I love green smoothies and have one for breakfast just about every day. I find it's one of the easiest ways to get a few vegetable servings for breakfast, but it's also an easy way to pack in loads of nutrition each day. I'm going to share my favorite green smoothie ingredients and how they can help improve your overall health and quality of life. I'll share my top five green smoothie recipes too!
Keeping green smoothie ingredients on hand will make it easier to vary up your combinations. All these ingredients can be stored for quite some time and your cost per smoothie is much lower than store-bought versions. Plus, the nutrition you're receiving is amazing. Green smoothies really are one of the best options when it comes to maximizing nutrient intake.
Tip: I make smoothies in batches and store in mason jars in the fridge. If you're a meal-prepper, you can also portion out smoothie ingredients into individual baggies and make several ahead of time for the entire week. You can just grab the bag out of the freezer, pop in the blender with your liquid and go.
My go to smoothie ingredients:
1. Nut milk - I use unsweetened cashew milk, but there's nothing wrong with using water. In fact, many prepackaged nut milks contain questionable ingredients, so water can be a better option. I like the consistency nut milk provides, so I go with that. But, you can also make your own nut milk, which can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
2. Chia seeds - a great source of healthy fat, fiber, high quality plant-based protein, but they also provide manganese, phosphorous, copper, selenium, iron, magnesium, and calcium. Chia seeds can be used in many different recipes, so buy these in bulk!
3. Whole-millled flaxseeds - a great option for fiber and healthy fat. Whole milled flaxseeds also provide thiamine, copper, molybdenum, magnesium and phosphorous. Whole flaxseeds are difficult to digest, so you aren't able to get all the nutritional benefits, so use ground or whole-milled versions.
4. Nut butter - I use nut butters that contain just the nuts. Many nut butters have sugar and unhealthy oils added, so check out your ingredient list and if there's anything other than nuts and a little bit of salt in there, just put it back on the shelf. Nut butters are a great source of healthy fats for brain function and metabolism. You can also make your own nut butter if you have a powerful food processor.
5. Vegan protein powder - This is another ingredient that is just my personal preference. There is no need to add protein powder to your smoothie, in fact, many protein powders have additives and ingredients that aren't optimal. If you choose protein powder, be sure to read the ingredients thoroughly and only use organic, non-GMO powders from reputable companies with strict testing standards. I add the powder to help provide a smooth texture to my smoothies.
6. Cacao powder - Oh how I love chocolate and cacao powder adds that chocolately flavor without all the junk you get from many processed chocolates. Cacao powder is rich in polyphenols which are powerful antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory effects. Cacao may also lower blood pressure, improve brain function, elevate your mood, and prevent cancer.
7. Beetroot powder - I personally started adding beetroot powder to my smoothies because I do no like beets. Beets contain powerful nutrients, but I just can't eat them in any form. Beetroot powder is my substitute. It is unbelievably great at regulating blood pressure, improving post-workout recovery, and improving brain function. Beetroot powder can improve blood sugar control and provides fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals.
8. Cinnamon - oh the benefits of cinnamon! It has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, but also is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Cinnamon protects your brain and protects you against cancer.
9. Honey - Honey is sugar, but can add a touch of sweetness to smoothies. Choosing honey from your local area can provide prebiotics for the gut microbiome, but honey also helps support healthy immune function.
10. Ground Cloves - Clove has been used for centuries. The eugenol it contains is a powerful antioxidant, supports your immune system, is anticancer and antiulcer. I use it as well to help relieve exercise-induced fatigue!
11. Acacia fiber - This is a prebiotic fiber that supports your bowel and gut microbiome function and can improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It's especially helpful for those with irritable bowel syndrome. I purchase organic acacia fiber powder online, but it is also available in health food stores.
12. Baobab powder - This is powder that contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. It's a great source of vitamin C and helps reduce gut inflammation. I purchase baobab powder online but it is also available in health food stores.
13. Greens, Greens, and more Greens: Greens are one of the best foods to add to your diet. My favorite greens to add to smoothies are dandelion greens, collard greens, spinach, kale, kohlrabi greens, and swiss chard. If you aren't a fan of these awesome foods raw or cooked, adding them to smoothies is a great way to get all the nutrients and none of the taste or texture. So, why add greens to your diet? They're high in fiber, folic acid, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. But, they also contain many phytochemicals that support overall health.
