Anytime there’s a pint of blueberries in our house, the container is empty in no time. Strawberries and raspberries don’t last long either. When my boys were younger, our summer hikes were for the sole purpose of “hunting” wild raspberries. Little did they know these bountiful fruits were helping their most important organs.

Research shows berries, especially blueberries, give your brain a cognitive boost to get through mentally taxing days. Have an important presentation or kids have a test? Eat some blueberries. They are also rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals which are heart healthy.

Add them to yogurt, cereal, oatmeal, baked goods or eat them straight.

Here’s what we typically put in a Protein Berry Morning Shake

Frozen mixed berries, frozen blueberries - 1 cup or more
Yogurt, 1/2 - 1 cup
Protein powder
Cashews, handful (optional, adds protein and magnesium and a creamy flavor)
Banana, 1/2 to a whole banana depending on sweetness (tip - we store overripe ones in freezer)
Greens of choice (optional - spinach, kale, collards)

Add water to cover contents in the blender, add more if too thick. Blend and drink. You can store any extra in mason jars in fridge.

Written by Kristina Cagno, M.A.

Sources

Mixed Berries and Cognitive Function https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31698695/

Blueberries and Cardiovascular Disease https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190530101221.htm