This post first appeared over at Real Housemoms where I’m a contributor.

If you’re looking for a tasty quick breakfast that will mentally transport you to a tropical beach, this MANGO PINEAPPLE SMOOTHIE will do the trick!

I don’t know about you, but starting with Halloween and going all the way through Christmas, I throw all the rules with respect to food out the window. I allow myself to eat whatever I want, whenever I want it. I do it every year, and every January, my body is craving healthy food and a heck-of-a-lot more produce than I had eaten over the past couple of months.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we love our local produce, however the growing season is rather short. So, during the months when absolutely nothing grows around these parts, I use frozen fruit. Right about this time of year, I also start to crave warm tropical beaches. That’s why I really love this smoothie. The combination of these tropical flavors is not only delicious, but they allow me to take a five minute mental journey to a warm beach near the equator.

There’s nothing fancy in this smoothie – just mango, pineapple and banana. You can certainly take it to the next level by adding a splash of coconut milk to the water, but I was going for quick and easy. I do like to add some vanilla protein powder so that it keeps me full longer, but that part is totally optional.

The last time I enjoyed this smoothie, I had actually blended it up and took it to the gym with me. Immediately after my spin class, I drank my smoothie and, wow, was that a refreshing and replenishing treat! I love to add some toasted coconut for crunch. YUM!