The Power of a Smoothie

May 14, 2012 by Kari Karch

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  I grumble at myself almost every morning trying to think of a healthy way to start my day when really deep down I wished that mom was in the kitchen making me chocolate chip pancakes in the shape of Minnie Mouse. Those were the good old days of waking up late while the aromas of maple syrup and applewood smoked bacon filled my bedroom on a Sunday morning. Fast forward twenty plus years and know that those days are few and far between seeing that mom lives 45 minutes away and it might be a little odd to request Minnie Mouse shaped pancakes at the local Golden Nugget pancake house. Ah, but not to worry dear friends, all ends well when I tell you about a little secret that I’ve taken out of my vault of quick and easy ideas! Enter the blender.

Well it’s no secret that smoothies rock and are good for you, seeing that after the last two years of making them I feel great and energized every morning. Not only are the flavors fantastic, but you are getting a significant amount of fruits and veggies into your diet without much thought! Here is my recipe for my morning smoothie that I live by but also know that these ingredients are interchangeable and can be substituted with items such as frozen berries, nut butters, yogurt, soy milk, and other vegetables of your liking. Ready? Set? Get buzzing!!

 

Super Green Power Smoothie

  • 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
  • 1 scoop Green Machine powder ( found at Trader Joe’s)
  • 1 Tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 Tbsp ground flax
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup organic baby spinach
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 cup ice

Place all ingredients in a blender and purée till smooth. Serve immediately.

 

Kari Karch

Kari Karch is a 19-year veteran of the culinary industry, creator of Kiss the Cook, and the head chef and spokesperson for the Kenmore brand. She has made many notable appearances on ABC Morning News, on WGN, on the Cooking Channel and as a judge for the World Food Championships.