This protein-packed Chai Tea Smoothie Bowl is a fun twist on the popular drink in the form of a healthy and delicious breakfast recipe.
You made it friends… you officially survived the holidays!! How did you do?? Did you relax, recharge and spend lots of quality time with friends and family? I hope it was wonderful, delicious and just what you were looking for this time of year!
I don’t know about you but I am always ready for January’s arrival after about the third back-to-back night of overindulging. Don’t get me wrong, I ate, drank and was merry.. and it was fabulous! But I’m also really excited to get back into the groove of healthy eating and moderation. It is my happy place, after all.
To help start 2016 on the right foot, Dara and I are thrilled to kick-off the 2nd Annual Healthy New Year 6-Week Challenge! In case you missed it last year, the mission of the #HealthyNewYear challenge is to provide six weekly challenges that inspire you to live a healthier lifestyle. Throughout the week, you will be able to join in on the conversation and find support in our private Facebook community full of other likeminded individuals working to make permanent healthy lifestyle changes.
Week 1’s goal is a favorite of mine: boost protein at breakfast to fuel your busy day! Whether you hit the gym every morning, have a long work day in the office, have children to chase around or all of the above, nothing will get your day started better than a nutrient-rich breakfast.
If you know me personally or follow me on social media, you know that I love starting my day off with a dairy-packed smoothie. Just one cup of cow’s milk or yogurt contains 8-10 grams of protein so including one or both of these ingredients is a guarantee I’ll have the fuel I need to keep up with my two toddler boys.
Need more motivation? Studies show that protein is an essential nutrient your body needs to build and maintain muscle mass. You guys know how much I love working out and lifting weights so this type of information is music to my ears (biceps?)
For a fun twist on breakfast, I turned the popular winter drink into a yummy Chai Tea Smoothie Bowl. Scented with warm cinnamon, cloves and ginger, then whipped together with vanilla Greek yogurt and protein powder, you are going to love eating your smoothie with a spoon for a change! Banana slices, raspberries, chia seeds and flaked coconut add even more nutrients and texture.
Are you ready to commit to a healthier lifestyle in just 6 weeks? Then head on over to our Healthy New Year 6-Week Challenge Facebook page today and join in on the fun! And don’t forget to tag myself (@TheLemonBowl) and Dara (@CookinCanuck) on social media along with #HealthyNewYear so we can cheer you along! Spoiler Alert: There will be prizes!
Happy New Year Everyone! Let’s do this!!
Chai Tea Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 in frozen banana cut large chunks
- 1 cup nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup chai protein powder vanilla works too
- 2 tablespoons flax seed meal
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ice to thicken
- slices optional toppings: banana raspberries, chia seeds, unsweetened flaked coconut
Instructions
- Place the first 7 ingredients in a high speed blender (frozen banana through ground cloves) and add in ¼ cup of water to allow the mixture to start blending. Pulse on high until smooth, adding a little more water if needed.
- Add just enough ice to reach desired thickness.
- Divide between two bowls and top with banana slices, raspberries, chia and coconut if you wish.
Lou
SO good to see a recipe that’s for a smoothie made into a breakfast, I personally cant bear smoothies so this perfect for me!!! Thanks x
Liz DellaCroce
Oh I’m so glad to hear it Lou!!
Joanne
As someone who has become OBSESSED with eating all the protein in my first meal of the day, yes yes yes! Also these chai flavors are just killing it for me…in the best way.
Liz DellaCroce
haha I have too girl!!! Thank you so much!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
Really love this smoothie bowl! I weirdly don’t like chai when it’s hot but iced chai….so much yes! So I know I’d love it in a smoothie bowl :)
Liz DellaCroce
It’s so funny I prefer chai cold too!! Have a great time on your trip!
Kim Beaulieu
I love smoothie bowls so much. Such a great way to start the day. This is such a great project, I’ll be cheering you all on. That photo of you was amazing. I can barely sit on the couch and not fall flat on my face. Zero balance girl over here. My poor horse just shakes here head when I fall off now, she’s probably thinking “not again”.
Liz DellaCroce
I am a huge fan of them now too!! Thank you so much for your sweet words on the photo. Yoga definitely helps with my balance!!
Meghan | Fox and Briar
LOVE this smoothie bowl, the idea of a chai smoothie is so fun, since I love those flavors. I’m not really on facebook but I will follow along on your instagram and snapchat!!
Liz DellaCroce
I have been loving your snaps!!
Meghan | Fox and Briar
Thank you so much! That makes me really happy because I love yours!
TidyMom
I could start every morning this way!!
Liz DellaCroce
Wish I could make one for you Cheryl! Happy New Year!
Terri/Love and Confections
This bowl sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try the Chai Powder. Smoothie bowls are such a great way to eat better and add in texture to my daily smoothie. Can’t wait to see what this year’s 6-week challenge brings!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so happy you’re joining the challenge girl!! And you’re going to LOVE the chai powder!!
Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella)
That smoothie bowl looks delicious! And I had no idea that yogurt and milk had so much protein. Great info. Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
I think a lot of people don’t realize that!! And are surprised when they find out almond milk has just 1 gram. The more you know right? :)
Cookin Canuck
I’m so excited to be doing this challenge with you again, Liz. Your smoothie bowl is definitely something I’ll be trying!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so happy to finally be kicking it off!!! Here’s to another successful #HealthyNewYear Challenge!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog
Love the whole smoothie bowl idea, so healthy and a great way to start the day. I am super excited for the 6 week challenge! 2016 bring it!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much for joining us for the challenge sista!!
Catherine
Dear Liz, this sounds wonderful! What a great note to start the New Year on. I love the bits of warm spices…sounds so good! xo, Catherine
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much Catherine!! Happy 2016!!
Jennie @onesweetmess
I was a major couch potato all week. It felt good to relax, but I’m ready to be a functioning human being again. Love this smoothie bowl!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you relaxed!! Sometimes we forget to do that!!