Stop drinking the same smoothie every day! I forbid it. I know smoothies are simple, but sometimes maybe so simple you get into a rut. Mix things up with these fresh ideas for a morning kick-start, post-workout muscle-builder or an anytime meal replacement.
The makings of a delicious smoothie include veggies, fruit, a liquid of some kind, supplements, protein and ice (sometimes coffee-flavored ice — oh yeah!).
Veggies: Of course you need the green stuff. This may be the only serving you get all day. Kale, spinach, cucumber and parsley are my personal must-haves. Cucumber lends a nice refreshing taste, while kale and spinach are a bit more bitter – which is perfectly fine, because you’ll be adding fruit…
Fruit: Fresh or frozen pineapple, mango, strawberries and bananas offer the most natural sweetness. Plus, their textures work so well once blended.
Liquids: Harvest Bay All Natural Coconut Water, pineapple juice, peach/mango juice and carrot juice are all sweet and nutritious additions that help make your smoothie move through a straw. I don’t know about you, but if a smoothie is too thick I end up with a brain freeze as I guzzle it down in globs. Take my word for it; add the liquid.
Supplements: Fruits and veggies obviously offer great wholefood nutrients, but smoothies scream for more. This is your chance to get all the superfoods in one tasty shot. My personal favorites are Bob’s Red Mill Flaxseed Meal, Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Powder and chia seeds.
Protein: If I’m drinking a smoothie for a meal or after a workout, I have to bulk it up with protein. MRM 100% All Natural Whey in Chocolate makes me think I’m drinking dessert. I also like mixing in MaraNatha Almond Butter – my all-time favorite almond butter! I just got PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter for the first time and can’t wait to try it. (Please give me tips if you’ve used this in your smoothies!)
All-in-ones: When you’re feeling lazy or really pressed for time, Amazing Grass Amazing Meal has everything you need in one powder. It’s low in calories with only 90 per scoop, while providing tons of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, greens, digestive enzymes and 10 grams of protein! Warming: it’s a great all-in-one, but I highly suggest mixing it with almond milk and coffee ice cubes to mask the earthy greens taste.
Tips:
- Add liquid before powders
- Add chia seeds after you’ve blended everything else – they give a nice crunch that way
- If you’re blending post-workout, use fewer ingredients and make sure the star of the smoothie is protein powder
- For first-thing-in-the-morning smoothies, use lots of veggies to make it more hearty and filling
- Cut down on total sugar intake by skipping the fruit juice
Favorite combinations:
Kale + pineapple + mango + OJ + coconut water + spirulina + flax + ice
Pineapple + grapes + parsley + apple juice + spirulina + ice
Strawberries + banana + almond butter + almond milk + ice
Chocolate whey + cinnamon + almond milk + coffee ice cubes
Coffee ice cubes = brewed coffee (or instant coffee mixed with water) poured into ice cube trays and left in the freezer overnight.