Banana Smoothie with Peanut Butter, Chia Seeds and Cinnamon

If there are two flavours that go well together I would say peanut butter and bananas take the first price. I used to snack on this combo all the time, I'd grab a banana, my big jar of PB and with the help of a spoon I'd soothe my cravings. Now I put a bit more effort, I got a bit creative, added more ingredients and made this Banana Smoothie with Peanut Butter, Chia Seeds and Cinnamon.

Aside from this two ingredients being such a delight when mixed together this smoothie is also a serious power bomb, meaning you can easily have it as breakfast, it will keep you energised and away from the cookie jar all morning. Or you can make it as a post workout snack, it's loaded with 18g of protein and many other nutrients that will help your body recover and get those muscles on the gain train.

This smoothie has made it to the top of the list for many reasons. First of all, as you might know by now I really like simplicity and I like coming up with recipes that make sticking with a vegan diet as easy and as practical as possible. This smoothie recipe is as simple as it gets, you need 5 ingredients, they all go in a the blender for a quick spin and in less than 5 minutes you'll have breakfast ready.

Even though we are aiming for simplicity, nutrition cannot be left out of this party so let go through some of the good stuff that's in this smoothie:

• Bananas: Contain plenty of fiber and carbohydrates. Loaded with Potassium and Vitamins C, B6 and A. Great ally in weight management, boosts eye and bone health, helps in treating anemia, relieve from constipation and menstrual problems.
• Peanut Butter: Good source of protein, antioxidants and fatty acids (the fats we DO like). Promotes bone and muscle growth. Aids preventing heart disease, Alzheimer's, viral and fungal infection.
• Chia Seeds: Packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, antioxidants and many vitamins and minerals. Lowers risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, helps control arthritis, manage weight, improves gastrointestinal health and prevents osteoporosis. 
• Cinnamon: Stores many antioxidants and anti inflammatory properties. It reduces chance of heart disease, helps the body fight infection, and repair damaged tissue. Reduces cholesterol levels and helps lower sugar levels.

For the last ingredient we have protein powder, of course a plant based one. There are plenty options out there just make sure to read the labels carefully and make sure you are using a vegan blend, some brands are very cheeky when it comes to labelling, and if possible use one that doesn't have any added sugar. I used the unflavoured kind since I really like this smoothie's flavour as it is but some people like to use vanilla or chocolate flavoured powders.

One last pro tip, you can leave those bananas in the freezer over night for a delicious, fresh and nutritious smoothie the next morning!