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Introduction
In our fast-paced world, the concept of a 'liquid breakfast' has gained immense popularity, and for good reason. The smoothie revolution began in the 1960s when health food stores on the U.S. West Coast started experimenting with blended fruit drinks. However, it wasn't until the 1990s that smoothies truly exploded onto the mainstream scene, coinciding with a growing interest in health and wellness. Today, our Vibrant Vitality Boost smoothie continues this tradition, offering a convenient and delicious way to pack a wealth of nutrients into your busy schedule. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent on-the-go, or an athlete looking for quick refueling, this smoothie is designed to provide sustained energy and nourishment, proving that healthy eating doesn't have to be time-consuming.
Ingredients
• 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), fresh or frozen
• 1 medium ripe banana, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2% or full-fat
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup fresh baby spinach, loosely packed
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1/2 cup ice cubes (if using fresh berries)
• 1 scoop (about 30g) vanilla protein powder (optional, for extra protein)
Step 1:
Add almond milk, Greek yogurt, and spinach to the blender.
Step 2:
Add mixed berries, sliced banana, and honey (if using) to the blender.
Step 3:
If using, add the protein powder and ice cubes to the blender.
Step 4:
Blend on high speed for 45-60 seconds, or until smooth and creamy. Pause to scrape down sides if necessary.
Step 5:
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more honey or maple syrup, blending briefly to incorporate.
Q: Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
A: While best consumed immediately, you can prepare it the night before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shake well before drinking.
Q: How can I make this smoothie vegan?
A: Replace Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt and ensure your protein powder is vegan if using.
Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A: Yes, but use about 1/4 cup of frozen spinach as it's more compact than fresh. Thaw and drain excess water before adding to the blender.
• For a thicker smoothie, use frozen banana slices instead of fresh.
• Adjust the amount of almond milk to achieve desired consistency.
• You can substitute almond milk with any plant-based milk or regular dairy milk.
• For a sweeter smoothie, add more honey or use naturally sweet fruits like mango or pineapple.
• This recipe contains dairy (Greek yogurt). For a vegan version, use plant-based yogurt and protein powder.
• If using frozen berries, reduce or omit the ice cubes.
Pour the smoothie into two glasses and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with a few whole berries or a sprinkle of granola.
Best consumed immediately. If necessary, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir before drinking.
For quicker preparation, use pre-washed spinach and pre-sliced frozen banana.
- Use frozen banana for a thicker, creamier smoothie.
- Add liquid ingredients first to help the blender process more efficiently.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add more almond milk; if too thin, add more ice or frozen fruit.
For a tropical twist, replace half the berries with mango or pineapple. For a green smoothie, increase spinach to 2 cups and add 1/2 avocado for creaminess.
Serve with a slice of whole-grain toast spread with almond butter for a complete breakfast.
Best in summer when berries are in season, but can be enjoyed year-round using frozen berries.
Contains dairy (Greek yogurt). May contain nuts (almond milk). Check protein powder for additional allergens if using.
