For many of us coffee has become not only a beverage but a way of life. We drink it hot or cold, morning, afternoon or night, summer, winter or fall. For some it provides us comfort and for others it serves it purpose in giving us an extra boost of energy to start or make it through the day.  The problem with drinking coffee is not necessarily the in the coffee itself but rather in the fact that many coffee drinkers who drink their coffee in the morning will often put off or skip breakfast altogether. From a nutritional standpoint that's not the ideal situation. Never fret however. In this blog I am proposing a sort of meeting of minds. You can in fact have your coffee and eat your breakfast too all at the same time. Instead of having just coffee, just breakfast, or having your usual coffee with your  breakfast, try having a coffee-protein smoothie instead. This treat is not only delicious but nutritious as well.

1 scoop chocolate protein powder

1 cup almond/soy milk (or 2% diary)

1 Tbsp all-natural peanut butter

1 tsp of instant coffee

1 medium banana

4-6 medium ice cubes

2 packs Splenda or low cal sweetener. 

Peel banana and cut into 6-8 even slices. Place banana slices into a blender along with 1 cup (80z.) of Almond milk (or milk of your choice). Blend. While blending add in 1 - Tbsp of all natural peanut butter, 1 - tsp of instant coffee (more or less depending on how much of a kick you need), and 1 - scoop of your favorite protein powder (preferably chocolate) and 2 packs of splenda to sweeten. Once the mixture has a smooth consistency, stop the blender and add in 4 -6 medium ice cubes. In pulse mode, chop the ice cubes into the mixture. Continue blending until you reach a nice creamy milk shake texture. As an added bonus you can top it off with a fat free whipped topping (optional). There you have it. Enjoy!