Tasty and Healthy Smoothie Options

By Kadisha Kentish

Smoothies are a great way to insure that you have a balanced diet. Whether you prefer fruits or vegetables, smoothies are loaded with nutrients that will get you through the day. They are good for a “pick me up,” or as a pre/post workout snack; also good as a breakfast option, or just when you’re craving something sweet. Plus, the spring/summer season opens the doors to all sorts of smoothie combinations since so many more fruits are in season. It’s all about what you put into your smoothie. There a vast number of combinations you can try. All you need to know is the result you’re looking for from your smoothie. Here’s some recipes that are tasty and great for your health.

Pre Workout Smoothie

Here are some smoothie recipes that will give you the energy you need to complete your workout.

Blend:

1 scoop of chocolate protein powder

1 banana

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

1 teaspoon of honey

¼ cup of (your choice of) plain yogurt

¼ cup of (your choice of) milk

10 almonds

1 tablespoon of raisins

3 ice cubes

Or Blend:

1 ½ frozen bananas

1 kiwi

1 tablespoon of hemp protein powder

1 peach

approximately 7 tablespoons of a milk of your choice

Or Blend:

1 ripe frozen banana

¾ cup of kale or spinach

1 tablespoon of chia seeds

1 tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter

a dash of cinnamon

1 cup of your choice of milk

3 ice cubes

Post Workout Smoothie

Here are a couple of smoothie options that will replenish your energy and electrolytes after a great workout.

Blend:

1 ½ cups of unsweetened almond milk

1 scoop of vanilla protein powder

1 cup of frozen mango chunks

1 orange

2 tablespoons of peanut, almond, or cashew butter

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

½ teaspoon of turmeric

Or Blend:

1 cup of watermelon chunks

½ cup of coconut water

1 ½ teaspoon of lime juice

4 mint leaves

4 ice cubes

For Coffee Lovers

Here are smoothies that will give you your caffeine fix and wake you up.

Blend:

1 cup coffee

1 cup of unsweetened almond milk

1 scoop of vanilla protein powder

1 banana

¼ cup of oats

1 tablespoon of cocoa powder

1 tablespoon of chia seeds

⅛ teaspoon of ground cardamom

Or Blend:

½ a frozen banana

1 cup of chilled coffee

½ of milk (of your choice)

1 scoop of chocolate protein powder

½ teaspoon of your choice of sweetener

Antioxidant Rich Smoothie

Here’s a smoothie that will give your energy level a boost.

Blend:

½ cup of almond milk

¼ cup of water

½ cup of frozen blueberries

½ a banana

1 teaspoon of hemp seeds

1 scoop of vanilla protein powder

1 teaspoon dried lavender

½ tablespoon maca powder

1 teaspoon of vanilla

Breakfast Smoothies

Here are two delicious smoothies that’s great for those mornings when you’re in a rush.

Blend:

½ of plain yogurt (of your choice)

½ a ripe mango

1 teaspoon of honey

Or Blend:

10 ounces of frozen blueberries

3 ripe bananas

1 cup of plain yogurt

1 cup of unsweetened coconut milk

2 tablespoons of honey

Veggie Smoothies

Here are some smoothies that are nutrient-rich and will add some green to your diet.

Blend:

⅔ cup of unsweetened almond milk

2 handfuls of kale leaves

⅓ cup of pineapple chunks

½ an avocado

1 scoop of protein powder

1 cup of ice cubes

Or Blend:

1 ½ cup of baby spinach

1 cup of frozen mango chunks

1 banana

one juiced lemon

Dessert Smoothies

Here are some smoothies that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

For a cherry pie smoothie, blend:

15 (fresh or frozen) black cherries

¾ cup of cranberry juice

2 scoops of vanilla frozen yogurt

¼ teaspoon of almond extract

For a strawberry cheesecake smoothie, blend:

1 cup of frozen strawberries

¾ cup of greek yogurt

½ cup of milk

2 ounces of cream cheese

1 tablespoon of vanilla extract

1 ½ tablespoon of agave nectar

For a peach cobbler smoothies, blend:

1 cup of unsweetened almond milk

½ to 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder

⅔ cup of frozen peaches

2 tablespoons of oats

a pinch of cinnamon

(If you want to thicken your smoothie, add ice; and to loosen it up, add a liquid according to the type of smoothie you are making.)

Image Source: http://www.delish.com/cooking/g1457/healthy-smoothie-recipes/?