The first day of summer is just a few shorts days away, and I have one question for you: Who wants a hot bowl of oatmeal? Anybody? Hello? If the thought of a hot breakfast sounds anything but appetizing on a blazing hot day, I’m right there with you. The sweltering days of summer call for something else… an easy meal that’s cool, super hydrating, packed with nutrients and incredibly crisp. Something like a smoothie, of course.

Smoothies are an excellent way of packing in nutrients when you’re short of time or just so not into turning on the stove (or both). They’re easy to blend together and incredibly customizable, basically, smoothies are the perfect meal. If you make them right, of course. But building the perfect, healthy smoothie isn’t quite as simple as tossing together some fruit and milk. While that combo can be tasty, the perfect meal-replacement smoothie (I.E. the perfect breakfast or lunchtime smoothie) should include a few key components.

I like to stick to the following formula: Add something fresh (think: a green veg or two), something fiberful (like chia seeds), a little healthy fat (avo or nut butter), and some protein (your favorite protein powder). Then add some fruit for a touch of sweetness, and spice to bring it all together.

Adding plenty of fiber and protein, and just the right amount of fat will take your smoothie keep you feeling full throughout your morning or afternoon

Unicorn Smoothie

 

Ingredients:

 

Base:

1 cup almond milk or nut milk of choice

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1 tbsp chia seeds

1 small frozen banana, cut into chunks

1 tbsp nut butter (almond or cashew is recommended)

Sprinkle of cinnamon

 

Green layer:

1/2 tsp spirulina

Handful of baby spinach

 

Blue layer:

1/4 cup blueberries

1/4 cup blackberries

 

Pink layer:

1/4 cup raspberries

 

Plus:

Additional fruit to top (kiwi, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries), almond butter drizzle and/or coconut flake & low-sugar granola.

Large glass

High-speed blender

Reusable straws (we used these Bamboo ones!)

 

Directions:

Step 1

First, make the base by blending all base ingredients together in a high-speed blender.

Step 2

Next, divide the base into fourths, pouring into bowls. Place all but one bowl in the freezer.

Step 3

Take contents of one bowl and add back to the blender with spirulina and spinach. Blend until combined. Pour into the bottom of your glass and place glass in the freezer to prevent melting.

Step 4

Pour contents of the second bowl into the blender with ingredients for the blue layer. Blend until combined. Adding more almond milk if needed. Add over top the green layer in your glass and place glass back in the freezer.

Step 5

Pour contents of the third bowl into the blender with ingredients for the pink layer. Blend until combined. Adding more almond milk if needed. Add over top the blue layer in your glass.

Step 6

Finally, add contents of the last bowl to the top of your smoothie. Top with fruit and a drizzle of almond butter, granola and/or unsweetened coconut flake.

 

Enjoy!

 

Julie O'Boyle is a freelance writer and content strategist with a background in fashion and DIY and a devotion to the outdoors and functional nutrition. Currently residing in the woods of Maine, when she's not writing you can find her at the beach or on a mountain, or otherwise getting her hands dirty.

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