This vegan Piña Colada Smoothie refreshes, revitalizes and renews. All of the refreshing yumminess of combining pineapple and coconut, plus a healthy dose of plant-protein, omega-3s and antioxidants!
Piña Colada Smoothie
Piña Colada Smoothie
I would even say the Piña Colada Smoothie also rewards! One of my summer goals is refining my workout routine, specifically strengthening my core (all of the muscles in the midsection of your body: front, back, and sides). These muscles act as stabilizers for your whole body and increase your overall balance.
Post Workout Smoothie
Strengthening the core helps reduce the risk of injury from something as simple as reaching for a dish on a top shelf (something I always seem to be doing). While this uses arm and shoulder strength, a strong core keeps these muscles from straining. It will also help to improve your overall posture and reduce wear and tear on your joints. Having a strong core is especially important for us ladies as we get older.
Piña Colada Smoothie – Jana Prepping Fruit
I have heard many stories about larger-chested women developing bone spurs in their spines as they age. If we allow our body to weaken over time it will become progressively more difficult and stressful for it to support itself. The earlier you start and the longer in life you persevere with maintaining a healthy core and strength, the more gentle and comfortable the aging process will be. And let’s face it, having your clothes fit better is never a bad thing!
Piña Colada Smoothie – Ingredients
I’ve chosen to incorporate planks into my routine to help me strengthen my core. I love anything that saves time, and planks are not only a great way to improve strength, but also require a very minimal amount of time. I am doing a 30-day challenge where I incrementally increase the duration of my planks every few days. I’m currently up to 40 seconds. I mean seriously, you can’t argue with that. Forty seconds is the amount of time you stand in front of the refrigerator trying to remember why you opened it in the first place!
Piña Colada Smoothie – Jana Adding Ingredients to Blender
I love the marriage of pineapple and coconut. For me, that flavor evokes a sense of tranquility and relaxation. For that moment, I am sitting under an umbrella, listening to the rush of the waves, with the sand in my toes, even if I’m really standing at my kitchen counter.
A Plant-based Smoothie That Rewards Your Body
I developed the Piña Colada Smoothie as my reward for my body and mind every time I increase my plank duration. Bursting with rich tropical fruit and creaminess, it is a guaranteed satisfier! If you are curious about all of the nutrients that pineapple and coconut have to offer, or if you just want another delicious Piña Colada recipe, then check out my Pure Piña Colada Bars. I also have some helpful hints on freezing those ripe bananas in my Strawberry Cheesecake Vegan Smoothie post.
Piña Colada Smoothie – Ready to Blend
Tips For Making the Perfect Smoothie
Frozen pineapple: In a pinch, frozen pineapple purchased from the grocery store is convenient to have around for smoothie making. But I must say frozen fresh pineapple is much better! You’ll notice a difference in the way it bursts with flavor. My Pure Piña Colada Bars post has a detailed photo with all of the steps to easily cut a pineapple, if you want to freeze it fresh.
Coconut butter: Making your own coconut butter may be easier than you think and definitely more affordable than buying pre-made. Take a look at my Easy Homemade Coconut Butter recipe!
Piña Colada Smoothie – Blending
Piña Colada Smoothie
This vegan Piña Colada Smoothie refreshes, revitalizes and renews. All of the refreshing yumminess of combining pineapple and coconut, plus a healthy dose of plant-protein, omega-3s and antioxidants!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup raw cashews (soaked)
- 1 medium frozen ripe banana
- 1 1/4 cup frozen pineapple
- 1 tablespoon golden flax meal
- 1 cup cashew milk
- 2 tablespoons coconut butter
- 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla
Instructions
- 1) Place cashews in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with water (preferably filtered). Place in microwave for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes on "high". Then soak for about 20 minutes until softened. For a non-microwave version, either warm on stovetop or place bowl in refrigerator and soak about 8 hours, but no more than 12 hours.
- 2) Rinse cashews with clean water and blot dry with a paper towel. Place cashews and remaining ingredients in blender (a high speed blender is ideal) and blend on high speed until smooth. If consistency is too thick for your preference, a little more cashew milk may be added.
Notes
Frozen pineapple: In a pinch frozen pineapple purchased from the grocery store is convenient to have around for smoothie making. But I must say frozen fresh pineapple is much better! It bursts with flavor! My Pure Piña Colada Bars post has a detailed photo with all of the steps to easily cut a pineapple if you want to freeze it fresh.
Coconut butter: Making your own coconut butter may be easier than you think and definitely more affordable than buying pre-made. Take a look at my Easy Homemade Coconut Butter recipe!
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