Everyone has their breakfast favorites from scrambled eggs or cereal, to breakfast sandwiches or oatmeal, but we’re here to help break the morning monotony with some new and delicious breakfast ideas. In honor of National Dessert Day, we’re sharing some healthy smoothie recipes inspired by some of our favorite desserts. These smoothies are filled with nutrient-packed foods and ingredients to help you make the most of your day but they taste like pumpkin pie or mint chocolate chip ice cream (O.K., well not exactly like the full blown dessert but try them – you’ll love them). They’re delicious and easy to make and most importantly, you won’t have to save room for dessert.
Key Lime Pie Smoothie
This tart, yet sweet and creamy smoothie tastes like the tropical island pie you love but it’s full of good-for-you ingredients. Bananas are loaded with potassium and the avocado’s healthy fats give this drink its creamy texture. Packed with vitamin A and C, the half-cup of spinach offers nutritional benefits and bright green color. Serves 1
Ingredients
1 ½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 frozen banana
2 pitted dates
½ avocado
½ cup spinach
2 limes, juiced
1 cup ice
Directions
1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high until a thick, creamy consistency is achieved.
2. Pour into a glass and enjoy.
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Get a head start on your pumpkin pie indulgence this year with this sweet and spicy smoothie. The bright orange color comes from beta-carotene which is found in pumpkin and other orange colored fruits and vegetables. The chia seeds, which help to thicken the drink, also add protein and filling fiber while the spices are a good source of antioxidants. Serves 1-2
Ingredients
1 ½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
2 dates
1 Tablespoon chia seeds
¼ cup canned pumpkin
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
½ frozen banana
Directions
1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high until a thick, creamy consistency is achieved.
2. Pour into a glass and enjoy.
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie
Fresh mint and avocados are the stars of this smoothie concoction. Avocados and their dose of healthy fats bring the smoothie together with a creamy consistency. Spinach helps your body use the energy from the other foods you eat and dark chocolate offers beneficial antioxidants. Serves 1-2
Ingredients
1 ½ cups milk (or milk alternative)
10-12 fresh mint leaves
½ avocado
1 frozen banana
½ cup baby spinach leaves
1 serving chocolate protein powder
1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs
Directions
1. Add milk, mint, avocado, banana, spinach and protein powder to blender and mix on high until a thick, creamy consistency is achieved.
2. Add cacao nibs and blend on low-medium until well mixed.
3. Pour into a glass and enjoy.
Coconut Cream Pie Smoothie
There’s nothing quite like a slice of coconut cream pie but this deliciously sweet and healthier version has less sugar overall and even sneaks in a few healthy ingredients. Frozen banana and chia seeds make this creamy like pie filling and the coconut flavor will satisfy. Serves 1-2
Ingredients
1 ¼ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
½ cup ice
2 pitted dates
1 tablespoon chia seeds
½ frozen banana
2 tablespoons dried, unsweetened coconut
1 tablespoon coconut cream (optional)
Directions
1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high until a thick, creamy consistency is achieved.
2. Pour into a glass and enjoy.
Note: Since everyone’s health history and nutritional needs are so different, please make sure that you talk with your doctor and a registered dietitian to get advice about the diet and exercise plan that‘s right for you.