This blueberry smoothie is not only packed with super healthy ingredients, it is super yummy and refreshing! It is our standard breakfast Monday through Friday. If you overindulged over the holidays as we did, and your looking for ways to eat healthier, you can begin the new year by getting into a routine of eating a healthy breakfast. Smoothies are great since they are portable, I hand my husband his smoothie as he walks out the door, and he drinks in on the way to work.
I know what your thinking...wow that is a lot of ingredients, but do not be scared, this smoothie takes less than 10 minutes to prepare. If you are not a morning person, you can measure out all the dry ingredients the night before, or even measure them out on Sunday for the entire week. I use fresh spinach and bananas in this smoothie, but I freeze them ahead of time. I buy a bunch of bananas every week, peel them and put them in a ziplock bag in the freezer. I also do the same with the fresh spinach, since the frozen spinach you buy in the frozen section of the grocery is cooked and slimy...fresh, raw spinach is better for you! I freeze the bananas and spinach for several reasons. First you want a smooth creamy consistency for your smoothie, without having to add ice. Secondly, your bananas will not sit on the counter all week and turn brown since you froze them at their perfect ripeness.
My nutribullet is by far my most used kitchen tool. If you do not have one it will change your world. My nutribullet has replaced my vitamix blender and my margarita machine because it blends things so smoothly and quickly, its easy to clean, and it takes up very little space on your counter.
Coconut water is rich in nutrients, it contains 5 essential electrolytes including calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, and sodium. ( Which makes for a great hangover cure...just saying) It helps with your digestion process, helps prevent indigestion, and reduces acid reflux. Keep it in the fridge to give your smoothies a nice cold base.
I added the protein to help keep you energized till lunch. Additionally, protein provides the amino acids your brain needs to function at its peak level.
Psyllium is high in fiber and helps lower cholesterol. For intestinal health it 1. reduces your appetite 2. improves digestion and 3. cleanses your system. Bottom line (excuse the pun) if you are irregular, this can be your new best friend.
Flaxseed is a high fiber superfood. It also contains omega 3, and vitamin B-1.
Hemp hearts contain both omega 3 and omega 6 (essential fatty acids that have heart health and anti inflammatory benefits). The protein and fiber in hemp hearts slows digestion which helps sustain your body's energy throughout the day. They have a nutty flavor and are great to sprinkle on salads.
BLUEBERRY SMOOTHIE RECIPE
Serves 1 for breakfast or a snack
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
INGREDIENTS
8 ounces (1 cup) coconut water (keep it chilled in the fridge)
1 tablespoon hemp hearts
1 tablespoon flax seed (buy the finely ground flax seed)
1/2 teaspoon psyllium husks
1 tablespoon protein powder
1/3 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 of a frozen banana
1/3 cup frozen spinach (a small handful), (fresh spinach that has been frozen, not cooked spinach)
1 teaspoon agave
PREPARATION
Pour coconut water in blender or nutribullet, then add remaining ingredients. Blend till smooth.
Note: If you want to be super organized and are usually rushed for time in the morning, you can combine all the dry ingredients in separate containers the night or week before. This will speed things up if you slept late!