The Erin Project

The Go-To Green Smoothie

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Serves 1

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk of choice (I use coconut)
  • 1 or 2 giant handfuls spinach or kale (really giant)
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1/4 cup blueberries
  • 1 big chunk cucumber (If you have it. If not, leave it out)
  • 1 scoop vegan protein powder (this is my favorite)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 4 ice cubes

Blend it all up in high speed blender. 

Why eat it:
First up, it’s easy. All of the key ingredients can be kept in either the freezer or the pantry, so there’s no excuse for not having them on hand. Second, it’s like a salad in a glass so if the rest of your day turns into a food nightmare, at least you started strong.  Third, it’s delicious. This is my breakfast almost every single day.

Bonus tips:

  • It’s not all that sweet, but if you’re still aiming for lower sugar, you can substitute 1/2 avocado for the banana.
  • Freeze your bananas as it makes them way more delicious in smoothies. I cut bananas into 6 pieces when they start to go brown and keep the pieces in freezer bags.
  • Depending on the power of your blender, you may need to add more liquid. (Also, if you don’t have one, a high-power blender might be the best purchase you ever make).
  • Don’t like to drink your breakfast? Make it a little thicker, pour it in a bowl, add some nuts or seeds on top for crunch, and eat it with a spoon.

Good Morning Berry Smoothie

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Serves 1

  • 1/4 cup blueberries
  • 1/4 cup cranberries
  • 1/2 tbsp coconut butter
  • 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp hemp seeds
  • 1/4 avocado
  • 1 tbsp agave
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk or nondairy milk of choice
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 5 ice cubes (may need less if using frozen fruit)

Blend it all up in high speed blender. 

Why eat it:
This smoothie has enough staying power that you may forget to eat lunch. With its low-glycemic fruit, healthy fats and complete proteins, it provides lasting energy with minimal expenditure for digestion.

For athletes:
Enjoy hours before an afternoon or evening workout or for breakfast on a rest day.

Mint Chocolate Recovery Blast

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Serves 1

  • 1 date, pitted
  • 1/2 banana, preferably frozen
  • 1 tsp coconut nectar (optional)
  • 1 tbsp cacao powder
  • 1 tbsp cacoa nibs
  • 1 tbsp goji berries
  • 1 tsp maca
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 scoop Vega Sport® Protein, chocolate
  • handful of fresh mint
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk or non-dairy milk of choice
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 6 ice cubes

Blend it all up in high speed blender. 

Why eat it:
If the fact that it tastes like a chocolate milkshake isn’t enough, eat it for its nutrient density and superfoods. You don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from the quick cellular repair, muscle recovery and antioxidants provided by maca, goji berries and cacao. If you don’t have coconut nectar, agave or maple syrup will do. Or just leave it out.

For athletes:
The 4:1 ratio of carbohydrate to protein make this smoothie perfect for immediate post-workout recovery. Also, it tastes like a milkshake – this bears repeating.