Building a Balanced Breakfast Smoothie

Incorporating vegetables into breakfast is not always easy, but smoothies can help kick start your day with powerhouse nutrients in a travel-friendly format.

Blended food can feel less filling, but incorporating protein, fat, and fiber into your smoothies increases fullness by slowing down digestion and adding volume.

Other strategies for promoting satiety include sipping slowly and chewing a handful of nuts (instead of adding protein and fat to your smoothie).

MAKE A BALANCED BREAKFAST BY USING THIS CHART

Here are two smoothie ideas to get you started:

1 cup frozen mixed berries + 1 cup cauliflower + ½ cup unsweetened almond milk + ½ cup plain Greek yogurt + 1 tablespoon peanut butter + 1 teaspoon cinnamon
OR
½ cup blueberries + ½ banana + 1 cup spinach + ½ cup milk + 1 teaspoon grated ginger with small handful of almonds on the side (about ¼ cup)
 
References:
Dhillon, J et al. The effects of increased protein intake on fullness: a meta-analysis and its limitations. J Acad Nutr Diet; 2016. 116(6): 968-983
Rogers, PJ and R Shahrokni. A comparison of the satiety effects of a fruit smoothie, its fresh fruit equivalent and other drinks. Nutrients; 2018. 10(4):431.
Slavin, JL. Position of the American Dietetic Association: health implications of dietary fiber. J Am Diet Assoc; 2008. 108(10): 1716-3.