This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #StartWithJifPowder #CollectiveBias
An easy protein smoothie recipe that tastes just like a peanut butter cup! A gluten-free and vegan protein smoothie perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack that will fuel you up with nutrition!
![Peanut Butter Cup Protein Smoothie | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 An easy protein smoothie recipe that tastes just like a peanut butter cup! A gluten-free and vegan protein smoothie perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack that will fuel you up with nutrition! #StartWithJifPowder [ad]](https://strengthandsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Peanut-Butter-Cup-Protein-Smoothie-PM1.jpg)
...As we all fall on our faces in shock! I know! A smoothie! I blame it on the new year. It's not like I don't know how to make a smoothie, but y'all know it's not always my thing. However, a new year means a new you, a fresh start (with the flavors of chocolate and peanut, mind you!). Turn the page and start writing a fresh story. Some of us like to make goals and resolution. I sometimes like to set, what I call, "wishes", but this year, I won't even be doing that. I did accomplish a large majority of the things I wrote out for myself. Pretty quickly nonetheless, but the year was such a roller coaster, there is no use planning for certain expectations you have. Nothing ever goes as expected.
![Peanut Butter Cup Protein Smoothie | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 An easy protein smoothie recipe that tastes just like a peanut butter cup! A gluten-free and vegan protein smoothie perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack that will fuel you up with nutrition! #StartWithJifPowder [ad]](https://strengthandsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Peanut-Butter-Cup-Protein-Smoothie-10.jpg)
However, that doesn't mean give up and just sit there letting life fly by. I let that happen to me this past year and I refuse to let that happen again. After the first few weeks of 2015 there was nothing to be proud of and truthfully, I can't recall any highlights. I don't really want to think about the pain and sadness this past year involved and it's hard to really reflect much in the first place. If I could, I would go back and redo many things, make different decisions, and allow myself to "get real", but I can't go back and still have so many unanswered questions. That floating feeling still applies right now.
![Peanut Butter Cup Protein Smoothie | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 An easy protein smoothie recipe that tastes just like a peanut butter cup! A gluten-free and vegan protein smoothie perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack that will fuel you up with nutrition! #StartWithJifPowder [ad]](https://strengthandsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Peanut-Butter-Cup-Protein-Smoothie-4.jpg)
I've learned that every day is completely new. There is no planning. The curve balls that get thrown at you and unexpected circumstances that happen; there's no stopping them. The best thing to do is "breath" into each day. What I mean is, when you first open your eyes and you take that initial breath as you're still lying in bed, take that deep breath and hold it. The release and completely empty your body of the past day's events. Take that moment, remember how you felt, and repeat it throughout the day when you feel "yesterday's" events and emotions bubbling back up.
![Peanut Butter Cup Protein Smoothie | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 An easy protein smoothie recipe that tastes just like a peanut butter cup! A gluten-free and vegan protein smoothie perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack that will fuel you up with nutrition! #StartWithJifPowder [ad]](https://strengthandsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Peanut-Butter-Cup-Protein-Smoothie-9.jpg)
This way you can keep yourself moving forward and not get stuck in the past. You can't change what happened, so there is no good reason to let it affect the next day. If you do, life will literally fly by without you and each day will seem shorter and shorter. The year will fly by and you'll find yourself in the same situation as the last year. Don't get stuck, don't live in the past, don't waste your life. Life is so short and so hard, but you don't have to stay stuck. Breath into each day and clear it out. I guess that's my "wish" this year. To let myself breath and take in each day as a new day, nothing more, nothing less. A new year, a new day, a new you. You get 366 days this year (it's a leap year!), so make each of those days worth it. Make them new and beautiful and don't let them pass you by as you stay stuck in the past.
![Peanut Butter Cup Protein Smoothie | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 An easy protein smoothie recipe that tastes just like a peanut butter cup! A gluten-free and vegan protein smoothie perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack that will fuel you up with nutrition! #StartWithJifPowder [ad]](https://strengthandsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Peanut-Butter-Cup-Protein-Smoothie-7.jpg)
Now for a smoothie. A smoothie that will make you feel good and nourish the body so you can keep moving forward and breathing into life! Maybe the most iconic chocolate flavor combos, besides my favorite of mint chocolate, today we have peanut and chocolate! Peanutty goodness in the form of Jif's new peanut powder that's made from just frsh roasted peanuts! I love that Jif came out with product since many powdered peanut butters are either expensive or hard to find in an average store like Walmart. So when an iconic brand makes a fabulous nutritious product easily available to the masses, you've gotta smile!
