Monday morning power smoothies (also Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday…!)

I don’t like Monday mornings. Or Tuesday mornings. Or Wednesday mornings. Actually, I hate mornings of any shape, size or colour. The snooze button is usually pressed about 186 times before I actually get up and by the time I have managed to bathe and dress myself – both tests of supreme strength before noon – everything is running an hour behind schedule. And then, of course, there is neither the time nor the energy to make breakfast. Which, as we well know, is nutritional suicide what with breakfast being the most important meal of the day yada yada yada…!

So, with Kimberly Snyder around, I figured the answer to my morning crisis might be found in a one-gulp pitcher. Several experiments and 27 nutritionists later,  I have come up with these 7 perfect, super-healthy, super-delicious power smoothies for crazy mornings. These nutrient-dense concoctions give unlimited energy, rev up the metabolism and help me make it to lunchtime without ravenous I’ll-eat-anything urges. There is one for every day of the week, so mix them up according to your own schedules! [Oh! And did I mention that you can make them ahead of time – a smoothie, unlike a juice, will keep its freshness for 2-3 days in the refrigerator!]

Citrus wake-me-up

This is perfect for those mornings (think M.O.N.D.A.Y) when you simply don’t have the will to step out of the door. The fruit content gives a mammoth Vitamin C-punch to help reduce sluggishness, thereby imparting a better energy boost than a cup of coffee to wake you up and get you going.

Pomegranate-protein morning shake

According to research, Tuesday at 11:45 am is most stressful time of the working week for most people. Counter with pomegranates, which are full of super-healthy antioxidants to support a healthy cardiovascular system and help with high blood pressure and diabetes. Bananas, in the meantime, provide potassium. Chuck some into a blender, add protein powder and a handful of almond slivers for a powerful breakfast smoothie that will get your day going right.

• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 3/4 cup soy or almond milk or low-fat milk
• 2 ice cubes
• 1 large banana
• 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
• 2 tablespoons protein powder
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Combine, blend and drink up!

Thursday mornings can be rushed because really, who wants to leave work pending for the weekend? This breakfast smoothie is great for those of us who are running late for work and prefer to drink our breakfast on the way. It is literaly ‘breakfast in a glass’: cereal, milk and fruit.

• 1 banana
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar-free honey substitute
• 1/2 cup granola
• 1/2 cup ice
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt

Combine and blend; the granola will give it a nice texture and also keep you full for longer.

Super Energy Smoothie

Snuck in a couple of drinks on Thursday evening? Need a storehouse of energy for post-work Friday cocktails? This smoothie is loaded with antioxidant- and nutrient- rich fruits and vegetables along with watermelon to help dilate blood vessels and promote blood flow. It also has coconut water, which is one of the most hydrating liquids out there (and helps reduce blood pressure).

• 1/2 cup pineapple
• 1/2 cut watermelon
• 1 cup coconut water
• 4-5 stalks baby spinach
• 8-10 frozen blueberries
• 2 green apples or 2 bananas

Blend all the ingredients together and enjoy!

Sunburst smoothie

Ah! It’s finally Saturday and that means you can pull off a slightly more complicated recipe that will clear out toxins from the past week and set the stage for the weekend. Sweet and savoury at the same time, this almond butter and peach smoothie is loaded with calcium, iron, protein and vitamins A and C.

• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 2 cardamom pods or 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 1/2 cups drinking water
• 1 cup frozen peaches
• 1 to 2 teaspoons agave syrup
• 1/2 cup ice

Blend together until smooth.