It's a well-known fact that not everyone is a breakfast person. Some people are dedicated to starting their day with bacon and eggs every morning, whilst others are happy with a coffee and perhaps a cereal bar. I'm afraid to say that I fall under the latter, despite knowing how important breakfast actually is. We shouldn't even be drinking coffee in the mornings if you didn't know! Read our piece on why it's bad to caffeinate first thing if you want to find out more.
Due to so many of us reaching for a cup of coffee instead of an actual meal, there have been lots of recent trends surrounding easy go-to alternatives to have in the mornings. Whilst things like ginger shots and protein bars are healthy and ultimately better than nothing, they aren't sustainable enough to keep us going until lunchtime. That is why we should be consuming something that contains a mix of fresh foods, fibre and protein - and what better way to do it than with a smoothie. I've managed to find the best smoothie recipe that keeps me going all morning and it tastes great, so I knew I had to share it with you.
Before you find out how to make one, why don't you have a look at our guide on how to create the perfect morning routine?
Why should you have a smoothie in the mornings?
There are many benefits to starting your day off with a smoothie. Not only are they easy to make, especially if prepared the night before, but they are a great way to fill our bodies full of nutrients. Keep reading to find out what other benefits they bring...
1. They increase our fibre intake
Fibre helps your digestive system run smoothly as well as reduce the risk of you developing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and colon cancer. Some great high fibre foods that can be added to add to smoothies include raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, bananas, leafy green vegetables, chia seeds and almond butter.
2. They're a great way to eat more fruit and vegetables
Eating enough fruits and vegetables is crucial to good health, and it's recommended we eat at least 5 portions of them every single day. Doing so can lower blood pressure, lower the risk of developing diabetes and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases or a stroke. Smoothies are a great way to pack in the fruit and veg, and it'll leave you feeling great too!
3. They helps manage food cravings throughout the day
Smoothies provide a strong source of energy and protein. Protein is also known for making people feel fuller, therefore reducing food cravings later in the day. Protein takes longer to break down than carbohydrates, so they provide longer-lasting energy.
What do you need to make the breakfast smoothie?
In order to make this smoothie, here’s what you need:
Frozen banana
Frozen strawberries
Rolled oats
Protein powder (check out our favourite protein powders if you're not sure)
Peanut butter
Almond milk
The measurements depend on how much you want to make, but I do it just by filling up my protein shake blender until it's full and then whizzing it all up together. This will then give me a couple of portions, one of which I have for breakfast and one that I can either save for later or take to work with me. Frozen fruit is also so much easier to use than fresh fruit as it lasts for longer and gives the smoothie an iced feel, which I absolutely love.
Rolled oats also give it a really nice texture, as well as providing a strong source of fibre! The same goes for the peanut butter and almond milk, giving it a nice nutty flavour that I'm completely obsessed with.
Interested in more? Why don't you give these 5 simple post-exercise protein blender smoothies a go?
