Strawberry Coffee Smoothie yumminess

The last few days got me all revved up to buy some more strawberry coffee mix from Lip Smackin Creations, but when I went to their Etsy page, they were no longer around :-( I wanted to add it to the smoothies I've been having in the mornings for breakfast on my long train ride into the city since I can avoid getting in trouble for eating but still break my fast. I also like the idea of adding some caffeine to my morning without having to urgently poo during an hour and a half commute. Brewed coffee does a number on my princess innards. Le sigh. What's a girl to do? Well, figure out an alternative, obviously. Woot!

Strawberry-Coffee Smoothie Recipe

• a large handful of strawberries (I like them frozen) 
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee grounds (brewed coffee makes it too runny) 
• 1 banana, peeled (if you have bananas going to mush, stick them in the freezer then pull them out to make great frozen smoothies!) 
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (this is a great way to add amazing extra nutrients as well as helping to create a fullness. Here is a great list of all the amazing benefits of chia seeds. I have become a huge fan.) 
• 1 scoop protein powder (I used vanilla protein powder by APS, their grass fed whey is great if you aren't a vegan. The whey comes from 100% grass fed cows with no antibiotics or hormones. You can actually buy it at Whole Foods and Albertsons.) I then tried it with the chocolate powder and it was amazeballs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract if you use unflavored protein powder
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk or Greek Yogurt

The coffee was a nice, subtle addition and gave me an extra energy boost without being overwhelming. The chia seeds and protein powder made it quite filling, which was especially helpful on a day when I wasn't allowed a lunch until 3 in the afternoon. (though I did sneak a yummy kumquat and persimmon fruit leather when no one was watching. I work for sadists :-)  That's a joke, please don't fire me!) 
Tomorrow I'm gonna try it with a chocolate powder and see how they compare......