If you're looking for an alternative for breakfast that is healthy, quick and easy to make, then you have to try my Healthy Breakfast Banana Smoothie recipe which is packed full of goodness.

This recipe is made with vanilla yogurt and 2% milk, so you will have a mega dose of protein to start your day off along with lower calories by using the skimmed milk.kitchen

One cup of 2% milk for instance, contains a whopping 10 grams of protein alone and the yogurt 18 grams of protein. In addition, along with two servings of fruit (1 whole banana) and a splash of fresh orange juice, which is optional, you have a healthy breakfast in a flash, that will keep you going until lunchtime.

There are many variations for making smoothies. At the end of this recipe, I have given you some delicious alternatives to try out. All you need for to make smoothies is a blender or similar kitchen device such as a Kitchen Ninja or or Nutri bullet. However, if you don't own any of these fancy gadgets, a motorized hand blender will do the trick as well. I use my Kitchen or Nutri Ninja and from start to finish, I have my smoothie blended perfectly in less than one minute in my Kitchen Ninja!

You can make this recipe as a desert by topping the whole thing off in a tall glass with fresh cream and chocolate shavings on top if you wish. Also, the amount of milk you use is your preference as to the consistency of the smoothie.

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas
2 cups of Dannon Light & Fit Vanilla Yogurt
1 - 2 cups of 2% milk (as needed for consistency)
2 tbsp. freshly squeezed orange juice (1/2 orange)
Whipped cream and chocolate shavings optional

Method

1. Place all of the ingredients into a Kitchen Ninja or blender, except the whipped cream and shaving. Pulse or processes until the ingredients are smoothly incorporated, scraping the sides down once - less than 1 minute.

2. Refrigerate until ready to serve or pour immediately into tall glasses. Top with the optional whipped cream and chocolate shavings as you wish.

Alternatives: You may use any other fresh or frozen fruit in this smoothie recipe. I love using the fresh fruits, especially when certain ones are in season. However, using frozen fruit are just as healthy as well as using any flavored yogurt. You can top off your smoothies too with a 1 oz. serving of chopped nuts or ground nuts during the blending process for an extra boost of energy.

Additional ingredients: If you are an energetic person and/or have a physically demanding job, try to add small amounts of the following for added nutrition and energy as well:-

Chia seeds, ground flaxseed, almonds or pistachios, oatmeal, 1 tbsp. peanut butter. All of these ingredients add "a great shake for my day" in healthy proportions and will do you a whole lot of good! Experiment and let me know - I will be happy to share on the www.