May 7, 2020
A year and a half ago I decided I needed to change things up. Back then (before quarantine!), our mornings were really busy trying to get everyone out of the house and off to school on time. I was incredibly guilty of running out of the door with a big travel mug of coffee and that was it. By the time 10 am or so rolled around, I was starving. I knew I needed to eat first thing in the morning, but didn’t feel like I had the time to make anything. Or if I did eat, it was usually the other half of an Eggo waffle my three-year-old didn’t finish. It wasn’t great. And I didn’t feel great, either.
So, I knew I needed to change things up. That’s when I started adding a smoothie into my routine. I had always been hesitant about protein powder in the past because I’d get these weird stomach pains afterward. But after trying a vegan, non-whey, protein powder I realized that it wasn’t the protein my body had a problem with–it was the whey. And even though I wasn’t technically allergic to it, I did have a sensitivity. With my vegan protein in hand, I was super excited to have another option for breakfast (or on some crazy, busy days even lunch!).
Here’s what I put in my smoothie
1 serving (this looks like 2 scoops) Vanilla protein powder, my favorite is Vanilla by Arbonne
1 serving probiotics, Digestion Plus by Arbonne it contains prebiotics, probiotics & digestive enzymes
1 tablespoon unsalted almond butter, I prefer one that is just almonds and nothing else
8 oz unsweetened almond milk, coconut or any other unsweetened non-dairy milk will work too
A sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
Handful of spinach or kale (½-1 Cup), fresh or frozen
1 small banana
1 cup water & ½ cup ice
Mix in the blender and you’re all set.
I do like to change things up sometimes and will throw in ½ a cup of strawberries, blueberries, cherries, or frozen mango. If I throw in frozen fruit, then I don’t add the ice.
Most mornings, I make a double smoothie so Justin can have one too.
One more thing you can make with the protein powder are these yummy protein energy balls. They are great for snacks or when you’re fighting a craving for something sweet. Check out the recipe here!
How do you make your smoothie? Favorite ingredients? Please share!
As always, please check with your doctor or healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen.
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