The Perfect Cocktail to Start Your Day – Every Day!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? Why not make it count? If you start your day with a healthy boost, you’re more likely to follow suit with healthy choices as the day goes on. Adding leafy greens to your smoothie is an easy way to “sneak” veggies into your diet. The sweet fruit taste will cover up the taste of the greens if you’re not a fan. Spinach is a really easy one to use, as it blends up very smoothly. There are many flavorful combinations you can experiment with, but be careful not to add extra sweeteners. Many “smoothie” mixes will have added sweeteners. Check your labels. Here’s the recipe of what my family and I (yes even the kids!) drink every morning.

1.     1 cup of spinach

a.     I also substitute beet greens, chard, kale, or any other leafy greens I have on hand.

2.     1/3 cup nonfat greek yogurt

3.     1 TBSP peanut butter or almond butter

a.     Make sure you have a small amount of good fats in your smoothie. This helps with nutrient absorption and it’s a good source of energy. I also substitute coconut oil or any other type of nut butter we have on hand.

4.     ½ banana

5.     ½ TBSP ground chia seeds

a.     a great source of fiber, omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, calcium, phosphorus and protein

6.     ½ cup frozen mango chunks

7.     1/3 cup frozen strawberries

8.     1/3 cup frozen blue berries

9.     ½ cup almond milk

10. fill the rest with water – you will want the liquid to help blend everything together

This recipe yields one serving at 300 calories and the most nutrient dense thing you will likely eat all day. Smoothies fill the gap in many of our nutritional needs. Also, the combination of the fiber from the whole fruit and leafy greens, the fat and protein from the chia seeds and nut butter, and the water content will leave you feeling full and satisfied and ready to start your day!  Have your own smoothie recipe?  I’d love to hear about it!