It’s a new year and time for reflection on all the areas we could use a little self improvement. You have your typical diet, exercise, and clean living resolutions but a huge overhaul can seem overwhelming. Sometimes, making one small change at a time can be the seed you need to grow into a new and improved you!

With all of the hustle and bustle of daily life, often a healthy breakfast gets left in the dust. Just by switching out your daily bagel and cream cheese or buttery blueberry muffin, you can set the stage every morning for a day of healthy choices. One of the easiest ways to achieve the status of Breakfast Champion is to incorporate smoothies into your life. I’ve compiled a list of my go to smoothie recipes that never fail to satisfy that morning hunger while keeping me on track! 

Smoothie Tips

• Before we get started, do you have a blender? I mean a good blender? I recommend this Ninja blender for $99. It’s 100% worth the money and you can use it for everything from smoothies, chopping veggies, pureeing soups, etc. It’s a great investment!
• Go BANANAS! Buy bunches of organic bananas, slice them up and freeze them in large freezer bags. They are a great staple in most smoothie recipes.
• Buy huge bags of frozen fruit or chop and freeze your own when it’s in peak season.
• So, many, greens. It’s incredible how much spinach and kale you can “eat” in one smoothie. I recommend getting those bulk size bags of pre-washed greens to make things easy in the AM.
• Add your liquids first and work your way up to the lighter things, like leafy greens, for optimal blending.
• Add some nutritional boosters to your smoothies for extra goodness. Some great add-ons: Chia seeds, flaxseed, hemp seeds, and grass-fed collagen.
• Serve in a fun, large glass! Try our Aurora tumbler! It’s so pretty and holds 23 oz of smoothie perfection!
• For a change of pace, try serving your smoothies in a bowl. Our Potter bowl is the perfect venue for one of your healthy creations. Sprinkle with some granola and a drizzle of almond butter and you’re in for quite a treat!

1. The Almond Butter & Banana Blaster

I think all smoothies deserve a fun name that makes you feel like you’re enjoying a milkshake!

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 banana, frozen and sliced
• 1 cup coconut dairy-free yogurt
• 2 tablespoons of almond butter
• A handful of spinach
• Optional: A sprinkle of cinnamon
• Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth

2. Ginger & Banana Zinger

Ginger is incredible for digestion and adds a nice zing to get you going in the morning.

• 1 banana, frozen and  sliced
• ¾ cup vanilla yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon  freshly grated ginger
• Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth

3. Berry Cherry Delight

The added flaxseed is a top source of omega-3 fatty acids which may facilitate weight loss.

• 1 cup frozen raspberries
• ¾ cup chilled unsweetened almond milk
• ¼ cup frozen pitted unsweetened cherries
• 1½ tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed
• 1 handful of spinach
• Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth

4. The Green Goddess

The added mint is refreshing while the creamy mango adds the right touch of sweetness.

• 1¼ cups chopped kale leaves (stems and tough rib removed)
• 1¼ cups frozen cubed mango
• 2 medium ribs celery, chopped
• 1 cup chilled fresh tangerine or orange juice
• ¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
• ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
• Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth

Now go forth and smoothie!