Primally Inspired Real food, Natural Remedies, Holistic Living
Breakfast shakes are so convenient, especially when you are trying to get out the door in a hurry.
This is my go-to breakfast shake recipe that contains a powerhouse of nutrients. All of the ingredients I use have an abundance of vitamins, minerals, protein and healthy fats to keep me full and energized for hours. It’s really the ideal shake for the morning. Here’s why:
Banana – Bananas are a nutrient dense source of carbohydrates that supply energy. They are an especially rich source of potassium, magnesium and Vitamin B6.
Collagen (from grass fed cows) – Collagen provides protein and amino acids that reduce inflammation and heal our gut lining. I use THIS grass-fed collagen.
Full Fat Coconut Milk – Don’t be afraid of the fat in coconut milk! The medium chain fatty acids in coconut milk get used immediately as energy for your body and aren’t easily stored as fat. These extremely healthy and beneficial fats also keep you full longer and actually protect against heart disease and cardiovascular disease.
Raw Cacao Powder – Cacao is one of nature’s highest forms of antioxidants, plus it tastes amazing 
Raw cacao powder is often confused with cocoa powder (the highly processed form of cacao), but they aren’t the same! Make sure you get the raw cacao powder for maximum nutritional benefits (find it HERE).
Nut Butter – Nut butters are a great source of antioxidants and provide anti-inflammatory benefits when eaten raw and in moderation.
Fresh Greens – Greens are a rich source of minerals, vitamins and disease fighting antioxidants.
Cinnamon – Cinnamon helps control blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties.
And don’t be afraid of that handful of greens. You won’t taste them, I promise you! You’ll just taste the delicious banana, chocolate and nut butter. Mmmmmm.
I prep a few of these at one time and put them in mason jars. Whenever I need one, I just grab a mason jar out of the fridge, blend for a few seconds and I’m on my way. Breakfast doesn’t get much simpler than that!
- 1 banana (frozen bananas are especially nice to use!)
- ½ can or ¾ cup full fat coconut milk (I use THIS)
- 1 handful of fresh leafy greens
- 2 tablespoons nut butter (if you are allergic to nuts, use sunbutter like THIS)
- 1 tablespoon collagen (I use THIS collagen made from grass-fed cows)
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder (I use THIS)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- *If you need it sweeter, add 1 or 2 dates
- Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Enjoy!
Do you have any favorite shake combinations? Let me know!
This sounds wonderful. Where do you find your gelatin from grass fed cows? I didn’t know it helps heal your gut! Thanks!
Hi Tammi, yes, gelatin (from healthy animals!) is wonderful stuff!!! I’m not sure if you can get grass fed gelatin in an actual store – I’ve never seen it so I order mine from Amazon: http://amzn.to/1bo0Bk9 There’s 2 different kinds of gelatin from this company. The green can is great to mix in beverages and it will not gel. The red can gels (you can make Jello!) but doesn’t mix easily in beverages.
Here’s also a recipe for Jello (and more about the benefits of gelatin): http://www.primallyinspired.com/homemade-healthy-jello-snacks/
The kids and I enjoyed this with kale and sunbutter this morning!
woo!!
Looking forward to giving this shake a try! I’ve never tried a shake with gelatin. Thank you for the write up on it recently. I Love that you break down the ingredients and explain what nutrients they offer
Prepping the shake ahead of time would be awesome. Just wondering how many days do they last in the fridge?
Cheers!
Hi Michelle! Mine last about 4 or 5 days in the fridge. They may last longer, but I’ve never kept them longer than that.
Just made this…its delicious!! Thank you for sharing this!!
Hi Kelly. Why do you use canned coconut milk instead of refrigerated in the Carton like So Delicious brand? What is the difference? I just find it more convenient but I am sure you have a reason.
