Busy and productive…that’s the name of the game over here today!
I spent the entire morning catching up on work from the weekend, including some freelance work, a few client training plans, some cleaning, and some bill-paying.
After a few hours, I took a much-needed break from the computer and squeezed in two other things that were on my agenda for the morning: a workout and some baking.
So, so excited about this stuff.
While my bread cooked, I headed down to the basement, completed about 30 minutes of cardio on the treadmill, then came back up for some ab work. By the time I was finished, my bread only had about five minutes left. Perfect timing.
Once the bread was out of the oven, I showered up and put together a little lunch.
It’s a hot one out there today, so the thought of a cool, creamy smoothie sounded super appealing. I remembered that I had some frozen cherries in the freezer, so I used those to make what has to be one of the best smoothie bowls to ever come out of my kitchen…the Cherry Almond Smoothie Bowl.
To make your own Cherry Almond Smoothie (Bowl), combine the following in your blender:
- 1 frozen banana
- ~1/2 cup frozen cherries
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- Enough water to get things moving (~1/4 cup)
- 2 tsp chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I used SunWarrior)
- 1/4 tsp xanthan gum, optional
I topped my smoothie bowl with some Kashi Go Lean for a little added crunch and also snacked on a piece of my freshly baked Zucchini Oatmeal Bread.
I actually had two pieces, but hey, who’s counting?
I got the recipe over the weekend from my friend Christina and it turned out even better than I expected. I’ll have to share with you guys soon!
And, since we’re on the topic, just in case you’ve missed some of my latest zucchini recipes, feel free to check out my latest post on the Fitness Magazine Fitterati Blog!
Time to get back to work…umm, this day is flyyyyying!
*FYI: I’ve been getting numerous emails from some of you saying that you’ve been experiencing some trouble when trying to view my latest posts. I had Ryan look into it today, and I think everything *should* be cleared up! So sorry if you were one of the ones having trouble!
Lauren @ Chocolate, Cheese and Wine says
That smoothie bowl looks delicious!!! I have been on a smoothie kick lately and am absolutely loving it!
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because says
Right? This heat has me eating smoothies at least twice daily :)
Khushboo says
That smoothie looks so refreshing! If you’re looking for a new combo, try 1 frozen banana with half cup frozen cantaloupe, 2/3 cup milk, couple tablespoons of Greek yogurt, vanilla extract and xanthan gum…totally hit the spot today :)
Rachel says
oo that sounds so good! I recently made a chocolate cherry smoothie and added some greens to get some veggies in haha it’s a nice change from blueberries (which I use a lot in smoothies lol)
that bread looks so good!
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
Wow that bowl looks amazing! I’ve been contemplating cold soups for summer and this may be the perfect first step :)
Danica @ It's Progression says
I’ve never thought of putting almond extract in a smoothie before…will have to try it!
Today is flying by for me too…I should probably stop reading blogs now and get crackin on the to-do list!
Caroline @ After Dinner Dance says
That smoothie looks beautiful! I’ve never had a smoothie come out purple!
Mollie says
I can’t wait for the new zucchini bread recipe!! We have a garden too-therefore a ridiculous amount of zucchini and yellow squash but I can’t complain!!
So I gave my mom the recipe you used for the banana zucchini muffins-we made it a bread and added choc chunks. OMGGGG it was heavenly. I loved every bite of it and reheated it in the micro so the chips got melty. Still thinking about how good it was haha..oh boy!
Michelle@Peachy Palate says
That’s pretty much my favourite smoothie exactly! Love topping with flaked almonds, dried and fresh cherries, yum!!!Always add a bit of xanthan, love my smoothies super duper thick!
Alysia @ Slim Sanity says
cherry and almonds sounds like a delicious combo!
Danielle@cleanfoodcreativefitness says
Wow that smoothie sounds delicious and that zucchini bread looks so good! Keep the zucchini recipes coming :)
Candice says
yum!! Can’t wait to try frozen cherries in a smoothie!
Lisa says
Yum, that smoothie sounds like an awesome lunch option for a hot day. You are just all about the zucchini bread lately. Looks delicious! I’m with you, this day is totally flying by
Lydia says
Um! The smoothie bowl looks absolutely amazing! I will be trying that this week, thanks for the recipe!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
That smoothie sounds great! Definitely going to try it soon!
Suzanne @ Fit Minded Mom says
The smoothie looks delicious but I am all about the oatmeal zucchini bread! That looks soooo good and hope you will share the recipe soon!!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
That zucchini bread looks amazing!!!!! I want a piece!
Ali Madigan says
Recipe please for the bread! I have tried the zucchini chocolate chip bread, the zucchini banana bread and need a new recipe to try this week. I also have an abundance of zucchini :)
Talia @ Bite Size Wellness says
It has been far too long since I had a smoothie bowl. Perfect summer treat. I used to love this smoothie shop near my college and they probably made a living out of me purchasing their almond chai bowl…glad I could help them out!
Carissa says
I love using cherries in my smoothies! Great for anti-inflammatory properties. I need to make some zucchini bread ASAP when I get back!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
I’ve totally been loving cherries lately, so this smoothie bowl sounds so good!
Annie @ What's Annie Making? says
Oh girl! That smoothie bowl looks awesome!!!! And zucchini oatmeal bread? What a perfect breakfast :)
Sarah says
i make a smoothie very similar to that ALL THE TIME!!! Frozen cherries are my favorite smoothie fruit! mmmmmmmm
Brandi @ Faith Fitness and Laughter says
Smoothies looks yummy! I love to use cherries in my smoothies. :) Love that bread, makes me want to go make some!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
That looks delicious! I love how it turned out purple, too – extra fun!
Lindsay @ Fuel My Family says
I have been eating zucchini in everything lately! Gotta get it while its good and fresh!
Ellie@Fit for the Soul says
whoa that bread looks uber moist! no one’s counting so eat on ;)
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
That zucchini bread looks amazing!!! :)
Stephanie @ The Fitness Adventures says
I make smoothie bowls for breakfast all the time and my recipe is almost identical to yours! They are always so delicious, and make a more substantial meal than just a smoothie alone would. :)
jodie says
Is it possible to get the recipe for the bread? Did I miss it? I am seriously drooling. Thanks
Courtney says
About to post it right now! :)
Bek @ Crave says
A smoothie bowl aye? I’ve never tried that one. I’ll have to give it a go sometime- do you find it filling? Does it sustain you for long?
Courtney says
As long as I add some protein powder, definitely! :)
green smoothie recipes says
This is a really nice way to get a lift after a walk or exercise, my partner whipped up a couple after our sunday ride and we both enjoyed them plus this smoothie is healthy, what more can you ask :)