In life, much like smoothies, you get out of it what you put into it. So if nutrition and flavor is what you’re seeking there’s no end to your smoothie possibilities. And since these days there are so many ways of adding vitamin-happy ingredients such as green vegetables, fresh fruit along with extra power additions such as chia seeds, protein powders or matcha from Japan into your blender, it seems smoothies are now more mainstream than the classic glass of milk.
According to Happy Belly: A Woman’s Guide to Feeling Vibrant, Light and Balanced author Nadya Andreeva, “All smoothies are not created equal. In fact, some are so loaded with sugar and fat that they’re very similar to McDonald’s milkshakes, nutritionally. Other recipes are so horribly combined that you’re likely to experience bloating.” Andreeva suggests sticking to high quality vegan protein and avoiding those overly processed whey or soy protein powders. When in doubt, mother nature’s raw ingredients are the best for our digestion and are the healthiest. Just when you thought you had heard of all possible smoothie ingredients, here are 12 smoothie recipe ideas you may not have heard of. So go ahead, shake it up.
1. I Have to Pea Smoothie
Don’t pass on the peas, please. They’re actually super high in dietary fiber, protein, and vitamin C. In a blender, add a quarter cup of frozen peas, oranges, fresh limes, spinach, mango and banana. You’re going to have to pea again soon after you down it.
Read Related: Healthy Drinks: Smoothies, Shakes & Infusions
2. Date, Tahini, and Cardamom Smoothie
Cancel all plans: you’ve got a date with some mixed-up Tahini, cardamom, almond milk and those romantically sweet Medjool dates, preferably fresh, pitted and torn into half inch pieces. Don’t forget the blessed banana! This could very well be the best smoothie recipe we have tasted.
3. Dark Chocolate Chia Smoothie
Ch-ch-ch-chia seeds are loaded with nutrients that can benefit for your body and brain. Plus the antioxidants from the leafy green kale make this chocolaty heaven drink, via unsweetened cocoa powder, perfect for breakfast, a post-workout, or even dessert.
4. Raspberry Pom Cayenne
This spicy smoothie will rev up your engines and keep ‘em there. You’ll need raspberries, Greek yogurt, coconut milk, vanilla protein powder, pomegranate juice, golden flax or chia seeds, cinnamon, and depending on how hot you like it, about a quarter to half a teaspoon of ground cayenne.
5. Broccoli Power Punch Smoothies
Get your green fix and enjoy the berry fruity taste of strawberries, mangos, pineapple juice, and banana blended together. The key to this drink is buying frozen broccoli cuts to throw into your blender so you’re not stuck chopping broccoli with all that thirst. The flavor will knock you out.
6. Pumpkin Smoothie
Allow this cold rush of autumnal pumpkin pie in a glass blow away your family this summer. You’ll need to freeze some pumpkin pie filling in muffin cups first, then add them to the blender with cinnamon, milk, yogurt, and top with graham cracker crumbs when serving.
7. Green Peanut Butter Smoothie
The classic peanut butter with banana smoothie is a winner already, but what we really love about this green and mean drink is the depth and the vitamin perks that a cup of fresh kale and nut milk give it. Don’t forget to sprinkle on some ground cinnamon.
8. Red Berry-and-Beet Smoothie
You can’t beat all the antioxidants and fiber found in just one small red beet. And when fresh berries aren’t in season, use frozen red berries such as strawberries and raspberries when filling your blender with this gorgeous-looking drink. Add two teaspoons of unrefined coconut oil to this smoothie recipe for extra nutrition in your day.
9. Matcha Tea Smoothie
If you’ve been to Japan, you’re already familiar with matcha, the green powdered tea that looks more like liquid chlorophyll. It’s been found to contain high amounts of epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG, which helps stop the growth of fat cells. Blend it up with bananas, blueberries and hemp protein.
10. Shauna’s Carrot Cake
Want a piece of carrot cake in a glass without the guilt? Start by blending the spinach and coconut milk first. Then add the carrots, ginger, pears, pineapple and banana and blend again. Liquefied carrot-gold!
11. Avocado Cardamom Smoothie
This in not guacamole in a glass, ladies; it’s way more nutritious and delicious. You’ll need an avocado, condensed milk, ground cardamom seeds and ice. Once blended, drizzle olive oil over the top of your glass and finish with a pinch of fleur de sel.
12. Pancake Batter Smoothie
Don’t worry, you’re not actually pouring raw Aunt Jemima mix into your blender for this one. But who hasn’t secretly licked the pancake batter? What makes this drink nutritious and delicious are the rolled oats, honey, milk, vanilla, yogurt, banana and chia seeds. The secret ingredient to this smoothie recipe? Half a teaspoon baking powder.
Photo 8 courtesy of Food Network.com