![Peanut Butter Cup Protein Smoothie | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 An easy protein smoothie recipe that tastes just like a peanut butter cup! A gluten-free and vegan protein smoothie perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack that will fuel you up with nutrition! #StartWithJifPowder [ad]](https://strengthandsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Jif-Peanut-Butter-Powder.jpg)
Everyone can make a good-for-you fueling smoothie without the extra calories, fat, sugar, and salt. What the peanut powder doesn't lack? Filling protein and all the good taste of traditional peanut butter! Pair it with a few simple ingredients and you can make one "decadent" snack in a flash! Perfect to start your day and allow you fuel up and breath, or a perfect post-workout snack to fill your body back up with goodness.
![Peanut Butter Cup Protein Smoothie | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 An easy protein smoothie recipe that tastes just like a peanut butter cup! A gluten-free and vegan protein smoothie perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack that will fuel you up with nutrition! #StartWithJifPowder [ad]](https://strengthandsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Peanut-Butter-Cup-Protein-Smoothie-1.jpg)
![Peanut Butter Cup Protein Smoothie | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 An easy protein smoothie recipe that tastes just like a peanut butter cup! A gluten-free and vegan protein smoothie perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack that will fuel you up with nutrition! #StartWithJifPowder [ad]](https://strengthandsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Peanut-Butter-Cup-Protein-Smoothie-2.jpg)
A combo of peanut powder protein, balanced carbs and natural sweetness from ripe banana and butternut squash, some unsweetened cocoa powder to load in the flavor, and a splash of Silk unsweetened almond milk. Layered ever so artfully in a glass and you have yourself a nutritious gluten-free and vegan, frozen, creamy "peanut butter cup"!
Peanut Butter Cup Protein Smoothie
![Peanut Butter Cup Protein Smoothie | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 An easy protein smoothie recipe that tastes just like a peanut butter cup! A gluten-free and vegan protein smoothie perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack that will fuel you up with nutrition! #StartWithJifPowder [ad]](https://strengthandsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Peanut-Butter-Cup-Protein-Smoothie-6.jpg)
Peanut Butter Cup Protein Smoothie
An easy protein smoothie recipe that tastes just like a peanut butter cup! A gluten-free and vegan protein smoothie perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack that will fuel you up with nutrition!
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Smoothie, Breakfast, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Unsweetened Silk Almond Milk
- 1 Cup Frozen Cubed Butternut Squash
- 1 Cup Frozen Sliced Ripe Banana
- ¼ Cup Jif Regular Peanut Powder
- 3 TB Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Instructions
- Blend the milk, squash, banana, and peanut powder in a blender until smooth.
- Add half the mixture to a large glass.
- Now add the cocoa powder to the blender and blend to mix.
- Pour this last chocolate half into the glass now to make the second layer.
- Drink up!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
![Peanut Butter Cup Protein Smoothie | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 An easy protein smoothie recipe that tastes just like a peanut butter cup! A gluten-free and vegan protein smoothie perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack that will fuel you up with nutrition! #StartWithJifPowder [ad]](https://strengthandsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Peanut-Butter-Cup-Protein-Smoothie-PM2.jpg)
So now, are you ready to take 2016 one day at a time? Take each moment with a new breath, grounding yourself and not living a life stuck in the same patterns and part? Will you take care of your mind, body, and spirit by nourishing it in a delicious way (like with a peanut butter cup protein smoothie)? I know I'm going to try my hardest and I'd love it if you did too!
So tell me:
+ Goals, resolutions, a word for the year, intentions? What are you doing or not doing this year?
+ How do you keep yourself going what you feel stuck and like life is literally flying by without you living it?
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Heather
I'd love to give squash a try in my protein smoothies. But you had me at peanut butter.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Everyone loves PB!
Healing Tomato
I have never tried using peanut butter cups in smoothies. This is a very clever idea. It is a nice protein-packed lunch that looks filling. I must try this for lunch tomorrow.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
If it's not to cold, I say go for it!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
This looks so decadent. LOVE it! And since it's a leap year, I'll get an extra day to enjoy it 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha, exactly 😉
Erin
Peanut powder??!! I had no idea! This looks great. Love the idea of using peanut powder in a smoothie. Perfect.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
All the flavor, non of the calories!
