In my 20’s I was terrible at starting my day with breakfast.  I’d more often than not skip this important meal and replace it with coffee and then binge at lunch instead.  I knew the old adage “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”  Off course in my 20 year old brain all I heard was “bla bla bla”.

The biggest problem was that I wasn’t a big breakfast fan and didn’t find myself super hungry in the mornings.  This is probably because I was a big evening snacker which we all know is the worst time of day to eat;). I was in my 20’s though, invincible, and those added pounds could roll off another day…or decade:)

Well, then I turned 30 and with that became older and wiser! It was about 7 years ago now that my hubby and I did a crash diet…I don’t recommend it and I won’t even mention what it was called.  Sure, there were some good things about it and if nothing else, it helped me to reboot some of my bad eating habits.  One of those being the breakfast meal that I had been avoiding for years!

As a working mom with busy mornings, I needed to come up with a breakfast option that was quick and easy,  not too heavy, but still nutritious enough to get that old metabolism going!  So, I created a smoothie and I kid you not,  I have been drinking this smoothie every morning since!  (except off course if were on holidays). I literally go to bed excited about my morning smoothie…and COFFEE off course.  If you ask anyone who has ever slept at our house they will attest to the fact that our entire house wakes up to the sound of my blender at 7am  (sorry everyone!).

So, for 7 years I have blended the same mix each and every morning for Dion and I, once in a while one of our older kids, and now miss Mila gets smoothie in her rice cereal:)

Earlier this year our family did a whole 30.  I was determined to incorporate my smoothie into this meal plan and my improved whole 30 compliant smoothie is one area that I’ve managed to maintain.  I’m going to share with you my smoothie recipe with dairy/sugar free options along with the original recipe. Both options are a great start to your day with good healthy ingredients.  Maybe you prefer or need the dairy in your diet or maybe you’re someone trying to cut dairy and/or sugar.  I have options for everyone!

Here you have it!  I hope you try it out…let me know your thoughts!  I use a Ninja blender system for ours but there are lots of great blenders out there.  You definitely need something with some good power to blend the frozen berries.

I start by adding in the mixed berries and frozen mango.  I buy both of these from Costco in the freezer aisles.  I haven’t found a more cost effective source and they are always good quality!  Next, I add in one fresh banana.  I’ve also chopped up and frozen banana chunks before which is a great solution when they are starting to get too ripe.  If you’re adding frozen bananas I’d probably go with about 3/4 cup.

Next, I add in the almond milk (I use unsweetened original Blue Diamond Almond Breeze), almond butter ( Kirkland brand) , and sprinkle some hemp seeds on top (I usually buy this package from costco)

At this point, you’re ready to start blending but have a full glass of water ready because the next step is adding water until it reaches the consistency you are looking for.  For example, if you are wanting to turn this into a smoothie bowl, you won’t need much water at all (and in fact may opt to add a bit more almond milk for a smoother finish) . It really comes down to the thickness you prefer.  I add about a full cup of water because we like it to be a fairly drinkable consistency.

Mix until you’re happy with the results and the voila!  Its Breakfast time!

The Everyday Smoothie:

The busy moms quick start breakfast filled with anti-oxidants and metabolism boosting ingredients. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup – Frozen Mixed Berries
• 1/2 cup – Frozen Mango
• 1 Banana
• 1 cup – Milk (sub almond milk for dairy free version)
• 1 tbsp – Peanut Butter (sub almond butter for sugar free/whole 30 compliance)
• 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt **I try to use fat free if possible  (omit for dairy free version)
• 1 tbsp hemp seeds (I’ve also used flax seed as another option)
• Water

Add all ingredients to a blender, and pulse until combined. Serve immediately.

(If the smoothie is too thick, add more water)

ENJOY!

XOXO, Karin

 

photography by Bernine Marie Photography