I have a smoothie every day. It’s a quick way to make sure you get in a nutrient-filled breakfast or it’s a mindless dinner after a long day. As a creature of habit, I go for the classic 90 % of the time… Peanut butter, banana, chocolate protein powder. It’s a classic for a reason; it’s delicious. Typically, I mix with water and ice, but after a workout or when having it for dinner, I’ll do half water/half almond milk. It’s a really great balance of protein, fats, and carbs. When I’m feeling fancy or extra motivated, however, I really like to get inventive with my smoothies, but also keeping it’s nutritional value at the fore of every recipe. These are 6 smoothie recipes you must try! (The smoothies are vegan unless you use animal milk)

1. Turmeric Orange

INGREDIENTS:

1 small banana

1 small orange

1 TBSP Turmeric

1-1/2 cups liquid (water, almond milk, coconut milk etc.)

handful of ice

**Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the ability to increase the antioxidant capacity in the body. It’s also known to fight infection, improve brain function, fight cancer, delay aging, and acts as a natural antidepressant. 

2. Carrot Ginger

INGREDIENTS:

1 small green apple, diced

1/2 banana (optional)

1/2 cup cold pressed carrot juice

1 tsp minced ginger

1 cup milk of your choice

handful of ice

** The health benefits of ginger of vast. Ginger is great for upset stomach, digestion, relieving sore muscles and joints, lowers blood sugar, reduces menstrual pain, lowering cholesterol, improves brain function, prevents cancer, and fights infection. 

3. Green Monster

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup frozen pineapple

1/2 cup frozen mango

1 cup spinach

1 TBSP Spirulina

1/4 Avocado

1 – 1 1/2 cups water or milk of your choice

handful of ice

**We all know that Spinach made Popeye strong, but Spirulina has some awesome benefits for the body too. It can help speed up weightloss by boosting the metabolism, it detoxes heavy metals from the body, helps eliminate candida, lowers blood pressure, fights cancer, and boosts your energy. It is rich in rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

4. Berry Chia

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup strawberries

1/2 cup raspberries

1/4 cup blueberries

2 tsp chia seeds (soaked overnight so they break down easily)

1 – 1 1/2 cups water or milk of your choice

handful of ice

** Berries are high in antioxidant and help delay aging. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. They’re also high in protein and play a role in keeping your insulin levels stable.

5. Date Cacao

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 banana

2  medjool dates

1 1/2 tsp raw cacao powder

1 TBSP honey or agave nectar

1 – 1/2 cups coconut milk

handful of ice

** Medjool dates are an excellent source of energy and fiber, while raw cacao is a natural mood stabilizer, contains the highest source of plant-based iron, boasts more calcium than cows milk, and has 40x more antioxidants than blueberries.

6. Awesome Acai

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup frozen acai (or you can use 4 TBSP Acai powder)

1 banana

1/4 cup raspberries

1/4 cup strawberries

1 TBSP hemp seeds

1 – 1/2 cups liquid (water, almond milk, coconut milk etc.)

handful of ice

** The Acai berry contains antioxidants, fiber and heart-healthy fats. Hemp seeds contain easily digested proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and are rich in essential healthy fats.

These smoothies are high in calories because they are meant to be meals. If made correctly, meaning, the right ingredients; smoothies can be a nutrition bomb. Your body wants all things real… fruits, veggies, proteins, fats, and carbs. When combined they’ll do amazing things for your overall weight and health. How is your diet? Would you benefit from adding a smoothie into your day? I completely understand if these recipes seem like a lot… so maybe just stick with the classic! If you’re on the market for a vegan protein powder CLICK HERE TO SHOP MY PERSONAL FAVORITE.