Breakfast is super quick and easy with these meal prep smoothie jars. This veggie packed blueberry smoothie jump starts your daily nutrients. Also: the best meal prep tools.
recipe originally published January 8, 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Batch prep smoothies
In my kitchen, meal prep used to mean several servings of a chia pudding and a freezer drawer of ready to use smoothie ingredients. My daily smoothies were elaborate and varied, but because I planned ahead and made my own smoothie packs, it literally took me one minute to blend for breakfast.
Meal Prepping is part of our routine, and I cannot adequately express the benefit of quick and easy mealtime during a busy week. Our dinners still consist of the food I make for blog recipes and work, and I also almost always have a breakfast and lunch ready to go.
Benefits of greens in your daily diet
This veggie packed blueberry smoothie is a perfect vehicle for your essential daily greens. The first time I met Dr. Esselstyn, I noticed him eating sautéed greens with his breakfast. He explained to me that he eats greens 6 times a day, every day. I think about that a lot, and strive to eat greens at least a couple times a day.
In addition to greens, I also try to eat 2 cups of mixed berries a day, for the nutritional benefits. Blueberries add so many nutritional benefits to your smoothie.
Blueberries and greens are nutrient dense, low calorie, and packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. High in vitamin A, C and K, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, daily blueberries and greens are a tasty immune boost.
How to make smoothie jars
I love the idea of auto pilot maneuvers in the morning.
Some days, when I mean to make my pre workout drink, I find myself going through the motions of making coffee before I realize what I am doing.
This blueberry smoothie recipe is beneficial when I am already in work mode (that auto pilot thing). I take the jar out of the freezer, pour the cooled contents into the blender with liquid and a banana. Blend, pour back into the jar, and I'm off and running.
Sometimes literally.
An approximate breakdown of this recipe / ingredients per jar:
- ½ cup frozen chopped spinach
- ¾ cup frozen blueberries
- ½ cup frozen pineapple chunks
- ~¼ cup hemp hearts
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Are you ready to start meal prepping, or want to add some new recipes to your weekly meal plans? These blueberry smoothie jars come from Jackie Sobon's newest book, Plant Based Meal Prep.
How to add protein without using powder
While this meal prep smoothie already has a decent amount of protein, I sometimes want to add more if I am using the smoothie as a light meal or post workout recovery.
I do use protein powders, but I don't always want to rely on them. And sometimes I am craving real food flavors that don't include that taste? (Sometimes I totally crave that overly vanilla flavor. You know what I mean.)
There are so many whole food protein sources for those not wanting to use powders. Some of our favorites are also easily accessible. We almost always have these on hand in our kitchen:
- Almond Milk (or cashew, soy, pea...)
- Peanut Butter (or your favorite nut butter. I LOVE cashew.)
- Chia Seeds
- Nuts and Seeds (cashews again, almonds, and flax seeds)
- Tofu
- Greens (spinach is our favorite, kale is a close second)
Best meal prep tools
Now that we've been at this for a bit, we definitely have some ideas on the best meal prep tools.
One aspect of our meal planning is simply prepping the ingredients ahead of time. When we aren't just chopping with a knife, we often use a spiralizer, and our easy to use mandolin with gloves. (We have had the same Paderno spiralizer for years and it is still in great shape.)
Whether we are just prepping ingredients or dividing prepared meals into portions, we have found containers we love. Large Weck jars are great for smoothies like these, and smaller Weck jars work perfectly for overnight oats and chia puddings.
The containers Jason loves to use for work lunches are the same glass containers with lids that we use at home for all meal prep and leftovers.
Vegan smoothie recipes
- Light Bright Lemon Smoothie
- Snickerdoodle Smoothie
- Pumpkin Smoothie
- Maca Power Shots
- Chocolate Smoothie with Salted Pepitas
Vegan Yack Attack recipes
from Jackie: "Smoothie jars make getting out the door during the week so much easier. This recipe is the base version of my favorite—and most commonly made—smoothie, because blueberries and pineapple are so dreamy together. I’ve ordered the ingredients in the recipe to make the smoothies easy to blend. I like keeping bananas at room temperature so that each morning I can add one to the blender pitcher before dumping the jar contents on top."
Did you make these make ahead smoothie jars?
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Have breakfast or a post workout snack ready to go with these meal prep smoothies! Super quick, easy, and delicious! Freezer Friendly, 30 Minutes Or Less, Under 10 Ingredients, Vegan, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Nut Free, Oil Free, No Sugar Added Smoothies are highly customizable, so try this recipe as-is first, then swap in your favorite fruits, spices, or proteins for different versions. During the summer, I like to substitute half of the banana for peach slices. While this meal prep smoothie already has a decent amount of protein, I sometimes want to add more if I am using the smoothie as a light meal or post workout recovery. I do use protein powders, but I don't always want to rely on them. And sometimes I am craving real food flavors that don't include that taste? (Sometimes I totally crave that overly vanilla flavor. You know what I mean.) There are so many whole food protein sources for those not wanting to use powders. Some of our favorites are also easily accessible. We almost always have these on hand in our kitchen: Now that we've been at this for a bit, we definitely have some ideas on the best meal prep tools. One aspect of our meal planning is simply prepping the ingredients ahead of time. When we aren't just chopping with a knife, we often use a spiralizer, and our easy to use mandolin with gloves. (We have had the same Paderno spiralizer for years and it is still in great shape.) Whether we are just prepping ingredients or dividing prepared meals into portions, we have found containers we love. Large Weck jars are great for smoothies like these, and smaller Weck jars work perfectly for overnight oats and chia puddings. The containers Jason loves to use for work lunches are the same glass containers with lids that we use at home for all meal prep and leftovers. This veggie packed blueberry smoothie is a perfect vehicle for your essential daily greens. The first time I met Dr. Esselstyn, I noticed him eating sautéed greens with his breakfast. He explained to me that he eats greens 6 times a day, every day. I think about that a lot, and strive to eat greens at least a couple times a day. In addition to greens, I also try to eat 2 cups of mixed berries a day, for the nutritional benefits. Blueberries add so many nutritional benefits to your smoothie. Blueberries and greens are nutrient dense, low calorie, and packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. High in vitamin A, C and K, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, daily blueberries and greens are a tasty immune boost. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. nutrition calculations results vary by calculator, are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to replace medical advice or treatment.Meal Prep Smoothie Jars
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
How to add protein without using powder
Best meal prep tools
Benefits of greens and blueberries in your daily diet
Recommended Products
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
5
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 190Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 36mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 6gSugar: 31gProtein: 4g
about Kristina:
Kristina is spabettie! She found cooking at an early age, and created spabettie in 2010 to share vegan recipes. Kristina turned her culinary training into sharing vibrant vegan food! Read more...
