A pot of tea, orange juice, a basket with mini French baguettes and croissants (plain and chocolate), butter, jam, fruit, a selection of cheeses and some days yogurt, deli meats, bacon and eggs–this is how I’ve started each day for the past three weeks. Four days ago the baguettes were replaced by heartier grain breads (just as good if not better) and the bacon with sausages. I’ve even had my fair share of liverwurst the last two days. I can understand if the latter isn’t your thing. I happen to like it on toast and seeing it on the breakfast spread at the last two hotels has managed to brighten my day, believe that or not.
As I’ve mentioned, I’ve been on vacation. As it draws to a close, I find myself already missing the activities of the past month–the beaches, the day trips on trains, the ruins, old castles, cobblestone streets, the weekend markets, and yes, even the lavish breakfasts that I never treat myself to at home. For me, big breakfasts are for vacations and I’ve indulged on this trip.
In just a few days the morning feasts will be a distant memory and a return to my normal eating habits will mean starting the day with this smoothie. This blend of banana, blueberries, spinach and oats has been my power breakfast for the last few months and it will be just the thing to get my diet back to normal again. The bananas and blueberries are a must for me, as is the spinach. You don’t taste the latter at all so don’t be afraid to add it to boost the nutrition factor. I’ve also taken to adding oats (toasted first on the stove for a few minutes); they not only make the smoothie more filling but they add texture and lend a nutty taste, too. What do you like to add in your smoothies?
Will share more of the sites and tastes of my vacation in upcoming posts!
* This recipe makes about 4 cups.
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 banana
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 scoop protein powder (optional)
- ¼ cup oats (dry-toasted on stove for 3-4 minutes, until slightly brown on the edges)
- 1 cup ice
- Chia seeds (optional)
- Blend all the ingredients (except chia seeds) together until smooth. Stir in chia seeds if using. Serve immediately.
Vactions are the perfect time for indulgence – life is short! 😉 Love the blueberries and bananas in this smoothie!
I love smoothies and I try to make them as much as I could in the mornings with oats always. I’m going to miss your Instagram pics around Europe but I do understand that however wonderful a vacation is, there is no other place like home. Have a safe trip back home!
Blueberry and spinach is one of those versatile combinations that can be easily mixed into smoothies, sorbets, and even brownies! This is a real power-packed breakfast smoothie! Love…! Enjoy the rest of your vacation…
Hi Jean,
It’s been awhile since I came over, but everytime I come here it seems that you are on vacation…hmmm i’m jealous haha. But yeah enjoy the rest of your vacation. It’s always great to build new memories, you could always go back to them each time you need a “lift”. Yep memories are like rays of sunshine, they warm the heart like no other.
Have a safe trip back home!
Malou
Healthy and divine tasting!
Have a lovely end of vacation.
Cheers,
Rosa
Blueberries are so berry delicious!! This looks like a winner indeed!
I am about to go on holiday. They never last long enough.
That breakfast looks pretty good. I have oats and kiwifruit and milk every morning. I could put it all in a blender and add a few extras. Great idea.
I’ve never tried smoothies that has spinach in it but sounds so healthy! It’s blueberry color so my kids won’t even find that out. 😀 I used to eat big breakfast when my son was baby and my husband didn’t need to go to work till like 10! Now morning is like hurricane and kids eat breakfast while I make lunch box. Never thought of making smoothies for breakfast for some reason but I think this is a super quick and healthy choice!
Bananas and blueberries are a must in my smoothies too and spinach isn’t bad either, but I haven’t tried the toasted oats so I need to give it a try.
Wow, Jean, it’s incredible that you’ve gotten something so healthy to be this delicious! Love how you snuck the spinach in there… Brava!
luv it
i hope it taste good