Don't Leave Home Without It
Breakfast, that is.
Studies show it's the most important meal of the day. It balances our blood sugar levels after fasting all night, improves concentration and revs up your metabolism.
But, reality is that it's often hard to find the time to make breakfast for the family and something for yourself before rushing off to tackle the day.
That's why I love a homemade smoothie. It's quick, tasty and cost effective. Of course, you could stop into Jamba Juice, Smoothie King or some other place, but often these smoothies are so loaded with fat, sugar and calories they're not even close to being healthy.
I like to keep frozen seasonal fruits on hand for just this reason. Actually, the trick to a great smoothie is to use frozen fruit. Don't throw away that overripe banana anymore! Just peel it, break it in half, put it in a plastic bag and toss it in the freezer until you need it. Other fruits like strawberries and blueberries, work just as well.
You'll find that frozen fruit creates a nice thickness and a slushy texture to the smoothie without having to add too much ice, which can make it watery.
The beauty of a homemade smoothie is that you can use a concoction of whatever is in your refrigerator and freezer, throw it in the blender and, voila, an instant and healthy breakfast on the go. No excuses.
This morning I used two overripe bananas that had gotten lost in the freezer and been there since I don't know when. They even had a little freezer burn on them, but no worries.
For the liquid, you can use milk, almond milk or soy milk. Or fruit juice is also another choice. Protein powder is a great add-in. As is bee pollen. Aloe vera juice. Powdered supplements like spirulina. Fiber. Ground organic flax seed. Yogurt. A few (two or three) cubes of ice. Nuts or granola add nice texture. The variations are endless.
So create your own signature smoothie and you'll start your day off with a bang!
Buen provecho!
Fruit Smoothie
The Cowgirl Gourmet
Print Recipe
Serves 2
2 frozen overripe bananas or 1 1/2 cups of frozen fruit of your choice
1 1/2 cups almond milk, milk or soy milk
1/3 cup plain yogurt, whole milk or fat free
1/3 cup aloe vera gel
1 tsp. vanilla
1 packet Splenda
2-3 cubes of ice
Toss everything in the blender and puree until creamy.
Pour into two glasses and share with a friend, spouse, partner or the kids.
Studies show it's the most important meal of the day. It balances our blood sugar levels after fasting all night, improves concentration and revs up your metabolism.
But, reality is that it's often hard to find the time to make breakfast for the family and something for yourself before rushing off to tackle the day.
That's why I love a homemade smoothie. It's quick, tasty and cost effective. Of course, you could stop into Jamba Juice, Smoothie King or some other place, but often these smoothies are so loaded with fat, sugar and calories they're not even close to being healthy.
I like to keep frozen seasonal fruits on hand for just this reason. Actually, the trick to a great smoothie is to use frozen fruit. Don't throw away that overripe banana anymore! Just peel it, break it in half, put it in a plastic bag and toss it in the freezer until you need it. Other fruits like strawberries and blueberries, work just as well.
You'll find that frozen fruit creates a nice thickness and a slushy texture to the smoothie without having to add too much ice, which can make it watery.
The beauty of a homemade smoothie is that you can use a concoction of whatever is in your refrigerator and freezer, throw it in the blender and, voila, an instant and healthy breakfast on the go. No excuses.
This morning I used two overripe bananas that had gotten lost in the freezer and been there since I don't know when. They even had a little freezer burn on them, but no worries.
For the liquid, you can use milk, almond milk or soy milk. Or fruit juice is also another choice. Protein powder is a great add-in. As is bee pollen. Aloe vera juice. Powdered supplements like spirulina. Fiber. Ground organic flax seed. Yogurt. A few (two or three) cubes of ice. Nuts or granola add nice texture. The variations are endless.
Buen provecho!
The Cowgirl Gourmet
Print Recipe
Serves 2
2 frozen overripe bananas or 1 1/2 cups of frozen fruit of your choice
1 1/2 cups almond milk, milk or soy milk
1/3 cup plain yogurt, whole milk or fat free
1/3 cup aloe vera gel
1 tsp. vanilla
1 packet Splenda
2-3 cubes of ice
Toss everything in the blender and puree until creamy.
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