I love smoothies. They perk me up in the morning and get me ready for the day. Delicious, healthy smoothies are portable and convenient, making them an ideal breakfast if you are always on the go or a quick snack in the afternoon.
A drink with balanced ingredients should provide you with the essential nutrients that you need including various vitamins, minerals and protein, and can help incorporate more fruits and vegetables in your diet, too.
It only takes a minimum of two minutes to create a delicious drink that can help you start your day. Here are some healthy smoothie recipes that you can try at home.
#1 Peach and Mango Smoothie
This tropical tasting recipe is bound to transport you to an island vacation – even when you’re in your car stuck in traffic. This simple recipe calls for frozen or sliced fruit, which you can prepare the day before. To prepare this drink, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- ½ cup fat-free yogurt
- ½ cup peach slices
- ½ cup mango slices
- ½ cup peach nectar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Mix all the ingredients in a blender and add a few cubes of ice. Process for at least two minutes or until the mixture is smooth. Drink and enjoy this tropical island goodness.
#2 Banana Breakfast Smoothie
Get your fill of protein for the day with this banana breakfast smoothie. Add some granola for power breakfast on the go. Here’s what you will need:
- 1 frozen ripe banana (sliced to small pieces)
- ½ cup low fat or skimmed milk
- 1 cup fat-free or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup crushed or cubed ice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
To prepare the drink, simply combine all the ingredients in the blender, except for the yogurt. Process for two minutes until it becomes smooth. Add yogurt and process for a couple of seconds.
Helpful tip: Sneak in half a handful of spinach to this smoothie, and you won’t notice the difference!
#3 Dairy Free Strawberry Recipe
This is one of the many dairy free healthy breakfast smoothies if you are trying to consume a little less dairy or avoid it altogether. This simple dairy free strawberry smoothie simply requires the following ingredients:
- 1 cup strawberries
- ½ cup peach slices
- ½ cup rice or soy milk
- 3 ice cubes (sliced to small pieces)
Combine all the ingredients and blend using pulse motion for the first minute, and finish with a high blend for the second minute. Enjoy your dairy free delight.
#4 Simple Heart Healthy Smoothie
Get many vegetables in your day by making this simple yet heart-healthy smoothie. For the ingredients, you will need:
- 5 kale leaves (center ribs removed)
- ½ cup flat parsley leaves
- 1 cup frozen berries
- 1 frozen ripe banana (sliced to small pieces)
- 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds
Combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth. Add water if the consistency is too thick.
#5 Immune Boosting Smoothie
This kale and ginger drink is one of my favorite go-to healthy smoothies when I’m feeling under the weather. Ginger helps with blood circulation and keeps your immune system strong. To make this drink, you will need the following:
- 1 frozen ripe banana (sliced to small pieces)
- 2 cups kale leaves (center ribs removed)
- ½ cup frozen berries
- 2 teaspoons finely grated ginger
- 1 cup unsweetened milk (or non-dairy milk substitute)
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
Place all the ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. Add more almond milk if the mixture is too thick.
Tips For Stellar Smoothies
For stellar and tasty smoothies, you can try the following tips:
- To cut down your preparation time in the morning, you can slice the fruits the night before and put them in the freezer.
- Put in the liquid first to allow the blender blades to move freely. Then, add your greens and smaller ingredients, and your chunks of fruit last.
- Choose the slow function first to allow the blender to break up big pieces of fruit. Then work your way up to a faster speed to achieve a puree.
- Add ice to dilute very thick consistencies. Just toss a few cubes in the blender and you’re good to go!
Have fun with these healthy smoothie recipes and start your day with a big smile!
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