Love a freshly-blended Smoothie for breakfast, but don’t love the cleanup?

Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD

With a few exceptions all Smoothie King locations will now be open Monday through Friday by 7am. Now you can stop in on your way to work or school for a delicious, nutritious breakfast on the go.

My favorite is the Mocha Coffee Smoothie. When you say ‘Make it Skinny,’ your 20-ounce Smoothie will have just 160 calories and 13 grams of carbohydrates. It’s also low in fat, with more protein than two scrambled eggs.

If you’re looking for a slightly higher-calorie Smoothie that’s still packed with protein, opt for one of the Gladiator Smoothies or any one of the High Protein Smoothies. A 20-ounce will range from 266 to 556 calories.

Why do we put such an emphasis on protein at breakfast? For starters, protein takes longer to break down, so it will help keep you feeling fuller till lunchtime. Plus, protein increases alertness, helping you to focus better at work or school.

We also know that people who eat breakfast tend to be leaner than those who skip their morning meal. Studies also show us that breakfast eaters get sick less often.

If you still need convincing, maybe Smoothie King’s new Protein Muffin can win you over to the breakfast side. Available in flavors like Banana, Blueberry, and Double Chocolate, it’ll feel more like a decadent dessert than a breakfast. But with 15 grams of protein and 43 grams of carbs, each 366-calorie muffin provides the nutritional equivalent of two eggs, a slice of toast, and a glass of juice.

Incorporating breakfast is essential for maintaining optimal metabolism, muscle mass, immune system, and energy levels. If taking the time to make breakfast doesn’t fit into your hectic morning schedule, let Smoothie King help you start your day.