These four smoothies are sure to give your day a boost
By Katrina Caruso
Feeling sluggish in the morning or looking for a light breakfast to have on your way to work or the gym? Check out these recipes. Simply throw all ingredients into a blender, blend on the highest speed until smooth, and enjoy. You can adjust quantities according to your own tastes and needs.
Note: If your blender isn’t all that strong and you’re using mostly frozen ingredients, you might want to add a bit more water than the recipe calls for.
Protein-Rich Smoothie
Packed with plenty of protein, this smoothie is perfect for pre-workout.
Ingredients
– 1 banana
– 1 tbsp. (15 mL) nut butter of choice (recommended: macadamia nut butter)
– 2 tbsp. (25 mL) hemp seeds
– 2 dates
– 1 tbsp. (15 mL) protein powder of choice (optional)
– 1 cup (250 mL) milk of choice (recommended: coconut)
– ¼ tsp. (1 mL) cinnamon
Sweet and Spicy Smoothie
This smoothie is good for digestion and will give you a little oomph in the morning.
Ingredients
– 1 cup (250 mL) mango, chopped
– 1 banana
– ½ cup (125 mL) spinach
– ½ cup (125 mL) plain yogourt of choice (recommended: Greek yogourt)
– 1 tsp. (5 mL) ginger, freshly grated
– ½ to ¾ cups (125–175 mL) milk of choice (recommended: coconut)
Citrusy Smoothie
Sugar-free but still sweet, this smoothie will give you a protein boost while reminding you of a glass of OJ.
Ingredients
– 2 tangerines or mandarin oranges (seedless; medium-sized)
– 1 banana
– 1 cup (250 mL) spinach or kale (optional)
– ⅓ cup (75 mL) plain yogourt of choice (recommended: Greek yogourt)
– ½ serving protein powder of choice (optional)
– Small handful ice cubes (add more for a thicker texture)
– To taste: sweetener of choice (recommended: honey; optional)
Immune-Boosting Smoothie
Don’t be turned off by the green! This smoothie packs a punch and will provide you with lots of nutrients to start your day off right.
Ingredients
– 1 cup (250 mL) pineapple
– ½ banana
– ¼ cup (50 mL) parsley or cilantro leaves, fresh
– ¼ avocado (medium-sized)
– 1 tsp. (5 mL) ginger, freshly grated
– A dash of fresh mint (optional; to taste)
– A handful of spinach (optional)
– 1 cup (250 mL) coconut water (or, half regular water)
Photo: iStock/DragonImages.
