But even creatures of habit need a change every now and then so I started working on a slight variation of my favorite foods and created this Strawberry Oat Smoothie. It has made a strong showing as of late, and I couldn’t be happier about it.

Why This Smoothie Makes a Great Breakfast

Here are 10 reasons why it makes the cut for me:

What Are the Best Oats for Smoothies

Oatmeal makes this smoothie very filling because it contains a lot of fiber (soluble and insoluble), and then there’s the bonus of the minerals in the oats. Uncooked old-fashioned rolled oats give you the best texture in this smoothie, but if you don’t mind a coarser texture you could use steel-cut oats. Quick-cooking oats are fine too, but make sure they don’t have any additives. Oats, along with frozen fruit, make this smoothie extra thick, too.

Dairy vs Nondairy Smoothies

Since I have no problem with dairy, I make this smoothie with yogurt, but you could substitute almond milk for the yogurt if you want to avoid it. Add a few drops of lemon or lime juice to replicate the tanginess of the yogurt if your smoothie isn’t tart enough for your taste. You could also use any other non-dairy milk or yogurt interchangeably here.

The Best Way to Sweeten and Flavor Your Smoothie

Everyone has their own particular tastes (mine are pretty simple, don’t judge) which makes smoothies a great breakfast option. Each person can adapt the recipe to suit his or her style.

A few slices of bananas add sweetness and help create a creamy texture. Add a spoonful of honey or agave if you like it extra sweet. Start sweet by adding sweetened nut milk or yogurt. Boost the flavor with a little pure almond extract — a little goes a long way. Add a few drops of vanilla extract. Boost the protein power by adding a tablespoon of almond butter.

More Great Smoothie Recipes

How to Make the Best Detox Smoothie Green Mojito Smoothie Berry Banana Smoothie Apple Pie Smoothie Bloody Mary Smoothie