On-the-Go Very Berry Protein Smoothie

Because there's simply no other way to name this smoothie o' mine.

As a mama who works full time,

breakfast has become one of the many life alterations that I had to change to keep up with tiny human demands.

Goodbye eggs, sausage and avocado toast (only on the days I felt a little "extra") - hello nutrient dense smoothies!

Why? Like...Why?

I've been a smoothie fanatic since my grandmother made me peanut butter and banana smoothies growing up. Only recently in the last couple of years, I've been more intentional with what I actually put in my blender.

Sure, a cup of frozen blueberries, a banana and whole milk would do just fine. Or, you know, those pre-packaged smoothie packs that you just throw in the blender and add water?

Maybe put some nut butter if you want to be fancy.

During my pregnancy is when the wheels started to turn with what I was putting in my body. If I wanted to have the energy and vitamins I needed to not just avoid hunger - but be stronger and healthier for it - there were some changes to be made.

Enter smoothies.

There are many variations, you can tailor them to your own taste (bitter, sour, sweet - but not hot), and they're quick and simple. All things a mama likes to hear.

Without further a-do (or rambling), here is the recipe for my current favorite concoction that saves my life every morning and prepares both my mind and body for the work crazy ahead.

Cheers!

Pre-Blending Tips:

• To get the most out of your money, purchase some (if not all) of the ingredients here in bulk. I make this almost every day, so I buy more and end up saving more, too!

• Freeze your spinach and bananas (peel, then pack) before blending - this makes for a creamier and chilly consistency (is that a thing? Now it is)

• This recipe calls for a "plant based milk" meaning almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, hemp milk, etc. Dairy is not my closest friend (unless in the form of pizza, to which my answer is always yes and amen). If you're a dairy fanatic, it will still taste great!

Ingredients

1/2 frozen banana

1/3 cup frozen mixed berries (blend of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)

A handful (or two!) frozen spinach

1 1/2 cups plant based milk

1 tbsp black chia seeds

1 heaping spoonful almond butter

1/2 tbsp raw honey

1 scoop (or 1/4 cup) of Vega Vanilla Protein Powder

1 tbspn (or small packet) collagen powder

What Comes Next

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend on second level speed for 5-10 seconds (just to get things moving). Once the fruit has broken down, turn speed down to low and continue blending until smooth.

Pour into your favorite travel cup or mason jar with a straw, sip and go!