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La Phemme Phoodie says
Your dog is such a cutie! I've been making spinach smoothies but I'm kind of tired of them. Picking up a big box of blueberries Friday. Think I'll try this shake instead of my smoothie.
spabettie says
only so much spinach you can do, right? I love it, but every now and then have to Mix It Up. I wasn't wanting spinach last night, and Jason came home with a big box of fresh blueberries the other day! soon we will have our own, I look in our garden daily now... the berries are there but still green! 😀
Stephanie @ extremebalance.net/blog says
Oh, summertime. I love the shades of green!
I keep going back to Greens Plus whey protein---vanilla or chocolate---because protein powders are so expensive that I don't like risking that I might not like a new kind (I'm thinking of The Great Vega Disaster of 2010)... but I also liked the ones you sent me in February. And I had half a mind to pack protein powder with me coming to Brazil... and then didn't. Oh, deepest regret! At least I can live vicariously through you!
spabettie says
I'm going to have to look at greens plus - sounds good to me, right now I usually mix protein + greens from 2 different sources. it's still a weird thing for me to wrap my mind around, that you are somewhere without access to everything. (for the 27th time today, I feel lucky). 😀
Stephanie @ extremebalance.net/blog says
Yum. They do a vegan one, too... and we went to a mega-sports store the other day (imagine Costco with *just* sports equipment), but I didn't recognise any of the brands, I don't know what *any* of the words on the package meant---scary!---and like I said: I didn't want to sell my THIRD kidney to buy some.
If you try the Greens Plus vegan, let me know how you like it, and what it tastes like to you. I'd be less nervous to try something new with one trusted vouching!
spabettie says
I will look into it and report back! are they (who is THEY?) strict about mailing protein powder?? 😀
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Love the outdoor pics of your area and also the camera work on the smoothie w/ the bloobs in the background..nice!
I have tried tons of prot powders and go back to vegan Sun Warrior in chocolate but honestly have moved away from them for the most part. They're fine but I dunno, I just don't reach for them as much anymore if that makes sense.
spabettie says
thanks, Averie! gotta stay creative with the camera work 😉
I like the sun warrior chocolate - the vanilla is EW to me! I totally understand - I have never been able to use protein as a MEAL, but as a second meal? yes! a snack or a recovery after workout, yes 😀
Dorry says
I was just talking to someone about protein powder. I've NEVER used it in my life, but I think I'd like to try some since I'm working out a bit more these days. I've heard good things about Sunwarrior and Vega - what do you recommend?
spabettie says
what I always recommend is buying several brands in a SINGLE packet and find what you like. I personally love vega (all flavors) and ... honestly? sun warrior protein is overrated in my opinion. I like the chocolate okay, but the vanilla tastes VERY artificial to me. I love the sun warrior greens (minty!) but that's not protein. I could never use protein as a meal replacement, but as workout recovery it is excellent!
Dorry says
That is what I'm going to do! Pick up some single serving packets. I really want one that will go good in my GF oats for breakfast. Thanks for the good advice, friend!
Tiffany @ Simply Shaka says
I was going to say, I don't do fitblog but always see people on it and thought it was pretty late at night. But then I remembered that pesky three hour time different between us-doh! Very cool thing to do though and great way to get moving. and hooray for Basil pics!
spabettie says
yay Basil! 😀 yep, I'm lucky because fitblog is at 6pm for me! I doubt I'd do it very often if it was later. and right now during the summer, Portland stays light until NINE PM !! so it's still a great time to get outdoors at 7-7:30. 😀
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
Lovely pictures. Looks like a gorgeous day. I could really go for that shake right now!
spabettie says
it was a PERFECT day... I am so thankful we are not in a heat wave like many. I'd be getting wrinkly in the pool all day long! 😀
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
That bridge is too cute!
My favorite protein powder is ON brand -- I get the natural vanilla flavor 100% whey -- it blends well and tastes good! Jason usually has such bad reactions to dairy but he does fine with this protein powder.
spabettie says
good to know - I'm looking for new brands to try when my current supply runs low (getting there!) 😀
katie says
I never had a blueberry protein smoothie! LOVE the straws!
My favorite protein is Sunwarrior!
Happy day to you! xoxo <3
spabettie says
I like CHOCOLATE sun warrior! and the minty greens they have. XXO Happy Wednesday, Katie!
thom says
Post after post, I keep admiring your straws. They look reusable & I have to have them. Where did you find these, if you don't mind me asking.
Oh, & you rock my world.
Thanks for the quick, simple, & delicious vegan/gf recipes.
I lub you for it!
_thom
spabettie says
I find most of my straws online. these striped straws are NOT reusable - they are paper. fun, though 😀
Blog is the New Black says
Drinking a protein smoothie right now. Yours looks awesome!