smoothie-line-up-OptimizedSome days getting a decent breakfast or any breakfast at all feels almost impossible. One great way to ensure you get a healthy breakfast is to go the route of a delicious smoothie. I find it so much easier to eat a good breakfast on my days off when I have the time to prepare something and sit down and enjoy it.

With back to school looming over us it’s time to start trying out some yummy smoothie recipes so you’ll be prepared for those rushed mornings.

How to get a perfect smoothie

Smoothies are easy to make and so convenient to take on the go, but not every smoothie is created equal. Some of them are loaded full of sugar and these are the ones you want to avoid in your breakfast. Sugar may give you a quick energy spike to start your day but you will quickly crash and feel sluggish.

To make a great smoothie try adding in some greens like spinach and use a protein like nut butters. It’s also important to sweeten your smoothies naturally with fruits. I find berries are the way to go, especially during the summer months when you can get the best fresh berries. Last of all, to make sure your smoothie keeps you feeling full longer you need a source of fiber. Believe it or not, oats are a great add in for smoothies and will keep your tummy feeling full.

This Peanut Butter Oatmeal Smoothie from chefsavvy.com will be a great start to your day.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Smoothie

PB smoothie-Optimized

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of Soy Milk -> 4 grams of protein
  • 2 tablespoons Peanut Butter -> 8.0 grams
  • 1 whole Banana -> 1.2 grams
  • 1/4 cup Old Fashioned Oats  -> 2.7 grams

Directions

To make the smoothie simply add all of the ingredients to a blender, blend for 30 seconds and stir. Blend for another 30 seconds to 60 seconds. Pour into a glass and garnish with banana slices and oats if desired.

 

Benefits of a breakfast smoothie

Making a smoothie on school day mornings has some great benefits for students. The most noticeable is that they are so easy and quick to make, you will actually have a breakfast instead of skipping out because you think you don’t have time to eat. If you pack your smoothie with the right ingredients you will keep your tummy full for a longer period of time, and have the energy to focus in class.

Loving the berry season? Try this Heavenly Blueberry Smoothie from allrecipes.com.

Heavenly Blueberry Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 1 frozen banana, thawed for 10 to 15 minutes
  • 1/2 cup vanilla soy milk
  • 1 cup vanilla fat-free yogurt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons flax seed meal
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
  • 2/3 cup frozen blueberries

Directionsblueberry smoothie-Optimized

Cut banana into small pieces and place into the bowl of a blender. Add the soy milk, yogurt, flaxseed meal, and honey. Blend on lowest speed until smooth, about 5 se
conds. Gradually add the blueberries while continuing to blend on low. Once the blueberries have been incorporated, increase speed, and blend to desired consistency.

Having the perfect blender will ensure you get a consistently delicious smoothie every time you whip one up. You’ll want to check out the size of the blender jug and decide how many speeds, features and the horsepower you’re looking for.

Give these recipes a try over the next few weeks so you’ll be able to make them for a quick breakfast once back to school hits. Once you get comfortable making smoothies you’ll find you can whip up all kinds of smoothies in no time at all.

Check out bestbuy.ca for a large variety of blenders that will help you whip up the perfect smoothie every time.

Title image @www.shubies.com.

 

 

Lindsey Reed
I am a mom of two boys who loves reading and trail runs. I am passionate about health, fitness and food and write about these topics and more on my personal blog www.organicfitnesstips.net.