Hi Kerry! I use the canned coconut milk because it’s full fat and doesn’t have any extra ingredients. You’ll notice a huge difference just in texture between the 2. The canned coconut milk is so thick and creamy – similar to whipping cream and it will even whip like whipped cream if you whip it. It’s so filling and I find that I don’t need a lot of it at all to get filled up. So Delicious is an extremely watered down version of coconut milk and also has a lot of added ingredients.
Just made this! OMG it is soooo good. You were so right – can’t taste the greens at all.
This looks delicious for breakfast! Another good idea may be using chia seeds to make a gelatin instead.
Great idea!
question – when you prep ahead do you just put ingredients in the jar or is it blended and then you are just re-blending when you want to drink it?
Hi Amy – When I pre-make them, I don’t blend it. I just put all the ingredients in the jar (minus the banana because it would turn brown – I add that in when I need it). Hope that helps!
I was wondering about the banana ahead of time. Thanks for the clarification. I’m drinking one right now, and I just may have spoiled my appetite for dinner!
ha!
Isn’t gelatin a low-grade protein? Is it okay if I use something like carageenan or agar-agar instead
I would just eliminate it. It’s not necessary for the recipe and won’t effect the texture/taste at all. I just like to add a high quality gelatin to get extra protein
I just bought a Vitamix, and my daughters and I have been trying different smoothie recipes. They loved this one! Thank you for sharing.
when I use the gelatin in my morning smoothies, it gets really thick and “whippy”. Sometimes it makes the container too full….I can’t properly explain what that means (weird)
I use the green Great Lakes one, but it doesn’t seem to do well in a cold smoothie. Do you not find this at all? Is it something I’m doing wrong?
Maren, I think I know what you mean and I don’t think it’s the gelatin. I think it’s the coconut milk whipping. Sometimes a really good, full fat coconut milk can turn almost like a whipped cream consistency when blended. Is that what it sounds like? If so, you cut the rich coconut milk with water to help – I’d do half coconut milk and half water.
I want to make this ahead of time and freeze it so all I have to do is dump and blend in the morning. Do you see any problem with doing that? Will it effect the gelatin? Looking at the ingredients I think everything else will be safe.
That will work perfectly, Tara!
Another good option to use in place of gelatin is flax seeds or chia seeds. Sometimes I add the flax seeds whole, sometimes I grind them and sometimes I grind and soak them before adding them. Depends on how much time I have, but they are so beneficial, it’s good to include them. With chia seeds, I just dump them in as they are. Both gel up when added to liquid.
Flaxseeds are rich in plant-based omega 3s and protein. Chia seeds are a rich in omega 3s, fiber, protein and antioxidants. Both excellent options.
Love the name of this smoothie. I’ll be making it today with kale/spinach blend, almond butter with maple syrup, and coconut water since I do not have coconut milk on hand! =9 SLURP! Can’t wait! Thanks for sharing!! Love your blog!!
Awesome!!
Always grind flax seeds otherwise they’ll pass through the digestive system whole. You can grind them in advance and keep them in the freezer ready to go.
awesome tip, Janet — thank you!
how much of flax seeds and chia seeds do you recommend adding to this smoothie drink?
I usually add 1-2 teaspoons.
Could you use avocado instead of greens?
Yes for sure! Hi Candy!
I appreciate all your knowledge that you post on our blog! Thanks for sharing all this great information. I’m really enjoying reading your recipes and am ordering your suggestions of product to make some of these. Very excited. Thanks again!
What a nice comment, Barbara Ann! Thank you – your words put a smile on my face today!
Could I use flax seed oil? How much would Use? Thank you!
That would be great! I use flax seed oil every once in awhile in my shakes and I use 1-2 teaspoons.
The recipe sounds wonderful. The ONLY THING THAT I’M NOT SURE ABOUT IS THAT I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT COLLAGEN WAS SUPPOSED TO BE TAKEN WITHOUT FOOD. IS THIS TRUE?
Hi Barbara, collagen can be taken with or without food