Breakfast is an important part of a healthy diet. Very often we are in a rush, forget, or grab the closest packaged food on our way out the door. I always assumed smoothies were full of sugar and calories with minimal nutrients, but not this one! I first learned about the health benefits of a good breakfast smoothie at a conference called Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Lives. It was an inspiring weekend bringing together physicians from around the country and chefs from the Culinary Institute of America. And ever since that conference, I have been making this smoothie almost every morning. I will even package it up in a ball jar to drink after my morning yoga, on my way to work.

I am a natural lover of soups, salads and almost anything vegetable, but I have always struggled to bring vegetables into the first meal of the day. I often tell people to focus on "half your plate being vegetables." How are you supposed to do that for breakfast, eat a salad? Yes, or you can try out this smoothie, with a full head of kale or spinach inside!

POWER GREENS BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE:

1/4 Cup Water
1 Cup Soy or Almond Milk
1/4 Cup uncooked oats
1 Teaspoon chia seeds
1 Tablespoon protein powder (optional)
3 walnut halves
1 ripe banana
1 Cup frozen blueberries
1/2 Cup frozen raspberries
1 head of kale, ribs removed or 3 cups of spinach

Place all ingredients in blender and combine until smooth. Enjoy! Serves 2

Nutrition facts: (Recipe Makes 2 servings)

Per serving: 227 calories / 37g carbs / 7g fat (<1g saturated fat) / 9g protein / 12g fiber / 51mg sodium / 16g sugar / high in vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, calcium, iron and omega-3s.