The week of the clementine continues, as does my journey to regain the discipline in my kitchen that was all but lost during the holiday season. For the last couple of weeks, waking up and making cheesy omelettes and breakfast potatoes and bacon and sausage and pancakes has been nothing short of a routine. With the number of brunches I’ve catered along with the friends I’ve had visiting, lost were the days of the light and healthy first meal.

My success in adopting a healthy diet began when I chose to rethink what it was I should be eating for breakfast. Being from New York, the quintessential bacon, egg and cheese on a buttered roll and the cream cheese and smoked salmon on a toasted everything bagel have always been my early morning weaknesses. But starting with something a lot lighter and healthier is the trigger I seek to ensure better meal decision-making throughout the rest of the day.

Almost every morning, I am now in my kitchen making some kind of smoothie for breakfast. I love them because they are quick to put together and allow a lot of creativity when it comes to the ingredients used. They are packed with nutrients our bodies need to maintain good health. They can be customized to focus on particular areas of improvement and, with the right amount of ingredients, they can supply you with the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables for the entire day!

With clementines in season, this recipe for my Banana Strawberry Kale Smoothie with Fresh Clementine Juice is a must-do. The use of blended bananas and strawberries complements the rawness of the kale, adding both flavor and a smooth texture to the meal. And while water can be used to help incorporate all of the ingredients, fresh Clementine juice supplies the much-desired layer of citrus we all look for in so many drinks that we make.

Banana Strawberry Kale Smoothie
with Fresh Clementine Juice

(recipe serving size – 2 1/2 cups)

2 cups chopped kale

1 banana

6 strawberries

1 cup ice

1/2 cup fresh clementine juice (about 4 clementines)

In a high speed blender, crush the ice. Add the kale, banana, strawberries and clementine juice. Blend ingredients on the highest speed for 30-60 seconds until smooth. Stop the blender and gently press the ingredients down toward the blades if the blender does not catch all of the ingredients right away. Resume blending until all of the ingredients are fully incorporated. Add a little water if necessary.

Serve while cold.