Banana/Mango Sunrise Smoothie

Contrary to the opinion of many, breakfast is one of the most important and meals of the day. I know many who can't stand this meal... even one of my dearest best friends even says that it makes him nauseous for the rest of the day if he eats it. Anyone else like that?

It is quite the opposite for me. I need breakfast. I can skip any other meal of the day. Not breakfast. If I don't have some kind of breakfast food, even if it's just an apple... I am Miss Cranky Pants all day long. Breakfast kick-starts the metabolism after a night of rest and gives your body "fuel" to begin the day. Breakfast time is also my "me" time. I usually read the news or my book, contemplate the previous night's dreams and gather my morning thoughts. The apartment is normally silent and I often welcome opening the window to listen to whatever is going on outside. After 20 minutes, I feel awake and refreshed- ready to begin my day.

Considering my on-going love-affair with avocados, you can imagine the drool in my mouth when I came across this recipe at Sophie's darling blog, The Littlest Things.

Avocado Toast:

2 T lime juice
2 T extra virgin olive oil
Sea Salt
Ground Pepper
1 avocado peeled and quartered
4 slices of sourdough bread, toasted
Fresh cilantro leaves

In a small bowl, mix the lime juice and evoo together with a fork until well blended. Top the toasted bread with 1 quarter of the avocado and drizzle with lime juice/evoo mixture. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

photo credit: The Littlest Things

The Mango/Banana Sunrise Smoothie compliments this filling, delicious and healthy breakfast perfectly. Seriously. Go the extra step and make this quick treat with your toast.

1/2 banana
1/2 cubed mango
1 cup orange juice
2 T yogurt

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until all chunks are gone.

photo credit: The Littlest Things

I altered the recipes just slightly to accommodate my health needs/preferences... 

*I used whole wheat bread instead of sourdough bread because I didn't have anything else on hand

*I didn't have mango, so I substituted peaches that were canned in 100% juice. I rinsed them before blending and was actually a tasty substitute. Used about 1/2 can of the peaches and refrigerated the rest.

*To cut down on sugar, I always purchase Tropicana's Trop 50 orange juice with extra added calcium. It has no added sugar and more of stuff that's actually good for you.

*I use plain Greek yogurt because that's all I ever buy anymore

*For all the protein enthusiasts out there- you can add 1/2-1 scoop of vanilla protein powder for an extra morning boost (or mid-day snack).

Drooling yet? 

Do share if you give this recipe a whirl!

Happy Weekend 

(errrr... royal wedding day?), 

Lovely Readers!