Pandemic Meal Prep: GoTo Breakfast Smoothie

One of the more challenging aspects of living during a once in a lifetime pandemic has been the knock-on implications. Pre-pandemic we were all living busy lives but now the work weeks are longer. The most recent Microsoft study has indicated that they are 10 percent longer.  I've typically worked 45-60 hour work weeks for the last 5 years. One way I propel myself forward is meal prepping. I spend an hour or so once a week, usually on a Sunday, to make my M-F breakfasts and lunches. Taking the time to do this helps me eat healthier but also saves cooking time that I really don't have during the work day. I also dread asking myself "what do I make today?" Choice can be paralyzing at times. 

My go to breakfast smoothie is full of stuff. I sneak many things in it to help make them nutrition dense. I will say it's a high in natural sugar but I usually have a 16 ounce serving only. Many items I add have been geared toward fertility and nutrition for supporting my system functions. I've been drinking a version of this since before having children. It's super healthy, filling and you can't really go wrong with it. 

Containers 

I start with mason jars. You can freeze these as well and take them out either the night before or early the next day (depending on preference for breakfast time). I refrigerate my smoothies since I like to drink them before 9am. I use a Vitamix blender but you can really use any blender just make sure it can make a finer blend. This isn't a sponsored post and I know how expensive Vitamix blenders can be. I saved up for mine and for me it has lived up to all the hype. If you prefer to drink with a straw, use a wide one is needed since this is a thicker smoothie. 

Base Items

1.5 Cups Unsweetened Almond Milk

1 TBSP Ground Flax Seed (for digestion)

1 TBSP Chia Seeds (heart health and fiber)

1 TBSP Hemp Hearts (Omega 3&6, heart health) 

Supergreens Powder [or just Spirulina or Acai powder, whatever your preference] (Immune system boosters) 

Here's what it looks like after I have added the base items. 

 

Fresh Items

1 Banana 

3 Cups of Fresh Spinach 

Cucumber with skin

1 Smaller Carrot cut in pieces

2 Celery Stalks 

1/2 Apple with skin (I prefer Gala's to add sweetness)  

1/2 Ripe Avocado 

Any fresh veggies or fruit you don't want to go bad. 

Frozen Items 

I flash freeze (super easy) lots of veggie/fruits in the summer and they last a long time in the freezer. When I run out I buy frozen. 

1/2 Frozen Beet

3 slices of Zucchini with skin (poached and flash frozen)

1 Cup Frozen Blue Berries

3/4 Cup of Frozen Strawberries 

1/2 Cup of Frozen Pineapple or Mango (or both)

 

After all the ingredients are in I add 6 ounces of coconut water while blending. Regular water works good too. 

Here is my final product. It's dense but it tastes great and keeps me full until lunch.