Protein Packed Strawberry Breakfast Smoothie

Smoothies are great way to pack in nutrients and satisfy picky eaters. They can be thrown in an insulated cup and be taken in the car and you can "hide" a lot of nutritious ingredients that your kids might not always be willing to eat. Kids often say that they are not hungry in the morning and we let them go to school without eating, or they may wake up craving the wrong kind of carbs like donuts or Pop Tarts, so a smoothie is a great solution to both.

During my daughter's senior year of high school, she woke up a half hour before she had to leave for school. This is not a lot of time after a shower and makeup. I would make her a smoothie and hand it to her as she walked out the door.

It is so important for everyone to start the day with a brainy breakfast. Protein and the right carbohydrates wake up the brain and keep a steady supply of energy flowing throughout the morning. Mornings can be hectic and sometimes we go for the convenient, not so healthy breakfast, or we skip breakfast all together. The smoothie is easy, convenient, and healthy! I always have frozen fruit in the freezer, but you can use fresh and just add ice. We also always have Greek yogurt which is a great source of protein. Oats also have protein and they are a great carbohydrate full of fiber. Plain, organic Greek yogurt is recommended, but a flavored, low sugar Greek yogurt works too, especially for those who need a little more sweet. If you use plain yogurt, you can add vanilla extract or honey. This recipe calls for chia seeds, if you don't have them on hand, don't worry, just leave them out this time. Chia seeds are small, but are loaded with nutrients. They are packed with fiber, protein, the good omega-3 fats, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Add them to a smoothie and your kids will never know.

Kids especially like smoothies, they love to make and drink them. Let them choose the ingredients, and if they are old enough, let them make it themselves. It doesn't take a lot of time and the cleanup is easy. Our family often has smoothie-offs. We each make our own smoothie and then we vote which one tastes the best. Funny how we each think our own is the winner. Below is the recipe for the Strawberry Breakfast Smoothie, have fun with it. Tweak it as necessary and know that your are starting the day with all the nutrients your body needs for a great morning.

STRAWBERRY BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE

1 C of frozen organic strawberries

1 banana

1/4 C oats (whole, organic)

1/2 C of organic Greek Yogurt (a 5-6 oz container works, strawberry is a little tastier than plain, but remember to find a low sugar option)

1/2 of chia seeds

1 C of almond milk, organic low-fat milk, soy milk

Add ingredients to your Ninja or blender, blend, and enjoy!

Note: I will always recommend organic, but understand if you can't find organic, it's not convenient, or it's too expensive.