Blueberry Banana Chia Oat Smoothie

I'm sipping on this hearty, filling, textured smoothie as I type away at this post.  It is yummy!  It is breakfast in a cup, which was perfect for me this morning.  I've been carrying it around, sipping as I get stuff done around here.  


I often use my Everyday Green Smoothie as a perfect base for adding whatever else to my smoothies.  Usually it is frozen berries, but today I wanted the extra heartiness of oats.  I also decided to throw some blueberries in there, which made it a pretty purple.  


The oats make this a "textured smoothie" so if that is not appealing, skip the oats.

Blueberry Banana Chia Oat Smoothie

2 large handfuls of spinach (about 2 cups)

1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice-coconut, soy, dairy)

1 banana

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I use Plant Fusion, see below)

1/3 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

1 cup ice

1/3 cup oats (optional)

2 tbls chia seeds (optional)

Place spinach, almond milk, banana, chia and protein powder in blender.  Blend until smooth.  You should see a cortex in the middle, if you don't add a bit more milk until you do.  When smooth, add oats, then ice.  Blend a bit more.  Pour and enjoy!

This smoothie contains at least 16 grams of fiber and lots of protein from the powder and spinach.  It is also a good source of iron (spinach), potassium (banana), and antioxidants.

Chia Seeds

Love 'em.  Why?

~the are jammed packed with protein and minerals and healthy fats and fiber

~they provide more plant based Omega 3's than any other food, even FLAX

~they have 5 GRAMS of fiber PER TABLESPOON!

~they are flavorless and dissolve in juice, soups, stews, shakes etc..

~they are FILLING!

The protein powder I use is Plant Fusion Pea Protein Powder.  It is vegan and is sweetened with stevia herb. No yucky artificial sweeteners.  Love it!