PB Chocolate Banana Breakfast Smoothie

PB Chocolate Banana Smoothie

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CarnationSweepstakes #BetterBreakfast #CollectiveBias

Breakfast used to be such a struggle.

It all came down to the word “should.” While I crave sweet every morning, I told myself that I should be getting my nutrients. In an effort to keep the sugar down, I’d make eggs or oatmeal and hate every bite. Those foods work great for me later in the day, but I just couldn’t get down with it.

Then I discovered the protein-packed smoothie. It was like a dream come true. Not only could I have my sweet breakfast, but it would also keep me full all morning. Plus, controlling the sugar content was pretty much up to me. As soon as this revelation occurred, I began blending up my favorite flavor combinations. And really, what’s better than peanut butter, chocolate and banana in the morning?

PB Chocolate Banana Smoothie

The problem with breakfast is that it has to happen quickly for most of us. We’d love to take our time, but reality interferes. My morning routine is pretty set. I get up around four, work out for an hour, throw breakfast together and bring it in the car with me to take to work. I have absolutely no time to sit around, read the paper, and cook something. And the snooze button? Nope, never used that. It seems like a torturous concept to me. Why would you prolong getting up over and over?

My kids are in a similar position when it comes to being rushed. I don’t see them in the morning because my job starts earlier than their school, but they still have to be out the door very early, and Kenny needs to keep it simple. Easy is a must!

PB Chocolate Banana Smoothie

When I was growing up, I had cereal pretty much every day. It fed into my sweet cravings, but I always wound up hungry an hour later. That’s no way to live, people.

After several years of messing up my breakfast choices, I learned about protein. After a workout, it’s actually ideal to eat (0r drink) a protein-fueled breakfast. It helps with muscle recovery, and it also helps keep you nice and full through a long morning at work.

Now, my day starts with a protein-packed smoothie just like this one. Carnation Breakfast Essentials® (visit them on Facebook!) is encouraging everyone to adopt nutritious habits this month with their 7-day Challenge. Interested? Here’s the info:

1. Sign up at CarnationBreakfastChallenge.com.

2. Complete a simple yet fun breakfast mission for a chance to win. New prizes will be revealed every day!

3. Come back any day in February to complete missions and see new prizes. The prizes range from a Fitbit to a GoPro and other awesome stuff!

4. Head to your favorite store to purchase a Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Nutritional Product and upload your receipt for five extra entries per day.

PB Chocolate Banana Smoothie

You can use the powder to make a smoothie, or if you’re in a hurry, Carnation Breakfast Essentials® also makes ready-to-go bottles. It’s up to you! You can get Carnation Breakfast Essentials® in a variety of flavors (I picked mine up at Walmart, where I can literally find everything I need), so the options are endless. Personally, no morning for me is complete without chocolate, and adding frozen banana chunks and creamy peanut butter just makes everything wonderful!

PB Chocolate Banana Breakfast Smoothie

The key to a good day is starting it off right. I like to do that with exercise and a quick yet nourishing breakfast. What about you? How do you start your day? Share your tips below. Here’s to a great start to an even greater week!

PB Chocolate Banana Breakfast Smoothie

Ingredients

1 small ripe banana, frozen and cut into chunks
1/2 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/3 cup Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Powder (chocolate flavor)
1/2 cup ice

Instructions

  1. In a blender, combine all of the ingredients, pulsing until completely smooth.
  2. Pour in a glass and enjoy!
  3. Note: I like to put mine into a to-go cup and take it to work.
http://justaboutbaked.com/pb-chocolate-banana-breakfast-smoothie/

 

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Mir

I fulfill many roles in life: wife, mother, teacher, everlasting learner. This site is dedicated to one role that expresses my creativity in ways that I find consistently challenging and rewarding: baker. Inventing new ways to enhance food, especially if that food involves chocolate or peanut butter (or both!), is a passion of mine. I look forward to sharing my ideas with you.

This Post Has 26 Comments

  1. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy

    Whenever I don’t know what to make for breakfast, I usually go for a smoothie and chocolate peanut butter is a favourite, but usually with some spinach in it.

    1. Mir

      Spinach is good too!