Chrisy @ Homemade Hooplah
Okay, now THIS is the type of smoothie I could get my husband to try 😀 Love it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
He will approve I'm sure 😉
Kathy Hester
I love peanut powder and the butternut squash addition really makes it healthier and super special.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Definitely a delicious sip of health!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen
I LOVE that peanut powder! I had some in my oats this morning 🙂 AND I love that you used butternut in this smoothie. So tasty!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Peanut flour is so good to have on hand!!
Thank you!
EA-The Spicy RD
Such a yummy combo, and I love the addition of butternut squash! I've made a smoothie w/ it too, and it's quite delicious! The biggest change I'm making this year, is meditating.My goal has been 5+ minutes, 5+ days a week, and so far so good, not to mention, I'm already starting to see what the fuss is all about 🙂 Happy New Year!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is!!! My new favorite!
I did meditation 2 years ago as my "goal"...it lasted for 2 months and then...disappeared :/
Hannah @CleanEatingVeggieGirl
I love that you added butternut squash to this smoothie.. super creative!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Hannah!
Christie
I would never have thought to put butternut squash in a smoothie. Brilliant idea especially since I hate ice in one. One good part about getting older is realizing that will not be bad forever. Every ten years live seems to get incredibly difficult for 2 years. I like to say that things always work out in the end. It may be incredibly painful to get to the end of whatever you are going through. Hope 2016 is the start of better times for you.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally! No watering it down and it's easier to blend!
That's great wisdom dear. I do agree. It usually does end up working out, even if it takes awhile!
xoxoxo
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free
Oh my gosh, that butternut squash is such a fun twist!! I keep seeing that Jif peanut powder - I may have to give it a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The butternut squash is the perfect way to pack in the veggies AND get that creaminess without the ice!
The peanut powder is fabulous!!
Brianna @Flippin' Delicious
PB and chocolate are a match made in heaven!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That they are!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
Peanut butter smoothies are so yummy! Love how thick yours is.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes they are!
Alicia | A Burst of Beautiful
My favorite flavor combo! You can't beat chocolate and peanut butter!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
No you can't!
Alison [Life of Scoop]
Who would've ever thought to put butternut squash in a smoothie?! Girl, that's genius.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Creamy genius 😉
Elaine
It’s hard to believe that something so delicious looking can be good for you too! That’s a win win!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Healthy is always delish!
Wendy @ Living Almost Naturally
These look Delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Nikki Frank-Hamilton
Girl, chocolate and peanut butter are my thing! Seriously. You hit the nail on the head with this recipe, for me anyway. I saw the Jif peanut powder at the store and had no idea what I would use it for, this is perfect! Before removing gluten from my diet I would make protein shakes with whey powder, but I can't have those now and I really missed them! This is perfect for me and my vegetarian daughter. I will be scooping some of this up next visit to the store! Pinned so I can find the recipe again. BTW, you always amaze me by sneaking in an ingredient that packs a big nutritional punch, would never have thought to add the squash. Brilliant!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Whey isn't gluten, haha! It's dairy, but I'm assuming that's what you mean!
Kelsie
YUM! I love the idea of putting cocoa powder in this!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Gotta have chocolate!
Linda @ Home Cooking
It looks like dessert! Thanks for sharing this yummy looking smoothie.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Audrey @ Unconventional Baker
I gasped when I saw a smoothie from Miss Rebecca! 😀 And also that you've got such an awesome blender for a non smoothie lover 😀 😀
Sounds delish. I make pretty much the exact same smoothie, but never thought to add butternut squash to it... Hmmm... interesting idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahahaha! You'll gasp even more when you find out I have 4 blenders..... 😛 Hahaha! A Blentec, Ninja, Oster, and Nutribullet!
Do the squash!!!
Laurie
Pinned and tweeted! Can't wait to try it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Emily
YUMMY! I love how you can use totally natural ingredients to create something that's almost like a dessert. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Healthy deliciousness!
Melissa @ My Recent Favorite books
I love peanut butter smoothies! This sounds delicious!
I'm a new follower! =)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well thank you so much Melissa! And welcome!
Shannon
This looks amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Miz Helen
I would be standing in line waiting for this smoothie!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, wow, thank you!
Amberjane
Looks to good to be healthy but I know it is!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Erin @ Stay At Home Yogi
I get that stuck feeling a lot and I honestly either hit the yoga mat or exercise in some other way. I'm sorry 2015 was not good to you and I hope 2016 is better. The smoothie looks yummy! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Erin!
Deborah Davis
I loved your recipe for a vegan gluten free protein smoothie recipe that tastes just like a peanut butter cup Smoothie. I'm pinning and sharing. It's so great to be back to basics after the holidays and vacations. Wishing a Happy Healthy New Year to you!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Bethany
As my 3-year-old niece would say, "Oh my goodness!" This looks amazing! So decadent, yet pretty healthy, as well.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Her aunt needs to make it for her!
