During my time eating by the slow-carb diet, every morning I ate the same thing. I’d briefly sauté a handful of broccoli and run around doing my makeup and getting dressed while it sizzled in the background. Then, I’d add a spoon of cottage cheese and 2 beaten eggs or some egg whites, depending on my mood. It was yummy, but sometimes I struggled with the egg whites being extremely watery and sort of gross. I also had issues with my frying pans getting egg-crusted and impossible to clean.
A couple weeks ago, I developed a new breakfast system that I want to share! For me, smoothies are perfect: I can prepare them when I’m still half asleep, I can quickly clean up the immersion blender, and, let’s be real here – they’re delicious.
The key here is the immersion blender. Last summer, I tried to do fruit smoothies, but using the regular blender ended up being too noisy, not to mention messy and ineffective. I bought my immersion blender cheaply at the grocery store, it’s by President’s Choice’s Everyday Essentials brand (I can’t find it online). It comes with a plastic cup which is very easy to clean, I use it for my morning smoothie every day.
Here are the loose “recipes” I’ve been using lately, depending on what I have in my kitchen.
#1: blend small handful of spinach with soy milk until smooth. Add 2-3 tbsp Greek yogurt, handful of frozen mixed berries, one banana (broken up), and about 1/4 cup of orange juice. Blend!
#2: blend small handful of spinach with some fruit juice until smooth. Add 2-3 tbsp Greek yogurt, handful frozen raspberries, 2 tbsp fruit sorbet, and a little more juice. Blend!
As you can see, the second is a little less filling. I’m planning to experiment with different types of smoothies in the coming weeks, so I’d love to hear your suggestions. I buy about one bag of frozen berries per week, alternating between mixed berries and raspberries. They cost about $6 at my grocery store. I always buy the same kind of Greek yogurt, because it’s totally delicious and full of protein. And just in case any of you are skeptical about the spinach: don’t be. It’s impossible to taste, or to feel texturally.
So please: any smoothie recipes?
As a green smoothie expert of sorts, beyond the traditional favourites (frozen berries are my go-to), I have developed a couple others I love:
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
-spinach
-pumpkin puree
-vanilla yogurt
-almond milk
-pinch of nutmeg/cinnamon
And (as of this morning) Mint Chocolate Chip:
-spinach
-vanilla yogurt
-water
-cashews (i soaked them over night)
– chia seeds
-a couple chocolate chips
– banana
– splash of mint extract
Laura! You are the greatest! The pumpkin pie one actually sounds beyond amazing. I’m going to try it as soon as I get my hands on pumpkin puree. And I’m not a huge fan of mint and chocolate, but the second sounds perfect for me if I omit the mint. Yum! Okay this is awesome I have some amazing ideas about what to pick up at the grocery store this week. :) Thank you!
you will become hooked on the pumpkin one and insist everyone around you try it. it’s also the prettiest colour!
also, it doesn’t hurt that i can assemble everything with one hand during this time of uselessness (as long as Radha cleans the magic bullet for me)
I can sense that I may become addicted to smoothie-making. You’re the best kind of enabler: a smoothie enabler!
ps. I’m glad Radha is being helpful, it must be the worst having your right hand out of commission. :(
Hey girl – I srsly drink this like three times a week. I was kinda hoping all the dark leafy greens would make me radiate, but I somehow still look like a train hit me. Oh Well, here goes:
1/2 frozen banana
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 tbs ground Chia seeds
1tbs peanutbutter (optional)
splash Almond Milk
2 cups Kale
Blend, chug, go to pilates, pray.
OM NOM NOM. Sounds so so good. I think the consensus is I need to get my hands on some chia seeds, stat. You are totally radiant, all the time, don’t even start with me honey. :)