“You’re superwoman!” my girlfriend says every time we catch up. “What’s your secret – tell me, how do you do it all?”
I laugh, shaking my head. I don’t do it all – not even close. I’ve got about nine unfinished blog posts, seven loads of laundry, four dusty dressers and two little boys who are used to mommy saying “come back in five minutes, I just need five more minutes” on an hourly basis. Sigh.
However, I’m not completely humble – I do take credit for being a savvy business woman, pretty great photographer, inspiring travel writer and doting wife and mother. And the secret to my stamina? A balanced diet, filled with high quality protein.
You probably know that protein is absolutely essential to maintaining overall health, helping to build and repair muscles as well as all other body tissues. But did you know that protein is also a powerful macronutrient? It develops antibodies to boost the immune system and keeps you strong, both physically and mentally.
In my on-the-go lifestyle, I depend on reliable sources of high quality protein found in milk and milk products such as cheese, yogurt and kefir. I simply can’t think of a more convenient and versatile way to fuel my busy, active lifestyle! To receive the greatest benefit for my body and mind, I distribute protein evenly across meals: about 30 grams each at breakfast, lunch and dinner (the 30-30-30 Rule), which allows my protein intake to be spread out throughout the day. Milk or milk products are a perfect solution as they can be incorporated in any meal or snack!
Start your day with this delicious, protein-packed Breakfast Muesli Smoothie Bowl, courtesy of Dairy Farmers of Canada.
2 frozen very ripe bananas
1 cup (250 mL) frozen strawberries
2/3 cup (150 mL) quick-cooking rolled oats, divided
2 tbsp (30 mL) ground flax and/or hemp seeds, divided
1 cup (250 mL) plain yogurt
2 tsp (10 mL) liquid honey
Cut about 6 slices from a banana and cut the remaining into chunks. Cut 1 strawberry into thin slices. Set aside sliced fruit, 2 tbsp (30 mL) of the oats and 2 tsp (10 mL) of the seeds for topping.
In a blender, combine yogurt, honey, remaining banana, strawberries, oats and seeds; purée until smooth. Pour into chilled bowls and top with reserved sliced banana and strawberries, oats and seeds. Serve immediately.
I love using Greek yogurt in my smoothie bowl to give it an even bigger protein punch. This breakfast helps satisfy my hunger and provides me with the strength and stamina to power through my always-crazy day. Plus, I love the knowledge that I’m eating wholesome, healthy and versatile foods that can help me stay strong.
Of course, in addition to getting my 30 grams of protein at each meal, you can always finding me savouring a piece (or three) of cheese for my 3pm snack (currently obsessed with Gruyere), and nothing is more soothing before bed than a glass of warm milk.
Do you make protein a priority? Milk and milk products are an easy to incorporate and reliable source of high quality protein to help you power through your day. Now if you’ll excuse me… I’ve once again told my boys to come back in five minutes – and they’ll be here any second!
This post is sponsored by Dairy Farmers of Canada. The opinions on this blog, as always are my own.
That looks so delicious. We are pretty good with getting protein in for us – not so much the picky 7-year-old right now.
That smoothie bowl looks really good, I am trying to get more protein into my diet and this looks like a great way to do it.
Thanks for sharing this looks totally delicious,love your photo !
Looks like a delicious, healthy breakfast. I will try this one for sure since I love berries and banana with my cereal.
I’ve never had or made a smoothie bowl, will need to try it out.
My husband has rolled oats with flax in it about 5 days out of 7. The other days it is Cream of Wheat. I think this recipe will make for a more exciting breakfast for him. Thank for sharing the recipe.
I love eating smoothie bowls. Protein is good but it’s also important to get in the fruit and veg.
That breakfast looks very good. I love my protein.
That looks really good.
Fantastic way to start the day! Yummy!
Looks so yummy! I am trying to get more protein into my diet daily.. I need more energy!
I could definitely do with a little more protein in my diet. This smoothie bowl looks amazing! It sounds like a great way to start the day off right.
Delicious choices.
Looks very good and sounds very tasty!!
This looks really good. I often have a smoothie or yogurt (greek) with strawberries and granola for breakfast but this really kicks it up a notch!
This is perfect and exactly what I have been craving lately ! Ever since finding out I am pregnant, I have been incorperating something similar into my diet instead of constantly turning to my craving of sweets lol
Made a smoothie bowl this past week, it was very yummy!
Greek yogurt does a fancy job & it is pretty thick to make a perfect smoothie bowl.
Protein is very important for a healthy diet.
Trying to incorporate more protein into my diet. Have never tried a smoothie bowl but definitely going to try it.
We love smoothie bowls here. Fresh fruit makes all the difference
We tried your recipe for brunch today and it was so delicious !
It looks delicious and even better it’s really healthy
That looks so yum!!! Definitely could make protein a bigger priority in my life!!
I haven’t tried a smoothie bowl yet, but yours looks super tasty & healthy, thx!
I am all for dairy in my and my family’ s diets. It is such a nourishing source of good protein, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. When my girls were toddlers, kefir was one of the few sources of protein that we could actually get into them! Btw, no need to be humble…you are all of those titles and more!
I love dairy products and they are so healthy, lots of protein is essential for good health.
Thanks I have been trying to get more protein in my diet!
I’ll be starting a new type of diet (for me) where I’ll be eating mainly protein and cutting out carbs and sugar – hopefully I’ll feel healthier, have more energy and generally be fitter and loose weight too – we’ll see.
Thanks for sharing this looks yummy!
Nice wholesome energy. i think that protein powder is convenient as well
Yes protein is very important in my diet. I love getting it from protein shakes and smoothies!
That combination sounds yummy! I try and keep up with consuming protein to keep me going during the day too.
I’ve never tried a smoothie bowl before but, I’ll give this one a go and use the greek yogurt as well. We’re trying to bring a higher protein diet into our household, hopefully it’ll increase energy levels and improve mood!
Yum – does that ever look good!
Love your photos! They are so mouthwatering.
Yes! I find myself so much more energetic and less hungry when I have a protein packed breakfast. That breakfast smoothie bowl looks so delicious even though I’ve never tried muesli before!
Looks delicious! Great idea….I have been looking for ways to incorporate more protein in my diet.
I love drinking my smoothies, but for some unkown reason everytime I see a smoothie bowl, I want to vomit, just the pictures of them upset my stomach, very weird!
I know how important protein is for your diet. For this reason I will save this information so I will be able to eat more healthier.