Power Punch Smoothie

Breakfast and I have a love-hate relationship.  I don't like to eat as soon as I get up.  When I was growing up I would get dressed and ready for school THEN go to the table for breakfast.  My brother was one of those people who couldn't figure out what foot to put his socks on if he hadn't eaten.  As soon as his feet hit the floor he would stumble to the table for his vat of cheerios.  Now that I'm an adult I understand the importance of eating breakfast and not waiting too long to get it in your belly to jumpstart your metabolism.  While coffee is a neccessary evil in my life, I know that isn't a good breakfast.  But I still don't like eating as soon as I hit the floor, and breakfast (other than cold cereal) is a pain to make.  So I needed a solution.  I found one in this.  It's pretty brainless to make (about the same number of steps as making coffee) and I can drink my breakfast instead of having to weld a fork and knife. because if you've encountered me before I hit the bottom of my coffee cup in the morning, you'd know that forks and knives are NOT tools I should use that early.  The great thing about this brainless, drinkable breakfast is that it is sooooooo good for you!  It really is the perfect breakfast.  Thanks to the almond butter and greek yogurt it's loaded with protein (which will help keep you full if you're trying to take off a spare tire or two like me), and lots of the healthy goodness of raspberries, which pretty much are close to perfect with all their goodness (think antioxidant overload).  The yogurt is fat free, saving on calories.  And since it's Greek yogurt, you get fat free without sugar being added back in for flavor!  *on a side note, we love Greek yogurt in our house, we use it as a fat-free substitute for sour cream too!*  So here's the recipe for my Power Punch Smoothie!

1 cup of Greek yogurt, plain (do not get vanilla, there's extra hidden sugar in that people! nobody needs those calories.)
1 cup of frozen raspberries
2 Tablespoons almond butter
Ice *optional*
Blender

Pick whatever brands you can find or you prefer.  This is what I happen to be able to find at my local grocery stores.

I say the ice is optional because it doesn't do much other than add some volume and keep it a little colder a little longer.  I have the blocks of ice that your typical icemaker produces.  If you have access to crushed ice, that is so much better.  My blender HATES the icecubes and I always end up with big chunks of ice.

Throw everything in the blender together.  Seriously just toss it in there.   I don't even measure anymore.  I can't think that clearly that early in the morning.

This is it.  Now just blend it up.  I have to baby my blender.  Hopefully you don't!

It doesn't look like there's much there when it's still in the blender.  It is a single serving, but trust me, it's plenty.

It is important that when you poor it up that you put it in a pretty glass.  Dig out the good stuff, ladies.  If you won't do it for yourself, who will?  Certainly not the kindergartner who is currently wiping his snotty nose on your bathrobe.  Oh wait, that doesn't happen to you?  Oh well.  I'll wear my snotty robe with pride.  It's the way I roll.

Now enjoy.  This is a healthy serving because let's face it.  If you're drinking something pink and creamy, the 8 year-old princess is gonna want a sip or six.  Go ahead, let her.  It's good for her, too and there's enough to share...a little bit anyway.

A fun straw adds to the joy.  I firmly believe that food should be savored and enjoyed.  Fun straws help me accomplish that.

Now I'm all fueled up for my day.  Warning:  This is NOT a sweet smoothie.  It is an acquired taste for some.  But by the time you get to the bottom of the glass, I promise you'll love it.  Enjoy!!