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
ยผ cup of (your choice of) plain yogurt
ยผ cup of (your choice of) milk
10 almonds
1 tablespoon of raisins
3 ice cubes
Or Blend:
1 ยฝ 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
ยพ 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 ยฝ 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
ยฝ teaspoon of turmeric
Or Blend:
1 cup of watermelon chunks
ยฝ cup of coconut water
1 ยฝ 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
ยผ cup of oats
1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
1 tablespoon of chia seeds
โ teaspoon of ground cardamom
Or Blend:
ยฝ a frozen banana
1 cup of chilled coffee
ยฝ of milk (of your choice)
1 scoop of chocolate protein powder
ยฝ teaspoon of your choice of sweetener
Antioxidant Rich Smoothie
Hereโs a smoothie that will give your energy level a boost.
Blend:
ยฝ cup of almond milk
ยผ cup of water
ยฝ cup of frozen blueberries
ยฝ a banana
1 teaspoon of hemp seeds
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
1 teaspoon dried lavender
ยฝ tablespoon maca powder
1 teaspoon of vanilla
Breakfast Smoothies
Here are two delicious smoothies thatโs great for those mornings when youโre in a rush.
Blend:
ยฝ of plain yogurt (of your choice)
ยฝ 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:
โ cup of unsweetened almond milk
2 handfuls of kale leaves
โ cup of pineapple chunks
ยฝ an avocado
1 scoop of protein powder
1 cup of ice cubes
Or Blend:
1 ยฝ 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
ยพ cup of cranberry juice
2 scoops of vanilla frozen yogurt
ยผ teaspoon of almond extract
For a strawberry cheesecake smoothie, blend:
1 cup of frozen strawberries
ยพ cup of greek yogurt
ยฝ cup of milk
2 ounces of cream cheese
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
1 ยฝ tablespoon of agave nectar
For a peach cobbler smoothies, blend:
1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
ยฝ to 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
โ 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.)
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