Cherry-Berry Breakfast Smoothie

 

When it comes to most breakfast drinks, the complaint is that they are not flavorful enough to satisfy the appetite, nor filling enough to replace a more traditional, carb-laden breakfast.   This is often the case with drinks prepared in a juicer, where the fiber pulp is separated from the rest of the fruits and vegetables and then discarded. On the other hand, a blender processes the whole fruit, including the fiber, which means that it takes longer to digest and leaves you feeling fuller, longer.

Adding a healthy protein–like almond butter–to the fruit, along with some almond milk, makes the smoothie thick, creamy and substantial. For this recipe, frozen berries and cherries are preferred as they eliminate the need for added ice, which changes the consistency of the smoothie. In addition, frozen fruit means that you can enjoy this breakfast smoothie all year ‘round.

This recipe can easily be doubled and tripled, if you have a big capacity, high-speed blender. Store it in the refrigerator, in a glass container and enjoy it throughout the day or share it with your family so you can all enjoy a delicious, protein-rich and nourishing breakfast!

Cherry-Berry Breakfast Smoothie

      (serves one)

• ½ cup almond milk (or milk)
• 1-2 TBSP. almond butter
• 2 TBSP. vanilla flavored protein powder (preferably plant based) *
• 1 cup frozen fruit (dark cherries, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries) **

1. Place almond milk, almond butter and protein powder in a blender and whizz for a minute (this helps dissolve the powder and makes the smoothie less “chalky”).

2. Place frozen berries in a microwave-proof measuring cup and defrost slightly for one minute in the microwave. (It is important not to defrost the fruits completely, as they will keep the smoothie ice cold.)

3. Add the fruit to the blender and purée for another minute. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy!

 

*  Not all protein powders are created equal: I have tried several, only to find out that very few dissolve well in liquid and many have an unpleasant “chalky” taste. The one I like to use is called Plant Fusion – Complete Plant Protein, Vanilla Bean, which I find at Whole Foods.

 

 

 

 

 

 

**  This is a 3-lb. bag of organic frozen cherries and berries blend that I have in the freezer all the time. It can be found in many groceries, included Costco.