There are days when you just don’t have time for a sit down breakfast, even a very quick one. It is on those days that my blender and shaker bottle come in real handy – they allow me to get my energy and nutrition even when time is not on my side.

Say hello to a world of protein smoothies.

While the content of my smoothie varies depending on what I have in the fridge / what I crave (i.e. some days only peanut butter banana protein smoothie will satisfy the sweet tooth), most of the days it is a green avocado based drink that I crave.

Avocados are actually a fruit, not a vegetable; and are characterised as berries (just like tomatoes)! Not only do they contain around 15-30% healthy fats (monosaturated oils which aid in absorption of fat soluble nutrients from greens and other foods), one serving provides more antioxidants that broccoli! Another interesting observation is that, despite being so smooth and creamy, a half of avocado provides as much soluble fibre as a bowl of oatmeal.

Avocado adds beautiful richness and creaminess, not to mention all the healthy fats, fiber and antioxidants that it provides to set you up for the day. And I think it is the combination of ginger and apple that lift this drink to a new level. The final result – satisfying delicious blend of goodness in a glass.

 

(makes enough for 2 people / meals)

Half an avocado

1 apple, core removed, sliced

Thumb size piece of ginger, grated

Juice of half a lemon

Handful of spinach leaves

Tbsp of coconut butter

Tbsp of seed or nut butter

Tbsp spirulina extract

Vanilla protein powder of your choice

300ml almond milk

300ml coconut water

Put all the ingredients into a blender and blend for a few minutes. This makes enough for breakfast for two people, but I actually put the full amount into a blender bottle – half to have as my breakfast on the go, and the other half I keep in the fridge at work for an after workout snack in the afternoon.

 

Note: if you cannot find a ripe avocado and have to resort to buying unripe ones, best way to ripen them is to place them next to bananas in a dark cool place. And two-three days later you will have a perfectly ripe fruit to use.