Make Ahead Smoothie Packs

Happy New Year! Along with the rest of the world, making healthy choices in the kitchen is on my 2016 Goals list. I don’t like calling them New Year’s resolutions. I’m not sure why, but goals seems like a more tangible word, something you can accomplish and cross off a list. No one is talking about their New Year’s Resolutions come September (let’s be real, come February) but “goals” remind you to work on them all year long.

I would like to think I eat fairly healthy for lunch and dinner most of the time, but breakfast is where I fall short. I’m usually always running late (also on the Goals list!) and don’t have anything prepared beforehand. My hope with these pre-made smoothie packs is that I can grab one, dump them in a blender and go.

I wanted a variety of flavors because I’m notorious for getting bored with the same thing and then not eating it. The three flavors I started out with are:

Strawberry Banana: a classic flavor combo no one can resist

Very Berry: I’m a firm believer the more kinds of berries you throw together the better the outcome

Tropical: this ended up being the “greenest” looking smoothie of the bunch, but it’s my favorite!

Each pack started out with one banana as a base, the fruits (fresh or frozen work), and then a handful of spinach. The spinach could easily be omitted or substituted with kale or other leafy greens. I like greek yogurt in my smoothies to make them creamier (and more filling!) so I’ve been adding a scoop of that into the blender as well. Protein powder, chia seeds, oatmeal…really anything can be added the day of. Top it off with some water or juice and you’ve got yourself a delicious, quick and healthy breakfast.

I probably only spent about an hour assembling these smoothie packs and it was worth every minute! I’ve already found myself reaching for these pre-made bags instead of muffins or other carb loaded portable options. I’m just wishing I’d done this sooner!

If you’re looking for more motivation, Liz from The Lemon Bowl and Dara from Cookin’ Canuck are hosting a Healthy New Year Challenge, full of delicious recipes, fitness motivation and challenges along the way. It’s always more fun if you’re making these healthy changes with friends, so be sure to check it out.

Cheers to 2016!

~Stephanie

Strawberry Banana Smoothie Pack

• 2 bananas, sliced
• 1 c strawberries, halved
• handful spinach

Very Berry Smoothie Pack

• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 c strawberries, halved
• 1 c blueberries
• handful spinach

Tropical Smoothie Pack

• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 c pineapple
• 1 c mango
• handful spinach

1. Label freezer safe ziplock bag.
2. Add all ingredients into bag and seal, trying to remove as much air as possible.
3. Freeze for up to 3 months.
4. When ready to make smoothie, pour contents into blender along with 1/2-3/4c water or juice in order to reach desired consistency. Blend until smooth.