When I started my very first job out of college, I found myself overwhelmed by the challenge of balancing everything. There were so many things I needed to juggle: getting my workouts in, eating right, and—most importantly—getting to work on time. My mornings were packed, and I knew I needed a quick, nutritious breakfast that would keep me full and energized throughout the day. That’s when I discovered my go-to breakfast: the Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothie.
This smoothie quickly became my secret weapon—packed with nutrients, quick to prepare, and easy to take on the go. Not only does it taste like a treat, but it’s loaded with health benefits that make it the perfect way to start a busy day. Here's why I love it so much and why it's the ideal post-workout breakfast to fuel you for the day ahead:
Antioxidants: Blueberries are the star ingredient in this smoothie, and for good reason. They're packed with antioxidants, which can be especially helpful after a morning workout when your muscles need recovery. Starting your day with this smoothie gives you a delicious dose of these powerful antioxidants.
Protein: Post-workout, your body needs protein to repair and rebuild muscle tissue. That's where pea protein comes in. Pea protein is a plant-based protein that is not only great for muscle recovery but also supports satiety. By adding a scoop of pea protein to the smoothie, I’m giving my body the nourishment it needs after a workout, while keeping me full and satisfied through the morning.
Healthy Fats: Peanut butter is rich in healthy fats, which are crucial for maintaining energy levels throughout the day. These fats also support heart health and help keep you feeling full longer. I love that peanut butter adds a creamy texture to the smoothie while providing a source of healthy fats. Plus, the protein in peanut butter adds a satisfying richness that helps balance out the sweetness of the blueberries and banana.
A Little Spice: Cinnamon is more than just a flavorful spice—it’s packed with health benefits. It's known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce muscle soreness and support overall health. Cinnamon also helps regulate blood sugar levels, which is essential for maintaining energy levels throughout the day. I add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the smoothie to enhance its flavor and take advantage of all its health benefits.
The best part about this smoothie is that it's so easy to prepare. In just a few minutes, I can whip up a delicious and balanced meal that supports my health goals, whether I'm heading to the office or fitting in a quick workout before my busy day begins. And, of course, it tastes like Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich in smoothie form—what’s not to love?
If you're looking for a quick, nutrient-packed breakfast that will keep you energized and satisfied, this Peanut Butter & Jelly smoothie is the perfect solution. It's the ideal way to start your day on the right foot, providing your body with the fuel it needs to power through everything that comes your way.
PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY SMOOTHIE:
Ingredients:
1 banana, ripe
½ cup frozen blueberries
1 tbsp natural peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
1 scoop pea protein powder (or any protein powder of your choice)
½ cup unsweetened almond milk
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a blender: banana, frozen blueberries, peanut butter, protein of choice, almond milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Adjust consistency with more almond milk if needed.
Pour into a glass and enjoy!
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