Healthy Smoothie Choices
A healthy smoothie needs to have a lot of water and should include protein, healthy types of carbohydrates, and good fats to fuel your body. From berry-packed breakfast drinks to green vegetable fresheners, here are some top smoothies. They are both rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and most importantly, they taste great.
1. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Peanut butter smoothies are an old-fashioned treat that provides long-lasting energy and a great way to start your day. Look for all-natural peanut butter with no added sugar and no hydrogenated oils.
1 banana
1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
280g milk (almond milk, low-fat milk or flax milk is fine)
Drizzle with honey for sweetener
2. Banana Strawberry Soy Smoothie
Satisfy your sweet tooth and boost your protein intake with this fruity soy smoothie. Soy is a healthy alternative to dairy and other fatty protein sources. Additionally, soy has been linked to lowering bad cholesterol and contains powerful antioxidants, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
1 cup regular soy milk
140g soft tofu
1 banana (cut into chunks)
2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
2 teaspoons honey
3. Blueberry Antioxidant Smoothie
Not only are blueberries delicious, they are also a powerful source of antioxidants.
1 cup blueberries
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 cup low-fat milk
1 tablespoon condensed milk
4. Raspberry Avocado Smoothie
The combination might seem odd, but the creamy avocado tames the flavors of this smoothie. In addition to high amounts of potassium from avocados, this drink also provides vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants that can help fight the development of certain types of cancer.
1 avocado (peeled and pitted)
3/4 cup orange juice
3/4 cup raspberry juice
1/2 cup raspberries
5. Tomato Smoothie
There is no denying the healthy properties of tomatoes. Tomatoes contain vitamins A, C, and K, which can promote healthy skin, improve blood sugar regulation, fight cancer, and improve vision.
2 cups tomatoes
1/2 cup tomato juice
1/4 cup apple juice
1/2 cup carrots
1/4 cup celery
hot sauce (to taste)
6. Kale Smoothie
Kale is a superfood rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin A. But it also has a tough texture, which can make the leaves a little challenging to blend into a smoothie. For a creamy texture, first soak the kale leaves in water before adding the other ingredients.
4 to 5 leaves of kale
2 bananas
1 cup blueberries
a few slices of cucumber
7. Mango Papaya Smoothie
The National Institutes of Health lists mangoes as well as cantaloupe and apricots as good sources of vitamin A. Rich in iron and antioxidants, mangoes also help with indigestion. Like mangoes, papaya also contains enzymes that aid in digestion. Papaya also provides a good source of fiber.
1 mango (peeled and pitted)
1 papaya (peeled and seeds removed)
2 cups plain yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
8. Banana Coconut Smoothie
Welcome to a refreshing Banana Coconut Smoothie. This smoothie is a soothing summer treat.
2 bananas
100g coconut cream
200g pineapple chunks (juice)
9. Whey Protein Smoothie
This smoothie is rich in protein and potassium, making it an ideal drink for athletes. Whey protein helps repair and build muscle tissue and provides energy. This smoothie is a great way to fuel up after a workout.
1 cup yogurt
1 cup milk
1 banana
1 scoop whey protein powder