Breakfast Protein Smoothie

The juxtaposition of my wonderful smoothie with the coffee maker is very much intentional in this picture. I am not a coffee person, nor do I really intend to be. I can take coffee on certain occasions when tea is not available and I want something hot to drink, but coffee in the morning and me do not mix too well. I made myself drink it when we were on a work trip in TX early this year, but it was only out of a pure need for survival with the devastating duo of early mornings and late nights.

I like vanilla protein shakes for breakfast, but those get old after a while. I needed more drinkable variety for my mornings to supplement my new standard breakfast of Greek yogurt and granola. I came across this recipe on Our Best Bites blog, which is another great foodie blog with great ideas. I was intrigued by the use of steel cut oats in the smoothie, but it is surprisingly good and a great way to get some whole grain energy in with the protein (Greek yogurt & spinach), calcium (yogurt & orange juice), iron (spinach) and berry goodness. You can use other frozen fruit if you wish, or add a 1/2 a banana.

So, if you're feeling a cold coming on and need a vitamin boost or just need a morning boost without the caffeine, take this smoothie for a spin in your blender!

Emmy's version:
adapted from Kate's Power Smoothie*you have to read her post, it's hysterical!

1 cup calcium fortified orange juice (Simply Orange or Minute Made-not from concentrate)
3 heaping tablespoons of steel cut oats
1 cup fat free vanilla Greek yogurt
1-1/2 cups frozen mixed berries
1 large hand full of baby spinach leaves, rinsed
1 cup crushed ice

Soak steel cut oats in orange juice overnight in the fridge (this will make it blend better and I think it is a must). Combine all ingredients in blender and blend well. Makes a big smoothie, great for a filling breakfast in the car.

Enjoy!

Emmy