Refreshing Spring Smoothie
As we welcome the vibrant energy of spring, I’m giving my favorite breakfast smoothie a glow up! The goal is to start the day with hydration, nutrients, enough protein and healthy fat to stay full for hours, all while incorporating the light, fresh ingredients of spring! This one has got it all..the goodness of spinach, the zing of ginger, and the low-sugar sweetness of strawberries, all blended together with protein powder for that extra boost.
Why a smoothie for breakfast?: Eating within 1 hr of waking is recommended if you can tolerate it, and gives me the energy to kickstart my day, as well as something to support the acidic coffee I’m absolutely addicted to having as soon as possible.
Watch out for: Sugar! I try to keep sugar to a minimum with these smoothies. The fruit is enough! If you need a little more flavor to make it enjoyable, try adding a banana or any natural sugar alternatives like monkfruit (with no added sugar alcohols that can aggravate the gut.)
Cool Tips:
Make the night before if you have an early morning and enjoy on your commute to work. So easy!
Make a double batch and put half in a double wall thermos for a perfectly sweet mid-afternoon pick me up. Water down and shake up if your smoothie gets too thick. If you’re always craving a coffee and pastry in the afternoon, your smoothie gives that second energy boost and satisfies the sweet tooth I get at that time of day.
Put in a bowl and top with chia seeds, hemp seeds, berries or anything crunchy and eat with a spoon. Using a spoon and chewing slightly will help your brain register messages for when you are full.
PREP 5 minutes
SERVING 1
COOK Blender
Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
1 or 1/2 frozen banana (or frozen mango if you don’t like banana)
1/2 avocado frozen or room temp
1/4 cup spinach or kale
1/2 inch of fresh ginger (you can leave the skin on, the blender will take care of the skin)
1 cup coconut water for extra hydration or filtered water
1 scoop of plant-based protein powder (I like Gainful or Naked Pea Protein)
1/2 scoop of collagen peptides (also for texture, I like Vital Proteins)
1 squeeze of lemon
1 stem of mint leaves (optional)
Optional monkfruit to taste for sweetness
Top with chia seeds, hemp seeds, granola or berries for some added crunch
Instructions
Combine ingredients in blender
Run at low speed until the frozen ingredients break down, then slowly increase speed to maximum. Run at max speed for at least 30 seconds. This is important! It’s loud but don’t be shy, let everything come together. Add 3 tablespoons of water at a time if mixture is too thick.
Pour into cup, mug or bowl.
Drink or make into smoothie bowl by adding your favorite topping.
Enjoy!
Note: Feel free to play around with different combos. Mango or frozen cauliflower also work as a great thickener if you’re not a banana person. Adding oats and berries can also provide more oomph and energy. The best thing about a smoothie is there is no right or wrong. Play and decide what you like and switch it up to stay excited every single morning!
