Why Smoothies Are Important for Breakfast
Breakfast Is The Most Important Meal of the Day
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and sometimes it just doesn't fit into our schedule the way it should. How we begin the day will determine how the rest of the day goes. It will determine if we feel energized or if we feel dragging with a lack of energy. What we put in our bellies is directly related to how we physically feel. So if you are a "skip breakfast and grab the coffee mug morning" person, especially your morning workout, then this post is especially for you.
We All Need and Crave Energy
We all need and crave energy. I know I do! Sometimes it is so easy to want to grab a quick bowl of cereal or even forget breakfast and just get through the morning on 1-2 cups of coffee for the energy needed to survive the day.
If you tend to workout first thing in the morning, then you might be rushing to shower, get ready and out the door in time for work. I get it, you're pressed for time, trying to beat the morning commute so you can be on time for the first meeting of your day. There usually just isn't time for breakfast.
If this sounds like you, then you cannot afford NOT to eat breakfast. Not eating a nutritious meal after your workout can negate all the hard work you just put in. You need to fill your body with nutrients and minerals, not just to get you through the day, but also to repair, recover and alkalize your body from your workout.
Thrive Throughout the Day
I don't want you to just survive through the day, though; I want you to thrive through the day. If you begin your morning with caffeinated coffee and sugar, you will crash, and you will be either too tired to make it through your responsibilities or you will be reaching for another cup of coffee to get through a few more hours. I don't want you on that "crash and crave" roller coaster every day, that's a surefire way to lead to injury and burnout.
A Fast Breakfast
Smoothies are a quick alternative to a fast breakfast that can help energize you throughout the day. When you toss in some greens, a little fruit, and a healthy liquid, like coconut water, you are bound to feel energetic and ready to take on the day.
Starting the day with a smoothie also gives you well-needed antioxidants which help protect your body from free radicals, and it is a great low glycemic start. Eating a low glycemic breakfast will help curb your sugar cravings for the entire day and it will also help with not crashing.
Next time you need a quick breakfast, try a delicious smoothie that will leave you feeling energized and motivated. A morning smoothie will provide your body with the nutrients it needs to produce natural energy and naturally boost your metabolism.
To help you get started here's a recipes that I call this the "Green Madness."
Green Madness
1 cup water, or dairy-free milk (almond, hemp, or coconut milk)
1 banana, frozen, sliced into small chunks
½ avocado
Handful of parsley
1 cup kale or baby spinach
1 tablespoon ground flax seeds
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Stevia, to taste
½ teaspoon vanilla (optional)
So, what are you reaching for tomorrow morning? I know I will be pulling out my blender and getting ready for some long lasting energy.
Naomi Nakamura is a Functional Nutrition Health Coach. She helps passionate, ambitious high-achievers who are being dragged down by fatigue, burnout, sugar cravings, poor sleep, unexplained weight issues, and hormonal challenges optimize health, find balance, and upgrade their energy so they can do big things in this world.
Through her weekly show, The Live FAB Live Podcast, programs, coaching, and services, she teaches women how to optimize their diet, support their gut health, reduce their toxic load, and improve their productivity, bringing work + wellness together.
Naomi resides in the San Francisco Bay Area and can often be found exploring the area with her puppy girl, Coco Pop!
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