Banana Berry Smoothie

Sip your way to a healthier you with this delicious Banana Berry Smoothie. It’s dairy-free, packed with a good source of fiber, and contains the perfect balance of quality protein, carbs, and healthy fats—making for a tasty and nourishing breakfast or snack.

 

Smoothies, when made right, can make for a fabulous breakfast option!

Recently I have been enjoying a smoothie every day as a satisfying breakfast! Smoothies are quick and easy to make, and they are an easy way to get in an array of nutrients all at once. Banana Berry Smoothie has made it’s way into my rotation of smoothies, along with our Go-to Green Smoothie and Super Sunrise Smoothie.  These smoothies made with just a few wholesome ingredients are low in sugar, high in protein, and take all of a few minutes to make. With being a new mom, I’m all for fast and easy meals that taste good and are satisfying. Banana Berry Smoothie fits the bill on all accounts!

Banana Berry Smoothie Ingredients:

• Frozen Banana – I almost always add about a 1/2 of a small frozen banana to my smoothie. I like the sweetness and creaminess it adds. For a lower sugar option you could add a 1/2 of a green apple.
• Frozen Mixed Berries – Mixed berries are rich in antioxidants, high in fiber, and add that fruity flavor we love.
• Spinach (optional) – If you wish add a handful of nutritious greens. It will change the color of the smoothie a bit but won’t change the taste, plus it will add a nice boost of nutrients.
• Nut Butter – A source of healthy fats (plus it enhances the creaminess). Use whatever nut or seed butter you would like.
• Avocado – A great way to sneak in fiber and healthy fats.
• Chia Seeds – Hello fiber!! You could also add flax-seed or omit this all together.
• Protein powder of choice or Greek yogurt – Feel free to add your favorite protein powder. I personally like to add a 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt to my smoothies and a scoop of collagen peptides. For dairy-free, use collagen or a plant-based protein powder. For vegan, use a plant-based protein powder.
• Milk of choice – You’ll need some kind of liquid to blend it all together. Use what you have on hand.

This post may contain affiliate links that won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Why Collagen Peptides?

As mentioned above, you can add any protein powder of choice. I personally like to add collagen and I wanted to explain why (and what the health benefits are). So before we get to the Banana Berry Smoothie recipe, here are a few benefits of the amino-acids found in collagen and why one might want to add this supplement to their diet.

The short chain amino acids found in collagen peptides are easy to digest, highly-bioavailable (meaning your body can make full use of them), and they’re a rich source of important amino acids such as glycine, proline, and glutamine. These amino acids are necessary for detoxification, immune function, healthy digestion, bone health, skin health as well as growth and repair of tissue, tendons, joints and muscles.

• Promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails. Collagen is a building block for the largest organ of the body, your skin. As we age collagen production naturally decreases, causing wrinkles and thinning skin. Supplementing with collagen daily can improve skin hydration, fine lines, and overall appearance of skin. It also supports the growth of hair and nails.
• Maintains a healthy gut barrier and supports good digestion. Glutamine and glycine, two amino acids abundant in collagen, are essential for healthy digestion. Glutamine is the preferred fuel for cellular reproduction in the gut, and it supports the healing and growth of new cells and tissues that make up the intestinal tract. Glycine contributes to the production of bile salts which help to digest fat and promote adequate gastric secretion in the stomach, necessary for the breakdown of food.
• Enhances the immune system. Glutamine, found in collagen, is a key amino acid for a healthy and strong immune system due to its involvement in several immune functions. Glutamine also speeds healing following an injury, stress, surgery, and most major illnesses thanks to its involvement in cellular turnover, cell repair, and the stimulation of immune cells.
• Improves joint and bone health. Collagen is essential for maintaining and building cartilage. Your body can produce its own collagen with proper hydration and nutrition; however, as you age your ability to produce the collagen essential for supple cartilage decreases, consequently increasing your likelihood of developing osteoarthritis or pain caused by bone rubbing on bone. Supplementing with collagen is an easy way to support joint health by providing the body with the collagen it needs to build and maintain cartilage in your joints. Collagen also contributes to bone health by supporting healthy bone and mineral density.
• Detoxification. Glutamine and glycine are important for liver health and supporting your body’s natural detoxification pathways. Both of these amino acids are necessary for the production of glutathione, which is the antioxidant that’s required by the liver to properly do its job.

I personally like to use Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides. For 20% off of all Primal Kitchen products use code: REALFOOD20

How to make Banana Berry Smoothie

It’s simple. Add ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy. I like to make smoothies on the thicker side so sometimes I have to stop the blender, scrap the sides, and repeat.

Other Smoothie recipes you’ll love

Go-to Green Smoothie

Super Sunrise Smoothie

Margarita Green Smoothie

Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie

Pin now to make later!

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