Simple Smoothies for Breakfast, Snacks...or Anytime!

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Breakfast, or morning time, is one of the most important times to eat and fuel your body!! Kick your metabolism into gear so it is churning the whole day! Today, I want to share 3 of my favorite smoothies depending on what your morning schedule is like and what you need that day!!

 

Pre-Workout Fruit Smoothie

Having the right fuel for whatever workout you want to do is important! It should be light and provide good energy without feeling heavy in your stomach!

 

3/4 C  Apple Juice

3/4 C Soy or Almond Milk

1 banana

1/2 C frozen peaches

1 C frozen strawberries

 

Throw all the ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth.

(You can also change this into a protein smoothie by adding a scoop of the protein powder of your choice. Or to make it a green smoothie, add spinach or kale or any greens of your choice)

 

Green Smoothie

If you haven’t tried a Green Smoothie before, don’t be afraid. They are actually really tasty. Don’t be frightened by the green or brown color your smoothie may become because of the ingredients you add ed;this is totally normal! If you don't love spinach, just know that you can’t even taste it. It blends right in with the other flavors and you won’t even know it is there.

 

For my smoothie, I use:

 

1 orange

1/2 banana

6 large strawberries

A few handfuls of spinach

Greek yogurt (I use Chobani 0% Plain Yogurt...it is my favorite!)

Ice

 

Blend everything together in a blender and it is ready in no time. This recipe makes 2 servings, so I put one in the freezer for later. This can be great for breakfast, sipping on after a workout or even for an afternoon snack!

 

Once you get more comfortable with the base of a green smoothie, play around with it. Add different fruits, greens, and I even throw other veggies in from time to time! Some work, some don't...just keep trying new things!

 

Recovery Shake

Chocolate Milk can be a great recovery drink! But if you need a change, try this great 4:1 carb to protein ratio recovery shake. It will help rehydrate, replenish carbohydrates and speed muscle repair after a good hard workout or an endurance run/bike/swim!

 

1 C Soy or Almond Milk

1 frozen banana (I use fresh also if I don't have frozen)

2 T Peanut Butter (I use Adam's)

1 T unsweetened Coconut Flakes

1 T Honey or Agave

1 T Wheat Germ

1/2 T Cocoa Powder

Ice (about 5-6 cubes)

 

Place all the ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth.

For a good variation, try adding 2 T Rolled Oats and/or 1 C fresh spinach. Just adds some extra nutrients and changes it up a bit!

And if you feel you are needing more "good fats" in your diet, you can easily add flax oil to any of these smoothies for some good nutrition also!
 

**Remember....Eating breakfast tops most “Best Nutrition Tips” lists. The benefits include enhanced vitamin and mineral intake, weight control, clearer thinking and a way to get metabolism in gear for the day. If these don't work for you, try something that includes lean protein paired with whole grains and a fruit or vegetable!!!  

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/10/30/3073103/study-shows-the-importance-of.html#storylink=cpy