Almond Coffee Green Smoothie

Most mornings, I'm faced with a terrible dilemma: Do I sip my morning smoothie while I get ready, or drink a cup of coffee? Coffee (usually) wins. However, studies have shown that eating within an hour of waking up make the most of your metabolism and curb your appetite, making you less likely to make poor food choices later in the day.

And that's where this recipe comes in. It tastes like an ice blended coffee drink, only without all the fat and sugar. Instead, it's packed with vitamin-rich spinach (it's got more iron, magnesium and potassium per cup than the "It" green, kale -- and it blends way better). It also contains almonds and banana for a creamy, filling breakfast that serves as your first cup of coffee, to boot.

Recipe:

Ingredients:
5 ice cubes
2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/8 cup whole raw almonds
1 cup baby spinach
1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso
1/2 frozen banana
Honey or agave to taste

Directions:
Add all ingredients to blender, and blend until smooth. Makes one serving.

Recipe via Taste, Love and Nourish