My Go-To Vegan Breakfast Smoothie

Why I have this nutrient-rich AM deliciousness every morning! You guessed it - IT'S BANANAS!!!

Well it's just 1 banana but couldn't we all do with an extra boost to help us get sh*t done in the mornings or is it just me? That's where the banana comes in... And the rest of course!

This smoothie gives you exactly that boost! It's quick, cheap and a complete source of goodness to get you ready for the day - not to mention the most delicious thing I've ever had as a breakfast staple!

There are SO MANY benefits to this liquid-heaven, I don't even know where to start!

So, What is It?

I like to call it the "Green Machine" - because it's green - and a machine is exactly what it turns you into! It gets me ready to start my day, fills me with energy which it slowly releases throughout the day.

IT'S PACKED with anti-oxidants, high in vitamin B6 and iron, rich in magnesium, potassium and all kinds of other immune system-boosting vitamins and nutrients with added fibre to get all your cogs up and running - PACKED I tell you!

What's In It?

Now, there's the million dollar question! Well, the good news is - if the title didn't give it away -

IT'S COMPLETELY VEGAN!

This 700ml plant-based smoothie contains:

• 300ml COCONUT MILK

• 300ml ALMOND MILK

• 1 tbsp PEANUT BUTTER

• 1-2 tsp SPIRULINA POWDER

• 1-2 tsp CACAO POWDER

• 4 tbsp PORRIDGE OATS

• 1 whole BANANA

TIP: I like to put the powders in first with the porridge oats THEN pour the milk and add the rest. It just means you don't get powder muck everywhere BUT in your smoothie and will help you avoid the powders clinging to the walls of your blender like a thoroughly unplanned watercolour painting.

WHY IS IT SO GOOD FOR YOU????

In terms of vitamins, nutrients and daily needs, you can see here it covers (assuming you'll eat 2 more meals, have a snack, and an extra small meal if you're training) your daily intake of calcium, protein (again, add 1 scoop vegan protein powder if you're training), calories, fat, sodium, vitamin C and iron. it also covers your vitamin D and vitamin B12 needs which, as a vegan I can assure you covering these 2 troublesome nutrients is a huge bonus!

The ingredients themselves contain an abundant level of goodness and benefits!

A Little on Spirulina AKA Green Magic

Spirulina is only just becoming popular in the Western World but have been used for it's benefits in many other parts of the world for a very long time. The nutritious benefits to spirulina powder are endless. It is a type of good bacteria called

cyanobacterium which often referred to as blue-green algae and is grown in fresh or salt water.

Described by healthline.com as the most nutritious edible food on the planet gram for gram, this magical powder; which can even be grown in space! Is said to be extremely high in many nutrients and the main active compound of spirulina (phocyanin) has powerful anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and has shown to be effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Several studies conducted recently have also shown spirulina to have anti-cancer properties and be incredibly good for your heart by reducing high blood pressure as well as having a healthy relations with your cholesterol levels.

Personally I find spirulina essential for my daily energy levels as a nutritious combating agent to fatigue and generally providing me essential elements of wellness. From experience, I don't need to study the positive properties of it, it's my Green Magic :)

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Written by Charlotte Deverill