Almond Date Breakfast Smoothie

So, I've literally had this breakfast smoothie almost every morning since the new year began.  It's amazingly delicious and healthy!  You get protein, calcium, vitamins, and a little sweetness too!

Almond Date Breakfast Smoothie
(makes 1 large glass)

1 cup skim milk or vanilla soy milk
1 tablespoon smooth almond butter
1 banana
5-6 pitted dates
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (optional)
6-8 ice cubes
*For added protein I sometimes add a scoop of protein powder, usually vanilla flavored.

Place all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth!  Pour into your glass and enjoy for breakfast or anytime of the day!!

Espresso Frappe

Since I purchased my new Vitamix blender almost a month ago I've been experimenting with all types of smoothies. Before I got my Vitamix, I made this green tea and banana smoothie a lot. I wanted to try to make a smoothie that can serve as part of my breakfast, with some caffeine, and lots of protein, and I think I've got it!  It's basically my own version of a frappucino, minus all the calories.  This drink has 35 grams of protein and about 250 calories and probably will keep you full until about 11am. At that time have  another 100 calorie breakfast snack such as a vita-muffin, greek yogurt, whole grain waffle, or a piece of fruit!

I poured my frappe into my reusable to go cup that I got at Bed Bath and Beyond and took it with me on my way to work...Speaking of venti cups, have you heard that Starbucks is coming out with a bigger iced coffee cup size?? Check out this article!

For an even better drink throw some chocolate chips in the blender and now you have a mocha frappe!!

Espresso Frappe
(makes enough to fill 1 Venti cup, see photo)
1 cup Skim Plus Milk (110 calories, 11 grams of protein)
1 package or scoop of vanilla protein powder (mine has 110 calories, 24 grams of protein)
3 packets Splenda (add more if you like it sweeter)
2 teaspoons (or packets) of instant espresso powder, or 2 shots espresso
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract (optional)
2 cups ice

Blend all ingredients together in the blender until smooth.  Pour in your to go cup and get on your way!!

Green Tea & Banana Smoothie

Green Tea & Banana Smoothie

1 banana (100 calories)

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (110 calories)

1 cup skim milk (110 calories)

1/4 cup matcha green tea powder

2 Splenda packets

5-6 ice cubes

Blend all ingredients together in a blender and enjoy!

It's very refreshing and light, and with the added protein powder it's also a good start to your morning breakfast! Add a fat-free yogurt later in the morning and you're good to go!