Scrumptious Sinless Smoothies

I used to be one of those people who said "I'm not into protein powders or shakes, they are too much work and I like to EAT my food not drink it" well well well, let me tell you, that has changed! I now start EVERY morning with a smoothie and when I finish it I immediately look forward to the next morning when I can devour the next cup of deliciousness. Now, I haven't totally given out on eating my food vs. drinking it -- I usually have a bowl of cereal or some eggs to complement my shake since its usually right after my workout and I need a BIGGGG breakfast :) However, these smoothies are definitely satisfying enough to enjoy as your full breakfast!

I use an immersion blender to make my smoothies, I find it easier to clean and use but you could of course use a regular blender to make these too! you can purchase am immersion blender for 30 bucks and it is useful for so many other things such as blending soups and sauces. I would recommend the Cuisinart Smart Stick :)

First up is the "I just died and went to heaven smoothie" LOL but really....This smoothie has chocolate peanut butter, banana, and almond milk and is 100% good for you but tastes 100% bad for you! YUM!

Serves 1, total time 10 minutes (applies to all recipes below)

1 peeled frozen banana cut into 1 inch pieces ( let it sit on the counter for about 5-10 minutes before you blend it into the smoothie)
1.5 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 scoop of your favorite chocolate protein powder
1 T The Peanut Butter Company Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter (can be found in pretty much all grocery stores)
2 T rolled oats (optional)
1 T chia seeds or flax seeds (optional)

pour almond milk into blender and protein powder. Blend until very well mixed and there are no lumps. blend in the chia/flax seeds and rolled oats. add half of banana pieces and blend until combined, repeat with other half of banana pieces. blend in 1 T chocolate peanut butter until well combined. Then drink this and tell me you didn't just "die and go to heaven"!!


Almond Berry Blast Smoothie - this is another one of my absolute favorites! Its super fresh tasting and fruity and the almond butter makes it extra creamy :)

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder
about 6 ripe strawberries
1/2 frozen banana cut into 1 inch pieces ( let sit on counter for about 5-10 minutes before blending into smoothie)
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1 T almond butter (I use crunchy but you can use whatever you have or prefer)
2 T rolled oats (optional)
1 T chia/ or flax seeds (optional)

Combine and blend the almond milk and protein powder until well mixed and there are no lumps. Blend in the rolled oats and chia/flax seeds. Blend in the fresh strawberries, then the frozen banana pieces, and then the frozen blueberries. Blend in almond butter until well combined. nom nom nom

PB&J Smoothie 
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 frozen banana cut into 1 inch pieces
5 ripe strawberries
1 T all natural peanut butter
2 T rolled oats (optional)
1 T chia or flax seeds (optional)

Vanilla Blueberry Almond Smoothie 
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 frozen banana cut into 1 inch pieces
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1 T all natural almond butter
2 T rolled oats (optional)
1 T chia or flax seeds (optional)

Apple Cinnamon Smoothie 
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 frozen banana cut into 1 inch pieces
1 apple cut into 1 inch chunks with skin on
1 t cinnamon
2 T rolled oats (optional)
1 T chia or flax seeds (optional)

Ok, so if you couldn't tell from my corniness in this post I am super excited to share these smoothie recipes with you guys because they are my new obsession. Also these smoothies are so much healthier and SO much less expensive than picking up a high sugar, low nutrition smoothie at Jamba Juice, Robecks, etc...and I promise it won't take you any longer to make these smoothies than it will to wait in line at the smoothie shop and have them make it for you!


Enjoy and let me know if you guys have any awesome smoothie recipes I should add to my list :)

Broccoli, Cheddar, and White Bean Soup

This soup is perfect for warming you up! Its filling, delicious, and comes together in under 30 minutes. I originally adapted this recipe from The Sweets Life, but made a few changes. The white beans make this soup nice and creamy without adding cream or extra cheese. I would recommend serving this with a green salad and good quality italian roll or bread.

(picture courtesy of The Sweets Life)

Broccoli, Cheddar, and White Bean Soup 
Serves 4 (1.5 cup each)
Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 20 minutes, Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients: 

-1/2 T olive oil 
-1 medium yellow onion, chopped 
-4 cloves garlic, minced 
-2 (14 oz.) can reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
-1.5 cup water
-1 lb broccoli crowns, trimmed and chopped (approximately 6 cups, 2 large heads)
-1 can (14 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (buy low sodium if available)
-1/4 tsp salt
-1/4 tsp ground white pepper (I used 1/8 tsp ground black pepper)
-1 cup Cabbot 50% reduced fat shredded Cheddar cheese, plus extra for serving 
-Light sour cream (optional for serving) 

Directions: 

1. In a large soup pot heat olive oil over medium high heat, add onions and garlic and saute until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes)

2. Increase heat to high, add water and broth and bring to a boil. Add broccoli. Cover and cook until tender (approximately 8 minutes).

3.Stir in drained beans, salt, and pepper. Cook until beans are heated through, about 1 minute.

4.Reduce heat to low and using an immersion blender, blend soup until you reach desired consistency 

5.Stir in cheddar cheese until it is melted completely 

6.Serve soup topped with a dollop of sour cream and an extra sprinkle of shredded cheddar