  2. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice

    Chocolate definitely belongs in a smoothie, especially when Carnation is involved! This would definitely get me going in the mornings! Love the combination of banana and pb in here too…just perfect!
    Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Berry Honey Yogurt ParfaitMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Yep. I’ve been drinking Carnation since I was a kid!

  3. Cakespy

    I’m going to be singing the “carnation instant breakfast…you’re gonna love it in an instant!” song all morning now!! And I will be craving this smoothie until I make it. Awesome!
    Cakespy recently posted…CakeSpy’s Recent Craftsy PostsMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Ha! I love that jingle!

  4. Megan - The Emotional Baker

    This is my favorite smoothie flavor! & sweet, protein packed breakfasts are the only way to go 😉
    Megan – The Emotional Baker recently posted…Tropical Pineapple CookiesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Could not agree more. I need both of those in the morning!

  5. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom

    Hey! We both made smoothies today! love the Carnation Breakfast Essentials. . I know some friends that live off of that stuff but I have yet to try it! I’ll have to give it a try! The high protein one sounds great!
    Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Energizing Winter Smoothie BowlsMy Profile

    1. Mir

      It’s smoothie day! It’s pretty tasty. I’m all about sweet protein first thing!

  6. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary

    I never use the snooze button either… I just don’t understand the torture either. My husband however uses it 3 times. Daily. I always question, why not just set your alarm back 15 minutes then?! Stupid if you ask me. 😉 Anyways, Yay to smoothies for breakfast! Super quick, and seriously delish, especially this one! You can’t go wrong with peanut butter and banana (and chocolate if you are anyone but me)! Slurping this in the car sounds like a pretty great way to start the morning! Cheers, doll!
    Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Roasted Winter Harvest Buddha Bowls {with warm bacon vinaigrette}My Profile

    1. Mir

      Three times? That is snooze crazy. He just needs to get up the first time and avoid the torture!

  7. Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks

    I’m totally into the snooze button torture. I just don’t want to get out of bed. Smoothies are about the only thing I can take first thing in the morning besides fruit. Maybe if I had some chocolate and banana deliciousness waiting for me I’d skip the snooze button and jump out of bed!

    1. Mir

      Hey, to each her own. I just can’t do it. Snooze seems so painful!

  8. annie@ciaochowbambina

    Yep, PB Chocolate & Banana is my go to smoothie. I’m realizing, though, that I need to get better at making them more often and incorporating the breakfast powder! I’m usually satisfied with a few cups of coffee until I get peckish late morning…not healthy at all! Okay – can I just say your schedule inspires me! I’d also like to rise earlier and get a jump on things that tend to be more difficult to do later in the day…
    annie@ciaochowbambina recently posted…Baked Strawberry Doughnuts with Fresh Strawberry GlazeMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Everyone has different morning habits. No shame in warming up to the food slowly!

  9. Melanie

    This sounds like a great flavor combination! [client]

    1. Mir

      Thanks, Melanie! I enjoyed it a lot. 🙂

  10. mira

    Love chocolate smoothies! This sounds delicious! Will try it tomorrow, because I have the carnation chocolate powder at home 🙂
    mira recently posted…Chocolate Strawberry Spinach Smoothie RecipeMy Profile

    1. Mir

      And I’m trying yours, Mira!

  11. Michele @ Alwayzbakin

    Breakfast is a struggle for me too. I never make time for it and then I wind up eating junk. I love the idea of this smoothie! And I have no idea what could be better than peanut butter, chocolate and banana. 🙂
    Michele @ Alwayzbakin recently posted…Samoa Cookie CupsMy Profile

    1. Mir

      It’s so tempting to eat junk for breakfast. So this helps keep me honest!

  12. Manali @ CookWithManali

    You can never go wrong with this combination! sounds so good!
    Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Spiced Carrot SoupMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Totally agreed, Manali!

  13. Amanda

    I’ve been having so many smoothies lately, and I’m always looking for another to add to the mix. This looks great and I love the added protein.
    Amanda recently posted…Skillet CornbreadMy Profile

    1. Mir

      I like a rotation too, Amanda!

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