How would you like a breakfast that takes under five minutes to make, is packed full of essential nutrients, and requires very little effort to put together?
Smoothies are an easy, delicious way to get your required nutrients for the day, and I love to bring them on-the-go to work or school. This banana berry smoothie is the perfect combination of sweetness and tartness to satisfy your taste buds, plus gives you a burst of energy to start your day off on a good note!
Being a mostly raw vegan, I couldn't imagine a better way to wake up with lots of energy than by having my morning smoothie! Bananas give you energy from good carbs, potassium (required by the body to metabolize and use said energy); blueberries and raspberries add antioxidant power to heal and protect your body from stress. Cinnamon is anti-inflammatory and a great natural sweetener--it also stabilizes blood sugar levels. Nutmeg is thought to calm anxieties, lift mood, and is also anti-inflammatory. Finally, I love topping my smoothie with shredded coconut for that creamy tropical touch. Enjoy!
YIELDS
1 serving
PREP TIME
COOK TIME
TOTAL TIME
- 3 Bananas
- 1 cup Frozen blueberries
- 10-15 Raspberries
- 5-6 dashes Cinnamon
- 5-6 dashes Nutmeg
- 4 drops Vanilla extract
- Several sprinkles Shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup Water (add more for a thinner smoothie, less for a thicker one)
- 3 Bananas
- 1 cup Frozen blueberries
- 10-15 Raspberries
- 5-6 dashes Cinnamon
- 5-6 dashes Nutmeg
- 4 drops Vanilla extract
- Several sprinkles Shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup Water (add more for a thinner smoothie, less for a thicker one)
Directions
1. Break the bananas up into one-inch pieces, and put them in the blender first.
2. Add a cup of frozen blueberries on top, followed by raspberries (if you don’t have frozen blueberries, fresh ones will work just fine)
3. Add the spices and vanilla extract
4. Pour in your desired amount of water last.
5. Finally, just turn your blender on the fastest setting and mix it for about a minute, or until all ingredients are blended well.
6. Pour into your favorite glass, top with shredded coconut, and enjoy!
* Note: If you want a cold smoothie and don’t have frozen fruit, make sure to blend in some ice cubes as well!
Zoodles with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Photo: Kristen Lawrence
