Morning Coffee Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup of freshly brewed coffee or cold brew (chilled)
• 1 cup of almond milk (or any dairy-free alternative)
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 frozen banana
• 2 tablespoons of rolled oats
• 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder (or whey-free alternative for a vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds

Instructions

1. In your smoothie maker or blender, pour in the chilled coffee and almond milk. This forms the base of your smoothie and helps with blending. Make sure both are cold to keep the smoothie refreshing.
2. Add the frozen banana. Make sure it’s broken into chunks to ease the blending process. This will also contribute to the smoothie’s creamy texture.
3. Incorporate the rolled oats and protein powder for a satisfying and filling protein smoothie with coffee. This combination will keep you full throughout the morning.
4. Sprinkle in the chia seeds for an extra boost of fiber and antioxidants, which are perfect smoothie ingredients for energy. Let the seeds sit for a few seconds to start absorbing liquid.
5. Add maple syrup or honey and the vanilla extract for sweetness and a hint of warmth. Ensure these are evenly distributed for consistent flavor.
6. Blend all ingredients on high speed for about 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides to ensure everything is well integrated. The final texture should be silky.
7. Taste your smoothie and adjust sweetness if necessary, or add more almond milk if you prefer a thinner consistency. A touch of ice can be added for extra chill without altering the flavor.