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 separates 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 Cherry-Berry Breakfast Smoothie, I prefer frozen berries and cherries, 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.

You can easily be double and triple this easy recipe, 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, or kefir)
• 2 TBSP. almond butter (or other nut 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.  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 just one minute in the microwave. (It is important not to defrost the fruits completely, as they will keep the smoothie ice cold.)  Alternatively, you can take the berries out of the freezer, about half an hour before you need them.

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

Notes:

— Choose a good quality protein that dissolves well in liquid, as many have an unpleasant “chalky” taste.

— Use any frozen fruit you like. One of the ones I use is this is a 3-lb. bag of organic frozen cherries and berries blend. I find it in many groceries, included Costco.