In case you’re wondering, that was a trick question. The breakfast of champions can be a shake or a smoothie. And, I’m not going to say these are the only Breakfasts of Champions but for today, we’re discussing these two breakfast choices.
To clarify the difference between the two, a shake requires a covered cup contraption often called a blender bottle that comes with a wire-whisk ball. Add some liquid like water or almond milk and some goodies like powered protein with chia seeds. A smoothie requires some blending usually with some help of an electrical appliance. It usually consists of some fruits or veggies mixed in with some possible protein powders, etc. The shake is an easy on-the-go option while a smoothie requires a little more effort around prep time and clean up.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and sometimes it just doesn’t fit into our schedule the way it should. How we begin the day will determine how the rest of the day goes. It will determine if we feel energized or if we’re dragging with a lack of energy. What we put in our bellies is directly related to how we physically feel. So if you are a skip breakfast and grab the coffee mug morning person then this article is just for you.
We all need and crave energy. I know I do! Sometimes it’s so easy to grab a quick bowl of cereal or even forget breakfast and simply bulldoze through the morning on 1-2 cups of coffee as the kind of nutritional energy we draw from to survive the day. I don’t want us to barely squeak though the day; I want us to thrive throughout our day. I also don’t want you to go on the “crash and crave” roller coaster.
if we begin our mornings with caffeinated coffee and sugar, we crash, and often feel too tired to take on our responsibilities. Sometimes this pattern has us reaching for another cup of coffee to get through a few more hours. On a personal note, I understand the struggle is real. At one point, while studying in Costa Rica my host family owned a coffee plantation– and partake from the fruit I did! Suffice it to say, I understand breaking a 5 cup of day coffee addiction. Now I occasionally enjoy a cup, enjoying life in moderation and my adrenals continue to thank me.
Instead of flirting so much with coffee, I now flirt with shakes, and smoothies.
Remember that shakes are the fastest way to go as you can mix things up in a blender bottle. Often when I’m on the go, another way we can combine some flavorful goodies is to add cinnamon or raw cacao powder. Full day ahead? Add a little extra protein using hemp hearts or flax seed. Going for the “Gold Star” award? Add some powered greens for sustained energy and gentle detox. All off this takes less then 3 minutes. It’s as simple as adding water, shaking things up and whalah! We’re good to go!
Smoothies are another quick alternative to a speedy breakfast. I love how it involves our creativity. Toss in some greens like spinach, a little fruit like berries, and a healthy liquid like coconut water. The small changes can bring about big impact in our cells vitality and the stamina we feel. Starting the day with a smoothie provides our bodies with antioxidants, our secret agent fighting off free radical damage. Besides, it’s a great low glycemic treat that helps us curb sugar cravings for the entire day and avoid a crash.
Next time you want a quick breakfast, try a delicious shake or smoothie. I believe they’ll leave us feeling energized, motivated and ready to dominate the day. These morning breakfast options provide our body with the nutrients it needs to naturally boost the metabolism and increase energy. So, what are you reaching for tomorrow morning? I know I will be pulling out my shaker cup or blender and getting ready for some long lasting energy.
Try this Yumminess!
8 ounces chilled coconut water
4 ounces water
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/2 frozen banana
1 Tablespoon nuts (try raw macadamia nuts, almonds or pecans)
2 teaspoons raw cacao powder
3 scoops of clean protein powder (I use USANA’s Nutrimeal Free)
Blend and serve! 🙂
Chime In!
Do you have a favorite “breakfast of champions” that fills up your tank and tops off your energy levels? Let us know. Are you more a shake or smoothie fan? Or if you’ve tried the recipe from above, what did you like best about it?