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen
Love a good pb protein smoothie! And I love that shake cup, too cute 🙂 Happy Friday!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's like one of those ice cream glasses! My mom found it last year 😉
Marla
HI Rebecca,
I certainly agree with you about life and not being able to change the past, the future can not be predicted and many times is out of our control, and make the best of each day. I love the chocolate smoothie is sounds delicious.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Definitely! Thank you Marla!
Annmarie
YUM! This looks ah-mazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you dear!
kimmythevegan
Yay smoothies!!!! They are so good =) And this one sounds awesome! Peanut butter is obviously super delicious. The powder sounds interesting. I love the butternut squash! That make it really nice & creamy.
Happy New Year Rebecca! It sounds like you have great ideas for 2016 - living day to day and breathing. Sounds perfect.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Kimmy! You can never go wrong with the power of peanuts!
Hope you have a great 2016!
Heather @MySweetMission.net
Rebecca, this peanut butter cup protein smoothie looks incredible!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
dixya | food, pleasure, and health
while i dont have a big resolution for this year..i read about this term "healthyish" yesterday and I think thats my goal...to live a healthyish life in every aspect, not just food. i have been seeing this protein powder lately and need to try it because im your typical smoothie girl, esp when the weather is warm.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
If you're never had peanut flour, you must get some!
Farrah
Oh, chocolate and peanut butter. Such a wondrous and magical combination. :] This looks and sounds delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha! You said it! Thank you Farrah!
tianna
yummy! this looks delicious! I make a similar smoothie with my plantfusion protein 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I use my PF every day!
Jessica Fancy
YUMMY, peanut butter anything is wonderful! I need to try this. I'm pinning it now. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
How can you not love the ULTIMATE "butter"! 😉 Thanks dear!
Brooke of Passport Couture
Yummy! Looks like some fantastic ingredients in this smoothie!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Thank you!
Jessica
This sounds absolutely delicious! I love butternut squash, too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Jessica!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
I love peanut butter and chocolate in my smoothies, and use powdered peanut butter fairly often. I am gonna have to switch up to this protein blend! Oh and I would have never thought to put butternut squash in a smoothie. Sounds interesting!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Powdered PB was just made for smoothies (and baking!)
The squash makes it extra creamy without watering it down!
Kim
I love my smoothies, and this one looks delish! i need to include some butternut squash - what a great idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Try it out!!! You will love it! xo
Evi @ greenevi
I love butternut squash smoothies! This peanut version looks so silky and rich, such a treat 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
A perfect healthy treat!
Sonali- The Foodie Physician
Chocolate and peanut butter is my favorite flavor combination! I love the Jif peanut powder, especially the chocolate one 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That would make it extra chocolaty 😉
Stephanie
A peanut butter cup smoothie sounds delicious - and it looks AMAZING! Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Harriet Emily
This has to be the best smoothie ever! I love that it's a peanut butter cup flavour - chocolate + peanut is sooo amazing! Such a great idea to add butternut squash too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You can never have a bad smoothie experience with chocolate and PB! Thank you so much sweetheart!
Lisa Sharp
Oh someone needs to make a powdered sunflower seed butter for those of us with peanut allergies. I miss peanut butter so much and this makes me even more. *sigh* ha I'll have to share it with those that can still enjoy peanut butter because someone should get do drink this. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You can simple grind your own sunflower seeds! If you use a coffee grinder you can get it super fine!
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog
I love using peanut butter powder in smoothies, it's so good! I also love how you snuck some butternut squash in there.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's so fantastic to get that flavor without the calories!
Kat
This looks and sounds so so good! I would never use a peanut butter substitute as ACTUAL peanut butter, but I would totally use it for the flavor in smoothies, baked goods, etc. And peanut butter cup PROTEIN smoothie? Yesssssss!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O yes! Haha! It seems rather...gross...to use it as peanut butter! Totally a baking or protein ingredient!
Susie @ SuzLyfe
Want. That is all. I wouldn't beat yourself up over having a "non banner" year. Sometimes, we just have to build foundations for what is to come. Like deciding that every day is a gift that you are going to seize. You didn't play it safe, you were conservatively waiting for the right time to strike.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Nice way to put it, haha! But In don't want to wait and be stuck any longer. I want to "strike" now!
