On a typical hot summer day, a lot of us look for alternative food to make at home and save ourselves from going out to melt in the sun. Most of the time, this also means that we avoid the stove, oven, and any other electric supply that radiates heat. While a sandwich or some cereal might be the most popular go-to meal, we can sometimes forget to include the core ingredients that keep us healthy and on our toes. Next time you're rummaging through your fridge looking for some food, try out one of these deliciously healthy and nutrient-targeted smoothie recipes. I promise you, there's at least one concoction that's bound to satisfy your taste buds and boost your health, performance, and fitness!
(For those who prefer a low fat diet, use skim milk and low fat or non-fat yogurt.)
1. Pre-Workout - "Banana Berry Blast"
- 1/3 cup yogurt
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 small banana
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup ice
- This smoothie should be enjoyed 30-60 minutes before a workout session. It gives energy for maximum performance, and it is very easily digestible!
2. Post-Workout - "Peanut Butter Protein"
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1 small banana
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup ice
- Drink this deliciously sweet smoothie between 30-60 minutes after a work out to jumpstart your body for recovery! The peanut butter restores electrolyte balance to replenish the body after burning calories.
3. Weight Loss - "Berry Berry Slim"
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small banana
- 1 cup mixed berries (of your choosing)
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 2 scoops protein powder
- 1/2 cup ice
- Have this berry tasty smoothie in place of breakfast or lunch. The berries make it low in calories, but the protein powder and chia seeds are incredibly filling.
4. Metabolism Booster - "Mango Mania"
- 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1/2 cup mango
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 cup green tea
- 1/2 cup ice
- Despite the fact that many people don't like the taste of green tea, the mango and vanilla overpowers that tea taste. Plus, the catechins in green tea boost your metabolism. It burns calories without even trying!
5. Immune Booster - "The Rejuvenator"
- 1/3 cup almond milk
- 1 small banana
- 1/2 mango
- 1/2 cup cantaloupe
- 1/2 cup pineapple
- 1/2 cup ice
- Say goodbye to the common cold you seem to never be able to escape. Full of Vitamin C, beta carotene, and zinc, this smoothie is guaranteed to boost your immune system.
6. The Detoxer - "Cleansing Delight"
- 1 cup apple
- 1 lemon's juice
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger root
- 1/3 cup carrot juice
- 1/3 cup beet juice
- 1/2 cup ice
- This exotically delicious smoothie is packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and immune boosting ingredients. It's literally the definition of detox in a glass. Hello newly cleansed body!
7. Low Carb - "Lean, Mean, Berry Machine"
- 2 scoops protein powder
- 1/3 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup mixed berries (of your choosing)
- 1-2 packets Splenda
- 1/2 cup ice
- Looking for a lighter fix? Not only do the cottage cheese and protein powder supply your body with lots of nutritious carbs, but this smoothie is super filling as well.
8. Coffee Kick - "Mocha Bliss"
- 1/2 cup vanilla frozen yogurt
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee
- 1 small banana
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup ice
- Move over Frappuccinos, there's a new drink in town! If you're a coffee lover like I am, get your kick with this creamy combo. This smoothie is healthy, tasty, and you know exactly what's in it!
9. Skin Smoother - "Creamy Berry Booster"
- 1/3 cup yogurt
- 1/2 avocado
- 2 teaspoons flaxseed
- 1/3 cup strawberries
- 1/3 cup blueberries
- 1/3 cup cherries
- 1/2 cup ice
- The fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants in avocados help improve your skin tremendously! The berries are also an anti-aging superfood. Oh, and not to mention it's totally delish.
10. Belly Buster - "Blueberry Blitz"
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 2 teaspoons flaxseed oil
- 1/2 cup ice
- Check out this super-indulgent, vitamin packed smoothie! The MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids) in flaxseed help burn belly fat, and the calcium in milk aids in weight loss.
11. The Energizer - "Green Power Fuel"
- 1/2 cup ginger tea
- 1/2 cup pear
- 1/2 cup apple
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 lime's juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- A lack of iron in your body can result in low amounts of energy. The spinach in this recipe is a great source of iron. And apparently, ginger tea is the new natural form of 5 Hour Energy...who knew?
