Jennie Garth Drinks This High-Protein Smoothie Every Day—Here's How to Make It

If you’ve ever watched Beverly Hills, 90210, you probably know actress Jennie Garth, known for her role as Kelly Taylor. The now mom of three daughters and four dogs recently teamed up with popular oat milk brand Planet Oat to talk about their Better Reset Pop-Up event, which handed out coffee and breakfast to passersby in honor of daylight savings time.

Garth sat down with us to discuss some of her favorite ways to drink oat milk, including the smoothie recipe she makes every morning. Plus, read on for more since the longtime heart health advocate also dished on her go-to kind of tea, favorite ways to stay active and the number one thing she does to support a healthy heart.

EatingWell: Can you describe your usual morning routine?

Garth: I try to set my day off on the right foot by telling myself everything is going to go the way I want it to—mapping that out in my brain, creating those pathways and telling myself today is going to be a great day. Then, I get up and I make a really action-packed smoothie full of nutrients.

EatingWell: How do you make your smoothie?

Garth: You have to put in a frozen banana. I usually use half a banana, frozen orange, frozen mango, then a ginormous handful of fresh spinach. Then, MCT oil, flaxseed oil, two dates, a whole lemon with the rind and everything. Just throw that right in there. Add ice, Planet Oat milk, bee pollen and an unflavored plant-based protein. Oh, and a chunk of ginger!

EatingWell: Why did you decide to partner with Planet Oat for their Better Reset pop-ups?

Garth: I'm a big plant-based believer, so this is a natural relationship that formed. And I know how hard the reset can be after daylight savings; it just hits different. I definitely wanted to be involved in talking about [Planet Oat] and telling people to go get their free breakfast on Monday morning.

EatingWell: When did you start drinking oat milk? Were you on board from the get-go, or a late comer to the now popular drink?

Garth: I've been dairy-free for 28 years. I raised my kids non-dairy. First, it was soy. Then, I switched to almond. Now, we are in our oatmilk era.

EatingWell: What does your perfect cup of coffee look like?

Garth: I don't drink coffee. The only time I've ever used coffee is when I'm doing night shoots and I have to stay awake. For me, a perfect cup of tea would be just a latte with tea and oat milk, and I prefer the version that's no-sugar added. [Planet Oat] has one that’s no-sugar added which is really delish.

EatingWell: Which tea do you like to drink?

Garth: Houjicha.

(Houjicha is a type of Japanese green tea, similar to matcha.)

EatingWell: What do you like to do to stay active?

Garth: I work out three days a week. I carve out that time for myself, and I really honor that hour and don't ever change it. I do that for overall physical wellbeing. Especially as you get older, you need to make sure your muscles are strong. I walk my dogs in the mountains a lot, and I’m always zooming around doing something. I play golf, also; you’re outside in nature, and it’s just a really nice way to spend time.

EatingWell: You’ve done a lot of work with the American Heart Association. What’s the number one thing you do to support a healthy heart?

Garth: I think a huge factor is having a heart-healthy diet, using plant based foods and trying to control the fried foods. I focus on that, in addition to exercise. And I always encourage people who have heart disease in their genetics to find a cardiologist, have a conversation with them so you are proactive in taking care of yourself. If you don't take care of yourself, no one is going to, and I think that would be one of the great ways to start taking care of your heart.

EatingWell: What does eating well mean to you?

Garth: Eating well means everything. It is all-encompassing: a healthy life, a successful life and a well-lived life. For me, it's absolutely everything.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for clarity and length.