Quick + Easy Green Smoothie Recipe // Perfect Healthy Breakfast

I’ve always believed that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  It can jumpstart your metabolism, which helps you burn calories throughout the day.  Skipping the first meal can signal your body to conserve energy instead of burning incoming calories and can also lead to overeating later in the day with less healthy foods. Choosing to eat the right foods to eat in the morning is also important because it sets the stage for your body’s cravings, energy levels, and even your mood for the rest of the day.

That’s why I start my mornings with delicious and nutritious homemade green smoothies. I find that my energy and focus is higher when I start my day with a healthy meal.  Packed with super-foods and healthy ingredients that are beneficial to your body, each smoothie contains four servings of fruits and vegetables. It can keep me full for hours and it’s so creamy and refreshing, even my kids and husband love it!

I love that they’re quick and easy to make — it takes less than 5 minutes to combine everything in a blender. I use this one and recommend it as a cheaper alternative to a Vitamix or Blendtec.  It’s a powerful blender that comes with single and family-sized serving cups.

Keep reading to learn more about these ingredients and how to combine them to make a delicious smoothie you’ll want to have day after day!

Ingredients

Kefir

I was introduced to kefir last year and was impressed by all of its amazing health benefits.  It has a tart and tangy flavor that’s similar to a drinking-style yogurt, but more nutritious!  Kefir is a cultured, enzyme-rich fermented milk, loaded with valuable B vitamins, essential minerals, and easily digestible complete proteins.  It’s also high in nutrients and probiotics, which are very advantageous for digestion and gut health. When consumed regularly, it can lower blood sugar and cholesterol.  If you’re lactose(milk sugar) intolerant, the yeast and friendly bacteria found in kefir cultures consumes most of the lactose, making it easily digestible.

You can find it at your local supermarket in a variety of flavors or you can easily make your own.

Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Powder (Vanilla Bean)

This has been my go-to protein powder supplement because it’s better tasting and healthier than other products I’ve tried.  It’s a completely plant-based, vegan powder made of peas, brown rice, and chia proteins. I love that it contains no artificial colors, flavorings, preservatives or added sugar and is USDA organic, GMO-free, gluten-free, soy free, non-dairy, and kosher.  It’s a clean protein that I feel comfortable giving to my kids.

Flaxseed

This powerful, tiny seed is a rich source of omega-3 fats, antioxidants, fiber, and proteins.  Studies show that it can help prevent cancer, lower cholesterol, improve heart health, prevent hot flashes, improve blood sugar, and relieve constipation.

You can use whole or ground flaxseed, but whole flaxseed has a much longer shelf life.

Banana

Bananas are a healthy source of fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and various antioxidants and phytonutrients.  They add sweetness and creaminess to the smoothie in addition to lowering blood pressure and blood sugar, reducing the risks of cancer and asthma, supporting heart health and digestion, and preserving memory.

I like to add fresh bananas into my smoothies, but if they get too ripe I cut them into ½” pieces and freeze them until I’m ready to make my next smoothie.

Frozen Mangoes

Mangos are one of my favorite fruits.  They contain over 20 different vitamins and minerals and are free of fat, sodium, cholesterol.  They’re also high in antioxidants. This sweet and creamy fruit boosts immunity, supports heart health, improves digestion, supports healthy eyes, skin, and hair, lowers the risk of certain cancers, and lowers cholesterol.

I like to use organic pre-cut frozen mangoes because they’re easy and convenient to use while keeping the smoothie cold.  You can also cut them fresh and/or freeze them yourself.

Spinach

Spinach is an extremely nutrient-rich vegetable and packs high amounts of carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, iron, and calcium.  These nutrients are important for skin, hair, and bone health. They also promote heart health, can prevent cancer, repel bacteria and viruses, strengthen eyesight and the immune system, and keeps you energized.

I use prewashed spinach, which makes it easy to quickly add into my blender without any additional steps to clean it.  I love including it in my smoothies because it’s a healthy addition that doesn’t overpower the other flavors.

Equipment

I use my Nutribullet, but any blender should work.  Note that if you’re including frozen fruits or ice, using a blender with at least 1000 watts of power is recommended.

Everyday Green Smoothie Recipe

Yields 3 cups

• ¼ cup kefir
• 1 scoop protein powder
• 1 tbsp flaxseed
• 1 medium banana
• 1.5 cup frozen mangoes
• 1.5 cup spinach
• 1 cup water

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until creamy.  Consume and enjoy!

Place any leftovers into an airtight container (I use these mason jars) and consume within 24 hours.  You can also add some lemon juice to prevent oxidation (throw it out if it smells or looks dark brown).

What do you add to your smoothie? I’m always looking for new ideas!