A protein breakfast smoothie like this one is a great way to start your day. Trust me on this. It’s packed with Greek yogurt, protein powder, delicious tropical fruits, and yes, some healthy greens, too. Your healthy self will thank you for this.
I’ll share this delicious green protein breakfast smoothie recipe with you in a quick minute. First, I’d like to share with you about something I’ve been struggling with.
As evidenced by the amount of cupcake recipes, brownie recipes, and cookie recipes posted on the pages of this blog, it’s no secret that I’m a bit addicted to sugar and other not so healthy carbohydrates like cheesy ranch biscuits and macaroni and cheese.
Truth be told, I’m a lot addicted. I’ve hooked myself onto the carbs and they’ve returned the favor, hooking themselves onto my stomach, waist, and thighs. Ugh.
Back in August of 2013 (shortly before this post was originally published), I ventured into a new healthy eating lifestyle that I named “Fit by 50” My goals were to begin an exercise routine and adjust my nutrition so that I could lose 50 pounds before my 50th birthday at the end of January 2014. Through the process, I wanted to get physically fit, but I also hoped to learn how to love myself for who I am, regardless of my size, and I wanted to learn to be happier with myself on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level, too.
It was a huge endeavor, especially given the fact that I’d been stuck in a self-loathing mode since the age of about 13.
Initially, I made some progress, losing about 25 pounds, and getting back to regularly attending a church that I love, but then my addiction to carbohydrates continued. I lacked motivation and determination, and never made time to do what I needed to do to get healthy, so now I’ve gained back all of that weight, and 15 additional pounds. Yup. Now I have 65 pounds to lose and I’m completely disgusted with myself all over again.
I’ll be making healthier eating choices again, like starting off my day with a healthy protein breakfast smoothie like this one, but I’ll also be making delicious and healthy dinners, like baked tilapia and chicken paprikash. Yum!
Oh, but don’t think for one minute that I can go without savory carbs and sweets in my life.
I’ll be stocking my fridge with healthier treats like low fat chocolate chip peanut butter dip, but I’m not going to complete deprive myself of the carbs that I crave, either. I’ll just eat them less often. It’s all about balance!
I hope you’ll follow along as I try to lose this weight again… and for the last time!
I hope you’ll give this protein breakfast smoothie a try.
If you do try it, please let me know what you think of it!
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Lean Green Protein Breakfast Smoothie
This refreshing smoothie is packed with tropical fruit, healthy leafy greens, Greek yogurt, and protein powder, giving your body the fuel it needs to run strong all morning long!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt, plain or vanilla
- 2 cups baby spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and/or other leafy green vegetables
- 1 large banana
- 1 cup diced mango, fresh or frozen
- juice of 1 clementine orange
- 1 scoop whey protein powder, plain or vanilla
- 10 ounces cold water
- 4-5 ice cubes
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a blender and pulse or blend on high until greens are pureed and the mixture is thick, smooth, and creamy.
- To make smoothie thinner in consistency, add more water. To thicken, add more ice cubes.
Nutrition
If you have any healthy eating tips for carb lovers like me, or if you struggle with weight loss like I do, I’d love to hear from you. Please leave me a comment below!
This post was originally published on September 4, 2013. The post was updated on March 1, 2016
Sara says
I’m with you, Becca!!! We can do it together!
Chef Bec says
Thank you so much for your friendship and support, Sara! It seems that you’ve been doing SO well with your program. I hope you’re well on your way to #FitBy50!
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says
Love it! This looks amazing! I love green smoothies the perfect way to start the morning!
Vicki Winters says
Great post. Great sense of humor. Pretty pics. I like how the watermark shows up on the glass!
Becca Heflin says
Thank you, Vicki!
Stephanie @ Macaroni and Cheesecake says
Great post! That’s so awesome that you all are holding each other accountable and encouraging one another! This smoothie looks great and the perfect way to get some green veggies in!
Becca Heflin says
Thanks, Stephanie! It really is the best when you’ve got friends on the journey 🙂
Paula says
Looks so yummy. I haven’t graduated to putting veggies in my smoothies yet though. I have to stick with just fruits!
Becca Heflin says
I know what you mean, Paula. It took me a year of seeing kale chips and spinach smoothies blogged everywhere before I had the courage to try them myself. I was surprised to find out that you really CAN’T taste the “green”! The kale chips are another story altogether…hehe
healthy smoothie recipes says
Anything that shade of green has to be good for you – it’s an added bonus that this tastes good too!
Becca Heflin says
I sure do appreciate you stopping by!
Nicole says
I love your Fit By 50 goal! I am trying to not only make diet changes but also change my mood at the same time too. I’ve been in a real funk! Good luck with all of your goals … and the smoothie looks great!
Becca Heflin says
Thanks, Nicole! I sometimes think funky moods are the biggest challenge of trying to make changes to our normal routines. I’m rooting for you!
Anita at Hungry Couple says
I’m all for healthier eating and self improvement and I do love smoothies. But, honestly, I prefer my greens sauteed with a little garlic. 🙂 I’m looking forward to these healthier posts since I’ve also recently signed up for trainer abuse. 🙂
Becca Heflin says
I’m all on board when it comes to sauteed greens vs. having them cold and creamy, Anita! That being said, it’s nice to know that I’m getting in an extra serving of them every day.
You’re going to work out with a trainer, too? Geez, you must really enjoy abuse! Of course, maybe he’ll be that geriatric that you’re supposed to hook up with after Brian kicks the bucket! lol
Kalamity Kelli says
sounds like the perfect way to start the day!
Becca Heflin says
Might even be perfect with your braised ribs too, Kelli! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! <3
Karyn - Pint Sized Baker says
Wishing I had some vanilla whey powder for this. I only have chocolate right now… I’ve got to change it up every now and then. Thanks for joining all of us!
Becca Heflin says
How about a foodie swap, Karyn? I’ll send you a couple scoop fulls of my vanilla for a couple of your chocolate! Let’s live on the edge 😉
Sarah says
Your green smoothie looks a lot better than mine! I will have to try putting mango in mine next time. Good luck on WLW!
Becca Heflin says
Aww…Thanks, Sarah! Try adding some peanut butter or banana if you REALLY want to mask the flavor of the greens! 😉
Karen @BakingInATornado says
So proud of you. Hope you make your goal.
Becca Heflin says
Thanks, Karen 🙂
If I fail, I’m coming over to your house. No woman should ever have to pity eat alone, and I can’t think of a better friend to share my ups and downs with <3
Heather @ French Press says
I’m really excited to get this thing started! that smoothie looks dleicious
Becca Heflin says
I’m not sure if “excited” or “terrified” applies in my case, but I can see that we’re all in this thing together… and THAT’S something wonderful! <3
Gillian @ The Haas Machine says
Yay! This is going to be so much…. “fun”… Glad you’re in the group & I will definitely have to try this smoothie!
Becca Heflin says
LOL, Gillian! Thanks for sharing my disdain of “fun”! Let’s do this, girly!