It’s always happens around this time of year.

When the store aisles are bulging with shiny school supplies and the leaves are just threatening to turn, I’ll glance at the calendar and think to myself, Oh, crap.

Of course, I’m looking forward to the next four months. Pie-baking, tailgating, merrymaking–what’s not to like? But it’s about this time I remember those New Year’s resolutions I made when I was ready to kick ass and take names. Back before it got too hot. And now it’s almost September, and those asses and names are still dangling around the cosmos, still waiting to be kicked and taken.

If we’re going to do some ass-kicking this year, it’s time to lace up our shoes. And I can’t think of a better breakfast to jump start the kicking than this Magical Breakfast Blaster Smoothie.

What’s so magical about it?

Most smoothies are like guilt-free milkshakes, made up of a blend of fruit and milk (or yogurt). I’ve never been disappointed by the flavor, but I’ve always found myself grazing about an hour after drinking one, still hungry.

And then I tried the Magical Breakfast Blaster.

It’s every bit as delicious as other smoothies, but it packs a nutritional punch that usually keeps me feeling full until about 2 p.m.

The recipe calls for half a banana, so I like to slice and freeze them ahead of time. (The frozen banana helps to keep the smoothie cold and gives it a creamier texture.) Then, when I’m ready to make a smoothie, I pour eight ounces of water into the blender and add the frozen banana slices, frozen berries, a scoop of protein powder, flaxseed oil (for omega-3s), psyllium husks (for fiber) and a little honey or apple juice concentrate. When I’m really feeling hardcore, I add a big handful of spinach to make my own Green Monster. And then I blend the mixture until it’s fairly smooth.

Like I said, the Magical Breakfast Blaster packs a nutritional punch, but all you really taste is the fruit. It’s like drinking a berry milkshake for breakfast. You almost feel like you’re getting away with something.

Now, that kicks ass.

Magical Breakfast Blaster Smoothie

Adapted from Dr. Michael Roizen and Dr. Mehmet Oz’s “YOU: On A Diet Revised Edition”

Makes 2 servings (136 calories per serving; 6.3 grams fiber per serving)

• 8 ounces water
• 1/2 large ripe banana, sliced (use frozen banana slices for a creamier smoothie)
• 1/4 cup frozen blueberries (or other frozen fruit)
• 1 scoop (1/3 cup) soy protein (preferably vanilla-flavored)
• 1/2 tablespoon flaxseed oil
• 1/2 tablespoon honey or apple juice concentrate
• 1 teaspoon psyllium seed husks

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Cover; blend until fairly smooth.

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