One small change that’s made a big difference this year has been the switch to smoothies for breakfast.  Sure, I still love bacon and eggs from time to time but I find myself much more energized with blended fruits in the AM.  I developed the habit after going through a 21 day cleanse and noticing how incredibly vibrant and fantastic I felt. 

My first cleanse was in 2009 and I repeated it again this year, one year later.  If you want to read about the first one, go here. 

Smoothies allow your body to rest a bit (not as much to digest) and I think of it as a mini cleanse each day.  After a big Thanksgiving meal and prepping for the holiday season, I think it’s a smart idea to weave at least one healthy meal into your day.  Lots of my clients want to lose weight or feel better but don’t know how.  Consider making this one change to your eating routine (smoothies for breakfast) and see how you feel.  Here are two of my favorite recipes:

This first one is full of blueberries.  I like to load up at the farmer’s market (we found an awesome organic vendor there) and freeze them for many months of use. 

BLUEBERRY and CHOCOLATE (yes) SMOOTHIE

1 cup blueberries (frozen helps make it cold, buy organic if possible)
1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (with the nut milks at Whole Foods or most stores now)
1 packet stevia (awesome, natural sweetener)
2 teaspoons raw cacao powder (it’s a superfood,healthy!)

bonus:  one scoop superfood, green powder
bonus:  one heaping tablespoon brown rice protein powder

Note:  You can use other protein powders but be careful with soy since most people are allergic.  And, whey is dairy.  Don’t go for that if you’re lactose intolerant.  Brown Rice protein has been a GREAT find for me this year.  I like the Nutribiotic brand.

BLEND and drink.

This next one sounds yucky but it’s not too shabby.  I always feel great whenever I drink it. 

GREEN SMOOTHIE

1 1/2 cups of unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup coconut water (use fresh or buy it on the shelves.  Both will work)
2 leaves lacinato (dark green) kale or swiss chard, coarsely chopped
1/4 avocado (give the smoothie body, I skip it if I don’t have an avocado)
1/2 cup mango chunks (easy to buy frozen)
1/2 cup ice if you’re not using frozen fruits

BLEND and drink.

Make your life EASIER by loading up on fruits from the frozen section.  Look for organic. Or, buy in season and cut up to store in the freezer.

Enjoy!