For a quick breakfast or healthy lunch on the go, it’s tough to beat the fast prep and versatility of smoothies.
The great thing about smoothies is the variety of recipes available. Plus, you can easily come up with your own ideas using a few tips, including these:
- Thicken up smoothies with a little frozen fruit or yogurt.
- Sweeten them naturally with fruits like banana or pineapple.
- Thin smoothies out by adding a little more water, juice or milk.
- Load your blender in this order: liquids, soft fruits, veggies, greens and ice.
- Balance bitter flavors with berries, vanilla extract or flavored protein powder.
Looking for a few healthy go-to smoothie recipes? Check out these options to get started making your own smoothies at home. Simply choose your recipe, prepare your ingredients and blend them until they’re smooth. Voila!
Green Goodness Smoothie
Mixing fruit with your greens sweetens this smoothie naturally. It also delivers a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals.
- 1/2 cup berries
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1/2 cup baby greens
- 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup milk or nut milk
Fruit and Oats Smoothie
Sometimes you want something a little heartier. Smoothies made with oats are thicker. And they beat hunger thanks to the fiber in the oats, which keeps you full.
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1/4 cup raw nuts
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/4 or 1/2 cup milk or nut milk
You can change up the flavor of this recipe by using different fruits or adding a spice, like cinnamon.
If You Like Piña Coladas Smoothie
Start your day off with a smoothie inspired by a favorite beach cocktail. If you’re feeling fancy or serving smoothies for company, add a wedge of pineapple and a sprinkle of shredded coconut to each glass.
- 1/2 banana, sliced
- 1 cup iced green tea
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons coconut milk
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1/2 an avocado, pitted, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup green chard, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, agave nectar or sweetener of choice
Peach Melba Smoothie
Crave smoothies that taste like summer in a glass? Enjoy this fruity combo any time of year by using frozen fruit.
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 1 cup sliced peaches
- 1/2 cup peach nectar
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
Smoothie Bowl Recipe Tips
Do you prefer eating your smoothie with a spoon and delicious toppings? This tasty trend turns traditional smoothies on their heads. You can use the same basic ingredients to create a thicker base to pour in a bowl before adding your favorite toppings. There are tons of recipes out there, but you can easily make your own with these three main parts:
- Base: Blend whole foods like frozen fruits and veggies with oats, avocado or yogurt for a melted ice cream-like consistency.
- Fruit: Add color and flavor to the base with fresh berries, banana, sliced peaches, pears, pineapple, avocado or mango.
- Crunch: It’s all about texture when you top your bowl with shredded coconut, nuts, seeds, granola or cereal.
Looking for some other health food tips? Check out some more recipe articles on our blog.
Learn more about the nutrition services offered at Bon Secours.
