Ever since the weather warmed up, I’ve been making a green smoothie part of my morning commute and healthy breakfast. There are only 5 ingredients, and leaves are not even one of them (I prefer to eat my leafy greens). It’s easy, healthy, delicious, and takes minutes to whip up. Find out how you can jump-start your mornings with this gorgeous and good-for-you treat (also perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up):

Ingredients:

• Matcha –  I’m personally obsessed with this magical, green powder that is packed with antioxidants. Matcha is also my preferred source of caffeine. Unlike coffee, the caffeine in matcha is slowly released, which means no jitters and no crash. Energy without all the downside. Plus it’s delicious. The slight bitterness of matcha also adds a refreshing layer of complexity to the flavor profile.
• Collagen Protein Powder – I like the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides for a number of reasons. I can’t stand the chalky taste of most protein powders, but this one is truly tasteless. While you can’t taste it, the benefits are still there, and there are so many. To start, a serving of this contains 18 grams of protein, which is definitely a nice a boost to a healthy breakfast and keeps me full for the whole morning. The collagen also promotes healthy skin, hair, nails, cartilage, bones and joints.
• Avocado –  Daily dose of healthy fats and fiber that also adds a delicious creaminess to the smoothie. What’s not to like?
• Bananas – Naturual sweetener with added potassium and fiber. I like mine frozen for this smoothie.
• Almond Milk – Dairy free, low-calorie, and added benefits of calcium and vitamins.
• Ice – for added hydration and chill, plus it makes the smoothie taste almost like a soft-serve ice cream.

Direction

1. Add all of the ingredients to your blender. The specific amount is really up to you, but here’s what I use or 1 serving:
   • 1 tsp of matcha powder of your choice (Any food grade matcha will work; no need to splurge on ceremonial grade for a smoothie.)
   • 1 scoop of collagen protein powder
   • 1/2 of a small avocado, or 1/4 of a large avocado
   • 1/2 frozen banana (broken into smaller pieces prior to freezing)
   • 1 cup almond milk
   • 1/2 cup of ice
2. There’s a lot of room for customization here:
   • for a more slushy version, add more ice and less almond milk
   • for more creaminess, more avocado
   • for more sweetness, add a sweetener of your choice (e.g. agave syrup)
     • for a less sweet version, use less bananas
   • if you don’t like almond milk, water or other diary-free milk would also work
   • the amount of matcha is entirely up to you: more matcha will mean more caffeine and more bitterness, and vice versa.

If you end up trying this, please let me know in the comment section below. I’d also love to hear about any personal modifications you make 🙂