Debbie @ Bible Fun For Kids
This sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Debbie!
neil@neilshealthymeals.com
I want to make some more smoothies this year. Particularly at the weekends, when I have more time, and after our Saturday morning gym routine, that's when I think that "replenishment" will be enjoyed most with a great smoothie like this!
I'm totally with you on your sentiment of not wasting a single day and "the past is the past" by the way. Nicely written. A great reminder, as we start off this brand new year, of the new opportunities that may come to us. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Weekend replenishment sounds like a good idea to me!
Yes! Thank you Neil! May every day of 2016 be forward and expansive!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
Oh, change... I've given up on planning basically anything. LOL!
This smoothie needs to be planned though. I'm a huge fan of butternut in my smoothies. It give them the best texture!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yea...planning...planning just doesn't work out. LIFE doesn't let you!
Haha! Yea! I'd never put frozen squash in, but I love how creamy it was!
Laura
Squash in smoothies is my fave! I try to have some on hand to whiz up every day! Now I'm just out of peanut powder:( This looks delish girl!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha! I always have bags of organic frozen squash in my freezer!!! I knew I needed to find a good use for it!
Jess @hellotofit
Butternut squash?! I've never put that into a smoothie before...now I want to try haha.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's so neutral tasting, you'll never know it's there!
Mandy
You had me at peanut butter!!! PB + chocolate will forever be my favorite combo (that and mint + choc). This looks and sounds so creamy and delicious!! Beautiful post, too - I love your outlook. Here's to a fabulous 2016! XOXO
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Chocolate mint is #1 for me, but then chocolate PB!
And thank you dear <3
Mimiroseandme
What a beautifully written post lovely. I have a confession I haven't actually made too many smoothies - banana, strawberry the basics. This one looks very delicious, I would have never thought about using butternut squash in one like this. This is one is being bookmarked!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Haha! It's okay, like I said, I'm pretty much a smoothie virgin! The frozen squash makes it so creamy! Like little creamy ice cubes 😉
Mary
Happy New Year Rebecca! I used to make smoothies everyday, then I received a Vitamix for my birthday and weirdly I stopped making smoothies all together. I miss all that fruity blended goodness. This looks like a recipe that will rekindle my love affair since I can't get enough peanut butter or protein.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Happy New Year Mary!!
Ah, I think it will work!!! Time to break out the blender and "blend" your way into the new year!
Nadia's Healthy Kitchen
Happy new year Rebecca 🙂 Hope this year will turn out to be much better than the last! I haven't made any new year's resolutions. Like you said, things happen and you can't always plan! This smoothie looks delicious, and it has both peanut butter and chocolate! Yum!! 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Exactly! Happy New Year to you too Nadia!!! xoxo
And thank you!!!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
It's so hard to take every day as a new day! My brain is always buzzing and I find it very hard to relax. Though I've experienced life's curveballs, a big part of me still wants to try to control everything, because it can be SO scary. I relate to what you're saying and hope I can make that a part of my new year, too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! My mind is so busy or it's so stuck. There's so much I want to do, and then I can never get over certain humps and do it. It's so hard to BREATHE!
Leah M @ love me, feed me
What a beautifully written post, Rebecca! I relate to it so much so it really hit home. Hoping your 2016 is off to a good start <3
This is also a very beautiful smoothie!! Love the butternut in it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you dear! Best of everything, love, and strength in 2016 for you too!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors
Loving that butternut squash addition here - yummy! Nothing better than a good chocolate and peanut butter combo to start the day off! Love your idea to just deeply inhale and exhale out the prior day. I'd encourage you to do that the night before too. Let it all go life is amazing and enthralling. Don't live in the unknown future just be simply in the present
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah yes! My mind does go crazy when I lay down to sleep. Breathing it all out then is perfect too!
Melissa @ vegan does it
You are so right and I can completely relate. I've struggled with letting go of the past and not letting mistakes I've made get in the way of future progress at times. This is a nice reminder to just breathe and keeping moving forward. And this smoothie looks delish! Love the sneaky veggie goodness!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yea, it does get in the way of ever experiencing the potentially good and amazing things that await us!
Thank you Melissa! xoxo
Sarah
Love my smoothies and can't go wrong with a peanut butter one, that's for sure!!
