Super Summer Breakfast Smoothie

Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start when it comes to eating healthy. Knowing which ingredients to buy and meals to prepare can be confusing and time consuming, not to mention costly! So to help you out, we spoke with nutritionist and author of The Eat, Drink, and Be Gorgeous Project: 3 Months to a New You, Esther Blum, for a recipe that will give you plenty of fiber to jump-start your day, curb sugary cravings, and help burn fat.

Full of good-for-you ingredients, a homemade smoothie is one of the easiest ways for a beginner to start a new healthy lifestyle plan. “Although this drink may look a little gross, it tastes delicious, almost like a chocolate milkshake!” exclaims Esther. “Kale is one of the best detoxifying vegetables out there, so it’s going to help clean out your system, and paired with the cocoa powder, you can’t even taste it.” Whey (or rice) protein gives you energy to start your day. It also helps keep your mental focus steady, and curbs any saccharine cravings. “If your breakfast is sugary, you’re setting yourself up to want sweet things all day long,” explains Esther. This smoothie also cuts out yogurt and milk, as dairy can have an inflammatory and fattening effect—causing weight gain around your middle. “If you want to power up your smoothie even more, add a tablespoon of coconut oil,” suggests Esther. “The oil bypasses your stomach and goes straight to your liver, so it helps to burn fat. It’s also incredibly moisturizing for your skin and hair!”

Super Summer Smoothie Recipe!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup raw spinach or kale
• 2 scoops of whey or rice protein (or a mix of both)
• ½ cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 Tbsp of organic cocoa powder
• Cup of unsweetened almond, rice, or coconut milk
• ½ cup water

DIRECTIONS

Place all of your ingredients in a blender (Esther recommends a Vitamix), pulse until smooth, and enjoy!