Breakfast Smoothie & Detoxifying “Green Drank” (v, gf)

Recently, a reader asked why I have posted only one true breakfast recipe. The answer is, I usually blend a protein smoothie for myself and throw it in a blender bottle in the morning- it’s a fast, portable meal that keeps me full for hours, and the protein is timed well after morning workouts. Posting variations of the same smoothie would be boring, but I thought I’d share the basics.

My favorite combo is:

PB & CHOCOLATE BANANA SMOOTHIE

2-3 scoops chocolate protein powder (your choice- whey, soy, both, other)
1 banana, cut into chunks
1 tbsp natural peanut butter
water (1 1/2- 2 cups)

Directions: blend all ingredients well, for about 2 minutes in a food processor. Pour and serve.

But this morning, I made:

VANILLA-BLUEBERRY FLAX SMOOTHIE

2 scoops vanilla protein powder (whey or vegan)
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
2 tbsp ground flaxseed
2 cups water

Directions: blend all ingredients well, for about 2 minutes in your food processor. Pour and serve.

I also have a batch of our beloved “green drank” whipped up and sitting in the fridge right now. It’s great for aiding digestion, or to drink a few times a day to detox if you’ve eaten really badly over the previous week or weekend (bad habit of ours- weekday workouts should not always be partnered with weekend cupcake runs). Oh, and this smoothie is also how I get leafy greens into my diet- I am not the biggest fan of salads. I like hot food, vegetables, beans, grains, soups, etc. I am not a rabbit.

Behold! Green drank!

DETOXIFYING GREENS SMOOTHIE

2 bunches organic parsley
2 organic Granny Smith apples, diced
1 bag spinach or other green mix, such as Power Greens or romaine/spinach blend
juice of 1 lemon
1 cucumber, diced
1 inch piece ginger, optional
water to blend, to taste (about 6 cups)

Directions: blend all ingredients together in batches, processing for 2 minutes or more each and removing completed batches into a large pitcher. Add enough water to help your food processor blend these fruits and veggies- also, add enough to make the drink drinkable. I like the veggies almost liquified and with lots of water. This smoothie is quite nutritious and will help eliminate toxins from the digestive system, blood, and kidneys. Or so I’m told.

Here’s to your health!