Is it starting to get hard getting up in the morning? We are getting in sync with our daily routines, but leaving bed is feeling like a struggle. Wake up with healthy and nutritious options to start the day off right and see instant changes in your mood, energy and overall wellness. Smoothies are a quick and easy way to get a good breakfast in before you leave.
With the right blend of ingredients, a smoothie can be a nutritional powerhouse — full of antioxidants, vitamins and protein. VALLEY has a few morning drink recipes that will kick start your whole day. All you need is a blender, cup and a (reusable) straw!
Blackberry Banana Smoothie
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups frozen blackberries
- 1 small banana, sliced
- 1/2 cup coconut milk or water
- 1/2 cup vanilla low-fat yogurt
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon honey
What You’ll Do
- Add ingredients one by one into blender.
- Set blender to ‘Liquify’ until you achieve desired thickness.
This smoothie won’t just help you wake up, but it will also help you slim down. It should be made thick and fruity and it is a refreshing treat no matter what kind of berries you use. Get creative and swap blackberries for equally energizing fruits, like raspberries or strawberries.
Mocha Java Protein Shake
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup almond milk
- ½ cup black coffee (chilled)
- 1 very ripe banana (frozen)
- 4 tablespoons whole grain oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla protein powder
What You’ll Do
- Add ingredients one by one into blender.
- Set blender to ‘Liquify’ until you achieve desired thickness.
This shake, unlike a cold brew coffee drink, is guilt-free and loaded with energy-rich ingredients. This will jumpstart your day and cure your coffee fix all in one!
Going Green Smoothie
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 2 cups frozen chunks of mango or pineapple
- 1 frozen banana (halved)
- Granny Smith apple (finely chopped)
- 1/2 avocado (peeled and finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
What You’ll Do
- Add ingredients one by one into blender.
- Set blender to ‘Liquify’ until you achieve desired thickness.
No need for a double take because you saw that correctly. Yes, avocado. It is high in fiber and low in carbs, and it has the same consistency as a banana. This combo of fruits and veggies makes this an overall healthy choice. Chia seeds are a great source of antioxidants for this power house of a drink.
Cherry Almond Smoothie
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup almonds (crushed)
- 2 tablespoons whole almonds
- 1 cup cherries (pitted)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon for flavor
What You’ll Do
- Add ingredients one by one into blender.
- Set blender to ‘Liquify’ until you achieve desired thickness.
This is a very unique pairing of ingredients that complement each other’s flavor and nutritional benefits. Almonds especially increase weight loss and reduce hunger. Adding lemon makes for a very tangy and sweet refresher.
Toppers
- Almonds: the nut with the most fibre (suggested crushed)
- Chia seeds: rich in fatty acids, calcium, protein and fiber
- Coconut shavings
- Peanut butter
- Almond butter
- Nutella drizzle
- Honey drizzle
- Whole berries
Turn any of these drinks into smoothie bowls by doubling the recipe and putting into a bowl. You will have your Playa Bowl order in the comfort of your own home.
If you do make these delicious and healthy treats make sure your phone eats first and tag us in your picture on Instagram @VALLEYmag.
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