I hear you on the resolutions, goals, wishes... I don't do resolutions but usually set goals however last year I got so frustrated with my goals because I had planned and set life up for them and for reasons beyond my control I couldn't accomplish them. I was injured and was so stuck on my goals I set myself back by not giving my body the rest it needed and not carrying for my body and couldn't believe how "depressed" I got and how clouded my judgement got. I am a planner, a big planner and last year so much happened that was out of my control and things I couldn't planned and it took a lot of getting use to. I also like routine and well not only did the injury through that off, having to care for sick family members, and just life. I thought I let it go and really I DID! When we made the call in October to do some major remodeling because life wasn't going as planned and we couldn't find a house (the house we wanted, area we wanted, ect) I really surprised myself! With only a couple weeks I made a bunch of posts to get through the year (well beginning of December but luckily I had some as well that got me through things going longer). My days were spent on the remodeling and just keeping the family together and going. I didn't spend as much time with my blog or social media as I had wanted but that was ok, I didn't have a kitchen or heck we only had one bathroom for a month but hey it was ok, I didn't get my workouts in every day and you know what it was ok and actually with as busy as we were I lost a couple pounds (even with the eating out and not eating as healthy as we normally do), things took longer as planned and we didn't get a Christmas tree until just before Christmas, we didn't get as many cookies baked but hey we got what we really wanted and more than we really needed (yep found those pounds again)..... things worked out, they were ok, and nope I'm not beating myself up, having any regrets, or wishing I would have done things differently because it's how it was meant to be. Same goes for the end of the year when I over analyzed what to do this year and what do to with my blog and I was like hey I will just go with it and in a matter of a couple days things are working out and just seem right even without a plan!
Now back to the smoothie... it looks delicious and you never know it's a new year you might just fall in love with smoothies! 😉 Cheers!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Wow, yes. Life does not let us plan so much, even when we think we've got it going right and things are going smooth, something will crash and directions will change. That happened every time I thought I was getting in a groove. Life doesn't want us to have an easy ride. But that's okay and that's how it's supposed to be so we can keep learning, growing, and becoming stronger because of it.
Love and light in 2016 my dear friend! xoxo
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
I'm too happy because its a SMOOOOOOTHIE!!!! And an insanely delicious looking one too! The swirl is beautiful. I should've guessed you'd have something funky and special in there, butternut squash?!? That's a new one for me, I need to try it! And since when do you have a Blendtec? Anyways, still thinking of you and I know 2016 has the potential to be so much better than the last. I mean we have a whole extra DAY, that's gotta lead to good things <3 xoxo
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The frozen squash makes it so creamy! Sneaky cream!
You know! I have like 5 blenders! My big bulky Ninja, a Blentec, and some old one and I think another somewhere.....
I think we'll need the extra day 😉 Hahaha! And thank you and I know 2016 has good stuff up its sleeve waiting for you to discover!
And....can you send me some of your rawnola for this smoothie? It will make it even better! xoxoxo
Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate
Rebecca,
This is exactly what I needed to read. I had a rough year as well, it went by too fast, and I didn't reach any of my goals. Thank you for the lovely post and recipe (PB anything is my favorite).
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Chrystal. It can be so hard, but the only thing we can do now is move forward. What's done is done and dwelling on it will not help us!
Best xoxoxo
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
love love love the butternut squash and nanners smoothie combined with that decadent peanut butter and chocolate smoothie! Here's hoping 2016 is filled with joy for you Rebecca! xx
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you so much Shashi!!! Ultra creamy goodness!
May 2016 be fantastic for you too!
Katie
Looks amazing! We love making smoothies every day! Need to try this one!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You'll love it!!
Linda @ Veganosity
Sorry you had some rough patches in 2015, but I'm so impressed with your outlook. As I've said before, you're so wise for your years. 🙂
This is the most creative smoothie I've seen in a long time. Well done! It looks delicious.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I just hope I can actually take my own advice 😉
Thank you Linda! xoxo
Raia
Ohh! Butternut squash and peanut butter! Haven't tried that one yet... 🙂 Sounds yummy! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You'd never know the squash was there!
Helene
May God's peace overflow in your life in 2016.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
rachel @ Athletic Avocado
omg a peanut butter cup smoothie sounds incredible!!! Love that you used butternut squash in it too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Gotta add int he veggies! I didn't want it green, but veggies were a much, so squash? Yes!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
peanut butter is always a winner in my book!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Same here!
Leanne@crestingthehill
wow this looks so yummy - you wouldn't guess it was healthy as well! I also love how you are leaping into a fresh new year and not dwelling on the not so fabulous times of 2015. I truly hope this is a great year for you.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Leanna! I hope 2016 treats you well!
Carla
Oooh this is the childs dream!!!
Jif and all.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Chocolate PB dreams for all!