Make the most of summer’s abundance of fresh fruit by picking up some of your favorites at the farmer’s market or your grocery store’s produce section. Stock up on berries, melons, bananas, pineapple, citrus, mango, peaches and kiwis. Then get your blender out and get ready to mix up some sweet smoothies.
By: Kristen Castillo
Enjoy a smoothie for breakfast or a snack. Just be careful about drinking too many of your day’s calories, as beverage versions of food are generally less filling than their whole food counterparts. Also keep in mind – these tasty drinks don’t have to be loaded with sugar to taste good and be good-for-you, too.
Smoothies are easy to like and can be a good way to pack a lot of healthful ingredients into one nutrient-dense serving – but before you look at your smoothie as a “meal replacement,” pay attention to the rest of your diet and make sure your nutritional bases are covered. Get balance at other meals throughout the day by focusing on lean protein, healthy fats, whole grains and plenty of vegetables.
Here’s a look at 10 recipes for healthy smoothies featuring a variety of ingredients ranging from watermelon to pineapple and bananas, mixed with almond butter, coconut milk, yogurt, oatmeal and other yummy extras. With so many healthy and delicious choices, you may be trying a lot of these recipes again and again.
1. Triple Berry Kiwi Smoothie
This colorful smoothie looks amazing! Even better? It’s packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. Plus – this recipe gives you a reason to put kiwi on your shopping list.
2. Healthy Piña Colada Smoothies
A non-alcoholic umbrella drink, this summer smoothie is ready for its place in the sun (or shade)! It’s dairy-free and a favorite among paleo-style eaters. The main ingredients? Frozen pineapple, light coconut milk, honey and vanilla extract.
3. Tropical Cranberry Smoothie
Wake up to this yummy and nutritious smoothie featuring protein-packed Greek yogurt, coconut water and lots of fruit! Your taste buds will love this tasty blend of cranberry, mango, pineapple and banana. Plus you’ll enjoy a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants.
4. Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Smoothie
Simple to blend up, this fruity smoothie is hearty, too. The oatmeal and Greek yogurt are satisfying ingredients, especially when combined with frozen blueberries, bananas and milk.
5. Aloha Pineapple Smoothie
A refreshing taste of summer, this pineapple smoothie is a hit with kids and adults. Blend it together in a hurry – it has just five ingredients and takes only five minutes!
6. Banana Almond and Oats Smoothie
The star of this smoothie recipe is almond butter, which is flavorful and will keep you feeling full, thanks to its protein.
7. Strawberry Watermelon Lime Smoothie
This refreshing drink will cool you off on a hot day! With only four ingredients – watermelon, strawberries, lime and mint leaves – it’ll be ready fast, too. This smoothie, which is like a slush, can be sweetened with a dash of honey if desired.
8. Wild Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie
Get a colorful start to your day with this smoothie, made with frozen blueberries, pomegranate juice, Greek yogurt and banana. Did you know that blueberries and other berries have been linked to brain-boosting benefits?
9. Strawberry Peach Smoothie
Bursting with summer fruits like fresh peaches and strawberries, this dairy-free smoothie recipe also features frozen banana, honey and almond milk.
10. Yogurt and Orange Smoothie
Get a boost of sunshine and citrus with this yogurt and orange smoothie. It’s also made with cinnamon and vanilla extract.