I’m sitting on my back deck, working outside for the first time all year so this post couldn’t be more timely. Memorial day is right around the corner but today is the first day with temps over 75º here in CT this spring. Ahhhh….finally! When you learn to pay attention to the signals from your body, you’ll notice that with the warmer temps will come a shift in the types of foods that pique your interest. One of the more obvious changes for many people is the shift toward more fruit and lighter spring greens. And with that…enjoy these eight nutritious and delicious smoothies for the season.  

Enjoy,

JL  

As pools shed their covers and picnic and BBQ season kicks into gear, life can start to speed up from the previously unhurried pace of the cooler months. This high energy season full of family vacations, yard work, and flip-flops can often leave little time for preparing a lengthy breakfast. Rather than skipping this oh-so-important meal, whip up these quick and refreshing smoothies to keep your energy levels high for the whole day. Plus, they can help you beat the heat and keep your metabolism running at full speed.

These 10 easy smoothies are packed full of essential vitamins and nutrients and make getting in your daily dose of fruits and veggies a no brainer. What’s not to love?

Superfood sensation

This smoothie is loaded with superfoods that keep your energy up through those long summer days. Plus, the lavender adds an interesting note that complements the mulberries well.

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup raw cashews
• 1 cup fresh mulberries
• 1 cup kale
• 1 Tbsp. dried lavender
• 1 cup fresh apple juice
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth!

Green Machine

We all know that we should be eating more vegetables. However, we don’t always have the time or the patience to cut up all the ingredients for a salad. This smoothie allows you to get your leafy greens in liquid form. While still tasting great!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 avocado
• 1 handful loose spinach
• 1 cup coconut water
• 5 fresh mint leaves
• 4 leaves kale, stems removed
• 1/2 apple

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth!

Berry Blast

This smoothie is a great way to use all those fresh summer berries. Substitute whatever berries are in season in your garden to personalize this drink with extra fresh ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup blackberries
• 1/2 cup cherries
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tsp. flax oil
• 1 tsp. honey
• 1 banana
• dash of cinnamon

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth!

Salad Suprise

Though it may seem strange to add romaine lettuce to a smoothie, it actually contains many essential minerals including folate, which plays a role in energy regulation. The earthy flavor of matcha balances exceptionally well with the natural sweetness of honey and bananas.

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1 cup romaine lettuce
• 2 cups almond milk
• 2 tsp matcha powder
• 1 ½ tsp honey

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth!

Raw Wonder

The hemp and chia seeds in this delicious smoothie are packed full of Omega-3s that can help improve brain function and get you through that mid-afternoon slump.

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
• 1 Tbsp. hulled hemp seeds
• 2 Tbsp. raw, unsalted cashews
• 3 whole dates, pits removed

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth!

Morning ‘Pink’ Me Up

This calcium-rich smoothie will give you that much-needed energy burst to tackle the day. Plus, it is incredibly visually appealing, and its bright pink color is a nice change from the typical green smoothie.

Ingredients:

• 1 roasted small beet
• 1/4 frozen banana
• ¼ cup frozen cherries
• 1 cup almond milk
• Tiny pinch of salt
• Pure maple syrup to taste
• 1 scoop organic protein powder, optional

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth!

Tropical Twist

You don’t need to take a cruise to the Caribbean to experience life in the tropics. This smoothie will transport you to a tranquil island with pristine white beaches and vibrant turquoise water. Plus, the ingredients are loaded with magnesium and iron along with a little natural sugar to perk you up.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup almond milk
• 2 frozen bananas
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 cup fresh mango chunks
• ½ cup, shredded unsweetened coconut
• 2 cups kale

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth!

Fit and Fine

This smoothie can help you reach those summer weight loss goals while serving as a restorative post-workout drink to keep you going through the day.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium frozen banana
• 1 cup chopped strawberries
• 1/2 medium avocado
• A pinch of Stevia
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 Tbsp nut butter
• 1 Tbsp cacao

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth!

-The UpWellness Team