Blueberry season has come to an end.   It seems appropriate to bid them a fond farewell with this delicious smoothie.  I hope you loaded up on blueberries throughout the summer …and hopefully still have a few ice trays full of frozen blueberries to last you a while longer.

My clients’ most common excuse for not eating breakfast is that they don’t have enough time.  Well, here’s my answer:   smoothies.   Smoothies can be prepared the night before and stored in easy to carry containers to take with you on the road.  I like to use the Strauss glass milk containers.  The lids snap back on and don’t leak.  The heavy cream container is the perfect size – 16 oz.  But really, any drink container will do.

Now, it’s best if you enjoy a relaxing breakfast at home but I realize that is not always possible.  The important thing is that you EAT breakfast.  (Toss aside any idea that skipping breakfast will help you lose weight.  It won’t.  In fact, it will do just the opposite.)  Be sure to include a protein and fat in your smoothie.   And if you can, include something green like kale.  This will help keep you blood sugar and energy constant for a longer period of time.  Good protein options for smoothies are whey protein powder, chia seeds, hemp seeds, spirulina or other green powders such as Green Magic or the Sun is Shining.  Good fats include coconut milk, whole fat yogurt/kefir, or any nut milk.

Blueberry Blast Smoothie With Coconut Milk

Makes 4 cups

6 frozen blueberry ice cubes (or about ½ cup pureed blueberries)

1 banana

1 kale leaf or stem (optional)

1/3 cup coconut milk (don’t bother with the low fat – coconut fat/oil is amazingly good for you, don’t skimp)

3 cups water

½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

1-2  tbsp chia seeds or organic whey protein powder

Directions:

1. Put blueberries, banana, kale (optional), coconut milk, chia seeds (if using) and water in a blender.  Blend until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract and whey powder (if using).  Blend for a few seconds just to get vanilla and whey evenly distributed.  (Note:  Whey powder is best used with minimal blending.)