5 Delicious Healthy Smoothie Recipes to Start Your Day

Photo Credit: Oh She Glows

This green monster smoothie is an amazing ready-to-go, nutrient-packed morning beverage. Before starting your day, you can feel at ease knowing you’ve already sipped a serving of leafy greens, digestive-friendly flaxseed, and energy boosting protein. It’s a super simple and vibrant treat. For extra fiber, try adding chia seeds or flaxseed. You can also make a green smoothie by blending leafy greens with fruit.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond milk or other non-dairy milk

• 1 cup destemmed kale leaves or baby spinach

• 1 large ripe frozen banana, chopped into chunks

• 1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed

• Pinch of ground cinnamon

• 1 scoop of your favourite protein powder (optional)

• 2 to 3 ice cubes

Instructions:

• Add all ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.

Recipe from Oh She Glows >>

2. The Carrot Ginger Turmeric Smoothie by the Minimalist Baker

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (~275 g) carrots

• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) filtered water

• 1 large ripe banana, previously peeled, sliced and frozen (more for a sweeter smoothie)

• 1 cup (140 g) frozen or fresh pineapple

• 1/2 Tbsp fresh ginger (1 small knob, peeled)

• 1/4 tsp ground turmeric (or sub cinnamon)

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) carrot juice

• 1 Tbsp lemon juice (~1/2 small lemon)

• 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened almond milk

Instructions:

1. Make carrot juice by adding carrots and filtered water to a high speed blender and blending on high until completely pureed and smooth. Add more water if it has trouble blending and scrape down sides as needed.

2. Drape a large, thin dish towel over a mixing bowl and pour over the juice. Then lift up on the corners of the towel and begin twisting and squeezing the juice out until all of the liquid is extracted.

3. Transfer carrot juice to a mason jar – will keep for several days, though best when fresh.

4. To the blender add smoothie ingredients and blend on high until creamy and smooth. Add more carrot juice or almond milk if it has trouble blending. Scrape down sides as needed.

5. Taste and adjust flavours as needed, adding more banana or pineapple for sweetness, lemon for acidity, ginger for bite, and turmeric for warmth.

Divide between two glasses and serve. This recipe yields two smoothies, making it convenient for sharing or meal prep. Best when fresh.

Recipe from the Minimalist Baker >>

3. Chocolate, Banana, Peanut Butter Protein Shake by A Sweet Pea Chef

If you have a sweet tooth (mornings not excluded) this smoothie will make you a morning person. Look forward to a dessert-like breakfast smoothie that’s surprisingly low in sugar. This is a high protein smoothie to which you can add protein powder for even more protein. You can swab high-carb waffles for the chocolate, banana, peanut butter beverage and your waist line will thank you later.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond milk

• 1 tbsp creamy peanut butter

• 1 ripe banana can be frozen, broken into large chunks

• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder

• 5-10 ice cubes depending on how thick you like it

• optional: 1 tsp. honey

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients in a blender, starting with the almond milk.

2. Blend until smooth.

3. If too thick, add more milk. If too thin, add some more ice.

Recipe from A Sweet Pea Chef >>

4. Blueberry Avocado Banana Smoothie for Glowing Skin by Well Plated

Looking to add something to your skin routine? Follow up your regular skin regimen with this glow-promoting avocado, blueberry smoothie. Avocado is a healthy fat that’s packed with omega 3 fatty acids, the good kind of fat that keeps your skin plump and radiant. Bonus? It tastes delicious. Using a whole cup of blueberries and one cup of almond milk provides a nutrient-rich base.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Almond Breeze Almond milk Unsweetened Vanilla

• 1 cup fresh spinach

• 1 medium ripe banana, peeled

• 1/2 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted

• 2 cups frozen blueberries

• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal

• 1 tablespoon almond butter (or whole almonds if you have a very high-powered blender that will ensure the mixture is smooth)

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Place all the ingredients in your blender in the order listed: almond milk, spinach, banana, avocado, blueberries, flaxseed meal, and almond butter. Blend until smooth. For a thinner smoothie, add a bit more almond milk. Enjoy immediately.

Recipe from Well Plated >>

5. Wake Me Up Coffee Smoothie by Live Eat Learn

Photo Credit: Live Eat Learn

1. Are you a coffee lover that skips breakfast to get your cup of joe in? Now you can have both in one sip! This smoothie is a blend of brewed coffee, morning oats, powerful protein rich nut butter, whole banana, and choice of milk. These simple ingredients make for one energizing combo.

   Ingredients:

   • 1 banana previously sliced and frozen

   • ½ cup strong brewed coffee 120 mL, chilled

   • ½ cup milk 120 mL, any variety

   • ¼ cup rolled oats 25 g

   • Optional: spoonful of nut butter

   Instructions:

   1. Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth, adding more milk as necessary to reach a consistency to your liking. Optionally top with a sprinkle of chocolate and serve immediately.

   Recipe from Live Eat Learn >>

   For more high protein, post-workout recovery options, try a banana almond protein smoothie or a peanut butter banana smoothie. Both are excellent protein smoothie choices that combine ingredients like banana, nut butters, and Greek yogurt for a satisfying, nutritious drink.

   How to Make the Perfect Smoothie Every Time

   If you want to get creative in the kitchen, you can make your own smoothies by following the very simple four steps below. Use leafy greens like spinach, kale, or chard for a serving of veggies and pick whole fresh or frozen fruits like bananas, berries, strawberries, and mangoes to sweeten things up. Frozen strawberries are a convenient, vitamin-rich ingredient that adds flavor and texture. A liquid base could be water, coconut water for hydration and electrolytes, or any variety of milk. For a decadent chocolate-based smoothie, try chocolate almond milk. Top it all off with a boost like chia seeds, nut butters, or shredded coconut and voila! For creamy texture and extra fiber, add frozen cauliflower. You can also add probiotic boost (like kefir or coconut yogurt), collagen powder, or vanilla extract for extra health and flavor benefits.

   To avoid added sugar and extra sugar, use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation for extra sweetness. Be mindful of fruit juice, as it can increase the sugar content of your smoothie. Some ingredients, like coconut milk, can add saturated fat, so check your nutritional profile if that's a concern. Balancing protein, carbs, and healthy fats can make your smoothie a complete meal. Tracking calories and ensuring enough protein will help make your smoothie a satisfying meal replacement.

   1. Blend 2 cups of leafy greens with 2 cups of liquid base.

   2. Add 3 cups of fruit and blend again.

   3. Add a boost by blending it in last or sprinkling it on top.

   4. Enjoy!