this one as well, so we often share it together, and I feel like such a good mommy for it. 🙂

Print Recipe

4.34 from 3 votes

Creamy Apple Pear Smoothie (Banana-Free, Paleo)

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Total Time5 minutes mins

Servings: 1 large smoothie

Calories: 490kcal

Author: Lauren Goslin

Ingredients

• 1 c. red apple cubed
• 1 c. pear cubed
• ⅓ avocado
• 1 T. hemp seeds
• 2 Medjool dates
• 2 t. raw honey or maple syrup
• 1 c. coconut water or dairy-free milk
• ½ c. water
• handful of greens optional
• stevia as needed to sweeten
• 1 c. ice

Instructions

• Blend everything but the ice until smooth.
• Taste and add a bit of stevia for extra sweetness, if desired (I usually add a sprinkle or two).
• Add in the ice and blend until well combined.
• Enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition facts are based on using raw honey, coconut water, and one cup collard greens. WW points (new system): 13

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 490kcal | Carbohydrates: 87.3g | Protein: 6.1g | Fat: 17.3g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14.3g | Sodium: 44mg | Fiber: 15.2g | Sugar: 64.4g

Inspired by this recipe

What was your first smoothie experience?