Who doesn't love a good smoothie? I know I do!

If you're not careful, smoothies can end up being loaded with calories and sugar without actually being very healthy. Fruit is great but it's loaded with natural sugars that, in high quantities, can kind of trip you up. When I make smoothies, especially for breakfast, I try to incorporate other ingredients to "health it up" a bit even when I'm not in the mood for a green smoothie.

This sweet smoothie is packed with fruit, but also contains rolled oats and flax meal for added health benefits. Plus, those two ingredients also help you feel fuller longer, thus curbing the mid-morning munchies. Bonus!

Gingery Blueberry Smoothie
Yield: 2 servings

1 cup water
1/2 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup frozen blueberries
1 frozen banana
1 cup non-dairy yogurt (preferably homemade!)
2 Tbsp agave nectar
1 tsp fresh grated ginger root
3/4 cup ice cubes (optional)

1. Place water and oats in blender and allow to sit for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the rest of your nutritious breakfast (see below).
2. Add all remaining ingredients and puree. 
3. Pour into two glasses and drink up!

I wish I could say that a smoothie is all I need for breakfast in the morning, but it just ain't so. In fact, I awake with a powerful hunger nearly every morning. Who needs an alarm clock when your stomach is growling loud enough to rouse you from sleep?

I pair my smoothies with light breakfast fare whenever possible. For this blueberry-oat smoothie, I like to make a few pieces of cinnamon toast (homemade bread sliced thinly, topped with brown sugar and cinnamon and placed under the broiler) and some fresh fruit. It might not look like much, but the combinations of these foods are a perfect way to start the day.



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