At MELA, we love starting the day with a delicious and nutrient dense smoothie. Lately we can’t get enough of this seasonal variation for fall, which features warming spices and peak season pears.

Smoothies come together quickly and easily on busy mornings, and when made with the right combination of whole food, quality ingredients, can serve as a meal replacement, providing you with all of the key nutrients you need in a healthy breakfast.

This recipe follows our MELA smoothie formula: fiber (greens and chia seeds) + protein (protein powder) + healthy fat (almond butter) + liquid (almond milk) + optional add-ins (pear and spices) to enhance flavor and deliver additional nutrients, vitamins and minerals. The components of MELA smoothies are designed to provide a healthy balance of nutrients to keep you feeling full, satisfied and energized throughout your morning.

Chai pear smoothie
Serves 1

Ingredients
1-2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 serving vanilla protein powder (we used Livwell)
1 small pear, cored and diced (fresh, or frozen for a thicker smoothie)
1 tablespoon unsweetened almond butter or nut butter of choice
2 teaspoons chai spice blend (we used Countertop Foods; alternatively, make your own using 1/2 teaspoon each of ground ginger, cardamom and cinnamon)
1 tablespoon of chia seeds
1-2 handfuls of spinach or kale (or both)

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender. Serve.

2. Note: if you prefer a thicker and icier constancy for your smoothie, add in 2-4 ice cubes or 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice. If you prefer a thinner smoothie, add more almond milk.