As the old adage says: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Even the science is there to back it up. But when it comes to the first meal of the day, our choices are often less than ideal—an uncooked Pop-Tart in the car, a leftover muffin in the break room, or donuts at a meeting. By the time you get around to having your “real” breakfast at 10am, you’ve already crashed. These simple breakfast shakes are much healthier options that will still leave you feeling hungry again in an hour or two.
Sticky, Beige “Milkshake”
1 scoop vanilla protein powder of choice
1 scoop vanilla greens powder (We love Vega!)
1 cup almond/hemp/coconut milk
½ cup almond butter
Mmmm, who said healthy, low-carb breakfasts couldn’t be delicious? Well they may have been on to something. Put all of this in a blender and pulse until the almond butter has liquified. Top with cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy! With this mixture of ultra-concentrated protein your body can’t process and a heaping serving of fiber, you’ll be ready for your daily egg McMuffin in no time.
Berry Sunrise
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup strawberries
1 cup frozen grapes
1 banana
1 cup coconut water
Whip up this fruity treat for an extra kick in the AM. The sweetness may be a bit much at 7 AM, but that’s only because you’re consuming over 60 grams of sugar all at once in liquid form! If you aren’t asleep when the time for your mid-morning bagel rolls around, you’re sure to wake up with sugar cravings and a headache.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream
½ cup steel-cut oats (even better if you soak them overnight!)
1 scoop protein powder
1 frozen banana
1 cup almond milk
1 Tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp vanilla extract
This chocolatey treat is a balanced blend of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. Feel free to mix it up with flavors you enjoy—add peanut butter, a splash of coffee, or even a half-cup of yogurt for a decadent, non-filling variation. This might actually keep you feeling full until lunch if you take it early, but it’s light enough to allow for a scone, if you wanted.
Left-Over Salad
3 cups (or however much you have left) salad
“Lite” dressing, to taste
Assembling all of the ingredients you need for a nutrient-packed green smoothie can be a hassle, especially when you’re rushing out the door. Just toss that Caesar side salad from last night in the blender (hold the croutons!!!!!!) and enjoy a savory smoothie you won’t want to finish before your usual Greek yogurt.
These yummy smoothies will prep you to perfection for your second breakfast, whether you’re a casual cereal snacker or an everything bagel aficionado. Your brain will feel less foggy, and you’ll be energized and ready to make tough decisions once you get around to eating real breakfast.
