I had this for breakfast but it would be an awesome, filling snack as well.
Gingerbread Smoothie Rating: 8
I nixed the protein powder and cereal. Used whole milk in place of soy milk, and full fat Greek yogurt instead of nonfat. If you're thinking "Beans! Ew!" you are missing out. It doesn't taste funny and I really give it a whiz so the smoothie is oh-so-creamy.
The major health benefit of beans is their rich source of cholesterol-lowering fiber. In addition to lowering cholesterol, the high fiber content of beans prevents blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after a meal. It also has significant amounts of antioxidants, folic acid, vitamin B6, and magnesium. Intake of common beans is also protective against cancer. Eating beans or lentils two or more times per week was associated with a 24% reduced risk of breast cancer, which I am a survivor of. (Bean info source:
here).
