Sometimes — okay, most of the time — we don't have spare minutes to whip up a fancy, healthy breakfast on work days. (To be honest, breakfast often looks less like a fresh omelette and more like frantically gnawing on half of a Kind Bar while power-walking to the train.) But, spring is officially here, and for many of us here at R29, that means spring cleaning across various areas of our lives — starting with eating more thoughtfully. What better way to revamp our nutrition and our mornings than with easy, energy-packed breakfast smoothies?
We asked Sabrina Diaz, founder of Grass Roots Juicery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to help us turn over a new, spring leaf. She put together five amazing smoothie recipes — filled with healthy fats, protein, fibre, and enough calories to get you going — that focus on what you really need to get over that a.m. hump. The best part? You can pre-measure many of these ingredients the night before. That way, you just have to pop them in the blender, pour the smoothie into your reusable cup, and run out the door.
Spiced Wisdom
250 ml almond milk
1 tbsp raw cacao powder
1 tbsp almond butter
2 inches turmeric root
1 1/2 bananas
pinch of cinnamon
1 handful walnuts
Diaz recommends this protein-packed smoothie for the woman on the go. In Spiced Wisdom, "You've got protein and fibre, healthy fats, [magnesium for] brain health, and more," she explains. Plus, some people believe that turmeric can reduce inflammation and swelling in the body.
Photographed by Dan McCoy. Food styled by Ali Nardi. Prop styled by Rachel Stickley.
The Sweetheart
250 ml coconut milk
1 tbsp hemp protein
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cup pineapple
1 tbsp ground flax seeds
Have you ever had a smoothie that features olive oil? This unexpectedly delicious ingredient, combined with flax seeds and hemp protein, makes for a smoothie with healthy fats and protein power.
Photographed by Dan McCoy. Food styled by Ali Nardi. Prop styled by Rachel Stickley.
The West Coaster
250 ml orange juice
1/4 cup raw pistachios
1/2 ripe avocado
1/4 cup peaches
Diaz recommends this OJ, avocado, and raw pistachio beauty for its vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B 6.
Photographed by Dan McCoy. Food styled by Ali Nardi. Prop styled by Rachel Stickley.
The Tropical Morning
250 ml pineapple juice
1 handful collard greens
1/2 avocado
1 handful blueberries
2 scoops acai puree
While the collard greens featured here aren't your typical morning fare, combining these vitamin-K-rich leaves with the sweetness of pineapple and the substance of avocado makes for a tropical breakfast that won't quit. Bonus: Sprinkle a little salt on the other half of your avocado and add a touch of Sriracha for a delicious afternoon snack.
Photographed by Dan McCoy. Food styled by Ali Nardi. Prop styled by Rachel Stickley.
Berry Me
250 ml apple juice
1 scoop of acai puree
1/2 cup papaya
1/2 cup strawberry
1/4 cup blueberries
1/4 cup raspberries
For mornings when you're in the mood for a little fruit, Diaz recommends this berry-filled concoction. It's on the sweeter side and is a great option for a pre-workout snack.
Photographed by Dan McCoy. Food styled by Ali Nardi. Prop styled by Rachel Stickley.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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