I was sitting in the drive thru line at McDonalds. No “healthy fall smoothies” there!
It happens to the best of us, you know. You. Me. We just end up there when life is busy and we’re starting to get hangry (hungry + angry)!
I had just finished shopping at our local grocery store. It was one of my first alone outings as a new mom—and boy it was memorable. What normally was a routine 20 minute trip for 10 items—turned into a 2.5 hour waste of time. The grocery store had decided that weekend to re-order their stock. To a new sleep–deprived mom it seemed absolutely ridiculous. The things that were logical to me as a baker and cook—somehow the person in charge didn’t seem to have the slightest clue, didn’t bake or cook, or didn’t do their own shopping. I was livid and like I said, “hangry”. So where did I end up because I had to eat and quick? Fast food.
Life. It happens to the best of us. Maybe you’ve experienced the same thing. Busy family, busy mornings, last minute fast food or worse yet—no food.
What can you do? Well, we implemented one strategy that has kept our family healthy and out of the fast food lane. To read more about it read my post, 1 Quick On–the–Go Meal Strategy That Keeps Your Family Healthy Without Busting Your Budget
What’s our secret? Protein smoothies.
Most often it feels like mornings are the times we feel most rushed for time—especially for busy families, so I’ve rounded up a number of recipes to help you get started. Great mornings lead to great days!
Better Than Coffee
1 cup beverage of your choice
Instant coffee to taste
4-6 ice cubes
Directions: To enjoy hot, heat milk and water then blend all ingredients together. Or enjoy cold by blending with ice.
Espresso My Heart
1 cup almond milk, or milk of choice
1-2 shots of espresso
Directions: To enjoy hot, heat milk and water then blend all ingredients together. Or enjoy cold by blending with ice.
Mocha Latte
1/4 tsp. instant coffee
8 oz. non fat milk(low-fat soy milk can also be used)
Water (or ice as needed)
Directions: To enjoy hot, heat milk and water then blend all ingredients together. Or enjoy cold by blending with ice.
Notta Lotta Spice
1 Tbsp. Dark Cocoa Powder (opt)
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
pinch of cayenne pepper
1/4 banana 8 oz. milk or water 4-6 cubes ice (opt)
Directions: Combine all ingredients in blender. Blend until creamy.
Apple Cinnamon Spice
1 cup milk of choice
1 cup unsweetened all-natural apple sauce
Dash of cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
Ice (as desired)
Directions: To enjoy hot, heat milk, then blend all ingredients together. Or enjoy cold by blending with ice.
Aztec Hot Chocolate
1 cup milk of choice
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Dash of cayenne
Dash of cinnamon
Directions: To enjoy hot, heat milk, then blend all ingredients together. Or enjoy cold by blending with ice.
**Don’t forget your must–have topping for all your favorite drinks and treats! Take a look at the Simple Coconut Cream Whipped topping recipe at the end of the post!
Pumpkin Pie
1 cup milk of choice
1 graham cracker
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup ice
Directions: Combine all ingredients in blender. Blend until creamy
Pumpkin Vanilla
8 oz. milk of choice
1 cup pumpkin puree
½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
½ tsp. vanilla extract
Dash cinnamon
Ice (as desired)
Directions: Combine all ingredients in blender. Blend until creamy
Pumpkin Ginger Spice
8 oz. milk of choice
½ frozen banana
½ cup canned or fresh pumpkin
½ tsp. nutmeg
1 pinch ground ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
Directions: Combine all ingredients in blender. Blend until creamy.
Pumpkin Spice
1/2 tsp. pumpkin spice
Dash of vanilla extract Dash of cinnamon
Ice (as needed)
Directions: Combine all ingredients in blender. Blend until creamy.
Carrot Cake
8 oz. milk of choice
1/2 cup frozen banana or frozen pineapple
3-4 baby carrots
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Directions: Combine all ingredients in blender. Blend until creamy.
Green Apple Pie
1/2 Granny Smith Apple
1 large handful of spinach
1/2 tsp apple pie spice 8 oz. milk or water 4-6 cubes ice (opt)
Directions: Combine all ingredients in blender. Blend until creamy.
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Oatmeal Banana Spice
8 oz. milk of choice
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 Tbsp. raw, steel cut oatmeal
½ frozen banana
Dash of cinnamon Ice (as desired)
Directions: Combine all ingredients in blender. Blend until creamy.
S’More Dessert Please
8 oz. milk of choice
1/2 graham cracker sheet
1 tsp. marshmallow Extract
Ice as needed
Top with whipped cream (optional)
Directions: Combine all ingredients in blender. Blend until creamy.
Bonus Recipe! Simple Whipped Coconut Cream
1/2 can coconut cream
1-3 Tbsp. powdered sugar (honey may be used as a substitute)
1 tsp. vanilla extract, or to taste
Directions: Using a chilled mixing bowl and electric mixer, beat coconut cream on medium speed until small peaks form. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until blended. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.
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