It’s Wednesday morning and I woke up 5 minutes late…

One child got up on the wrong side of the bed

My other is moving like molasses…

Once I get the kids fed and out the door, I have ‘time’ to slow down and make a balanced breakfast for myself (ha!)…

I start to wonder if I should just grab something on the go (but I know making food choices when hungry is dangerous)…

Or should I just skip breakfast altogether (another bad idea!)…

This is a routine that becomes all too familiar as a parent.  But there is a happy ending to this short story!

It can be difficult to create a meal or snack that will provide you with long-lasting energy to get you through your day – or at least get you through the morning rush.  We make sure the kiddos are well-fed and dressed, and we become an afterthought.  While it’s easy to grab the first thing you see in the cupboard and eat it (read: inhale it), our choice of food is likely one that won’t provide proper fuel to sustain us. Not like these 8 energy-boosting foods!

energy-boosting smoothies

While we get ambitious and really want to make that new snack ball recipe, free time is limited (read: nonexistent). That’s why I created these 3 beautiful energy-boosting smoothies.  

They are:

…super simple

…balanced

…will help to keep you going (even when the going gets tough)

These energy-boosting smoothies only contain 6 ingredients each (woot!), take 5 minutes to create, and serve 2 people so you can share them with your little or big ones. They contain protein, fats and fibre to feel fuller longer.  Plus provide you with a spectrum of nutrients and antioxidants.

3 Energy-Boosting Smoothies for Tired Parents

Energy Boosting Smoothies

Get a health boost from…

Oats
  • Rich source of fibre and helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
  • Regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation
  • Gluten -free grain that is easy to digest, and is fantastic for your overall health
Berries
  • Packed with antioxidants which help your body fight off free radicals that can lead to certain diseases such as cancer
  • Reduce inflammation, and contribute to healthy glowing hair and skin
  • Assist to boost brain function and keep memory sharp
Maple Syrup
  • Contains minerals such as zinc, manganese, potassium and calcium, which are used for many functions in the body including strengthening the immune system
  • Lower score on the glycemic index than refined sugar, so it is great for those with problems managing their blood-glucose levels and diabetes
Banana
  • High in the mineral potassium which is crucial for heart function and regulating blood pressure
  • Boost energy by providing carbohydrates that get released as readily available sugars for your body to use when it hits a energy slump
Chia Seeds
  • Packed with soluble fibre creating a gelatin – like substance when it enters the digestive system
  • Helps to bulk up stools making going to the bathroom easier
  • Contain protein and omega-3 fatty acids which are crucial for the nervous system, cardiovascular health, brain health, and healthy hair, skin and nails

 

Energy Boosting Smoothies

Berry Blast Smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 ripe banana (can use frozen)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 1 cup gluten-free oats
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Blend all of the ingredients together until smooth.
  2. Bon Appetite!

 

Energy Boosting Smoothies

Get a health boost from…

Kale
  • Iron is important for the formation of hemoglobin and enzymes in the body, as well as cell growth and liver function
  • Vitamin K is essential for proper bone health and brain function
  • Helps the body and especially the liver to detoxify as it is filled with fibre and sulfur
Hemp Hearts
  • Packed with insoluble and soluble fibre adding bulk to your stool to regulate the gastrointestinal system
  • Have the perfect essential fatty acid profile with a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fats
  • Essential fatty acids are important to reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system
  • These tiny seeds also provide a reasonable amount of plant-based protein at about 10g per 3 tablespoons
Pineapple
  • Contains an enzyme called ‘bromelain‘ ‘ which helps to reduce severe inflammation
  • Can also have an effect on preventing tumor growth and certain types of cancers
  • Aids in immune system support as it is high in vitamin C and helps to fight against cell damage
Coconut Water
  • Balance of minerals (potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium) making coconut water a perfect electrolyte beverage
  • Electrolytes are important for increasing energy, reducing fatigue, stress, and to help with muscle relaxation 
  • Helps to prevent dehydration and can be used as an alternative to sports drinks after your exhilarating workout!

 

Energy Boosting Smoothies

TropiKale Boost Smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups coconut water
  • 1 cup kale, roughly chopped
  • 1 ripe banana (can use frozen)
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon hemp hearts

Instructions

  1. Place everything in a blender, and blend until smooth.
  2. Savour every drop!

Energy Boosting Smoothies

Get a health boost from…

Avocado
  • Great source of healthy fats and fibre, helping you to feel full for longer, thereby aiding in weight loss
  • Helps to nourish the gastrointestinal system and feed the probiotics in the gut
  • Filled with healthy fats such as monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) which nourish healthy skin, hair and eyes
  • Beneficial for cognitive and hormonal function to keep you happy and healthy
Mejdool Dates
  • High in potassium, and have a positive effect on blood pressure regulation
  • Beneficial for the cardiovascular system and aids in reducing the risks of heart attacks, atherosclerosis and strokes
  • Great source of carbohydrates, allowing you to get that energy boost to keep you going
Matcha Powder
  • Has polyphenols in it called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which is a type of antioxidant
  • Some evidence shows that these EGCGs have been found to increase the rate of fat burning, and decreasing the formation of new fat cells
  • Matcha powder also contains some caffeine, which will help to give you that morning pick – me – up, without a caffeine crash
Cacao Powder
  • High in antioxidants and has a ORAC score of 55653
  • Full of minerals such as iron and magnesium which are important for heart health and increasing energy and clarity
  • Natural mood elevator and anti-depressant
  • Signals neurotransmitters in the brain with feelings of happiness and wellbeing

 

Energy Boosting Smoothies

 

ChocoMatcha Smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 avocado, pitted
  • 1 ripe banana, peeled (can use frozen)
  • 5 mejdool dates, pitted
  • 1 teaspoon matcha powder (can be omitted if giving to children, due to caffeine content)
  • 2 tablespoons cacao powder

Instructions

  1. Place everything in a blender, and blend until smooth.
  2. Enjoy!

Sip one of these and let me know how you feel!