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Friday, September 4, 2009

Friday Food for Thought—Breakfast Smoothies

I used to be one of those people who skipped breakfast, even though nutritionists say it’s the most important meal of the day, and that it should include protein. I’ve never been a big fan of packaged cereal and toast or other breakfast-type pastries, and I have always equated protein with meat, which is not something I usually want first thing in the morning. It’s taken some retraining on my part, but I am finally a breakfast eater. Now most mornings start with a bowl of oatmeal or a scrambled egg and a breakfast smoothie.

Lee’s Good-for-You Breakfast Smoothie

1 banana
1 cup fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, etc.)
1/2 scoop whey powder
1 to 2 teaspoons flax seed oil (high in Omega-3 fatty acid)
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 cup milk

Whirl everything in the blender and enjoy.
I buy vanilla-flavored whey powder that has no artificial sweetener. The berries are high in antioxidants, and the whey powder and oil are high in proteins. Omega-3 is supposed to reduce cholesterol and coronary disease, improve the way we respond to stress, and even fight certain cancer cells.

A smoothie is also great for busy people who don’t have time to sit down and eat breakfast. It only takes a couple of minutes to prepare, and can be consumed while getting dressed and driving to the office. And it’s delicious!

So no more excuses for skipping breakfast.

Until next time,
Lee

3 comments:

Rachel said...

Smoothies are such a good idea!

I've made them with tofu instead of yogurt, milk and whey powder. Plain soft yogurt or the dessert kind that comes presweetened and flavoured with peach or almond – delicious with blueberries!

Rachel said...

I mean, plain soft tofu, not yogurt.

Argh.

Lee McKenzie said...

Great suggestion, Rachel! Tofu is a wonderful alternative for people who are lactose intolerant. I've never tried the dessert type of tofu, but the peach version sounds yummy!