14. Frozen Avocado - Avocados are a great source of healthy fat for brain function and aid in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. They also contain potassium and tons of fiber. I don't like the texture in general, so I add them as a frozen ingredient. It's an easy way to get the nutrients without the taste or texture.
15. Frozen Bananas - Add an awesome texture, but are also loaded with potassium for healthy blood pressure. If your bananas are green, they contain resistant starch, which is powerful fuel for the gut microbiome.
16. Frozen Berries - Nature's perfect package for nutrients and antioxidants.
17. Omega 3 Fatty Acids - Omega 3's are vital for brain function and also fight inflammation. If you don't eat fish like me, or don't like taking large fish oil pills, you can use a high-quality liquid fish oil and add to your smoothies.
18. Unsweetened Shredded Coconut - a great source of healthy saturated fats to keep you feeling full and can add texture to your smoothies.
19. Dry Roasted Nuts - Refer to the nut butter section. This is another one to really watch the ingredient list. There are several unhealthy oils and other ingredients added to packaged, roasted nuts. So, purchase nuts dry roasted or plain.
20. Vegetables - Any and all! My favorites are carrots, cucumbers and celery due to their mild flavors.
21. Dried Figs - a perfect little package of manganese, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. Plus they add just enough sweetness.
22. Decaffeinated Coffee - Coffee is loaded with antioxidants, but also has valuable B vitamins, manganese, potassium and magnesium. I go for the decaf because I am affected by caffeine quite a bit. If you choose the fully loaded coffee, try to aviod it within 6 hours of bedtime.
23. Pumpkin - Pumpkin is often forgotten for most the year, but it's a wonderful option to provide fiber, beta carotene, potassium, and it provides a great texture.
24. Fresh Ginger - Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory and has been shown in research to be as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Fresh ginger is more potent than ground, but can be frozen so it doesn't go to waste. Mince about a tablespoon to add to green smoothies for the powerful benefits!
Start simple at first, so you can get the hang of it and not overwhelm yourself. Your smoothie can be as simple as adding 8 ounces of water, a handful of spinach, 1/2 avocado, and 1/2 cup frozen berries. Simple, yet powerful nutrition. As you get comfortable, explore different options and see what flavors and combinations you can come up with.
It's so hard to pick just the 5, but here are my favorites (so far):
Fig Apple Smoothie:
10 ounces unsweetened cashew milk
1 scoop vegan protein powder
1 tsp beetroot powder
1 Tbsp chia seeds
2 dandelion greens
1 handful spinach
1/4 frozen gala apple
2 dried figs
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
1 tsp baobab powder
Apple Nut Butter Smoothie:
10 oz unsweetened cashew milk
1 handful spinach
2 dandelion greens
1/2 small gala apple
1/2 celery rib
1 Tbsp whole milled flaxseed
1 scoop vegan protein powder
1/2 Tbsp cacao powder
1/2 Tbsp beetroot powder
1 Tbsp nut butter
1/4 frozen avocado
1/4 frozen banana
Berry Beetroot Smoothie:
8 oz unsweetened cashew milk
1/2 celery rib
1/2 small cucumber
1 swiss chard leaf, stem removed
1 handful spinach
1/2 Tbsp beetroot powder
1 tsp acacia powder
1 scoop vegan protein powder
3 frozen strawberries
1/4 frozen avocado
1/2 Tbsp whole milled flaxseed
1/2 Tbsp nut butter
Chocolate Avocado Smoothie:
8 oz unsweetened cashew milk
1 scoop vegan protein powder
1/2 Tbsp whole milled flaxseed
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 handful spinach
1 swiss chard leaf, stem removed
1/4 frozen avocado
1/4 c frozen blueberries
1/2 Tbsp nut butter
1/2 Tbsp cacao powder
Berry Melon Cashew Smoothie:
8 oz unsweetened cashew milk
1 scoop vegan protein powder
1/2 Tbsp whole milled flaxseed
1/2 c kohlrabi leaves
1 handful spinch
1/2 celery rib
1/2 c watermelon cubes
1/4 frozen avocado
1/2 Tbsp cashew butter
2 frozen strawberries
Bonus Favorite:
Coffee Smoothie
1/2 c brewed coffee
1/2 c unsweetened cashew milk
1 collard leaf, stem removed
1 handful spinach
1 scoop vegan protein powder
1 tsp cacao powder
1 Tbsp nut butter
1/4 frozen banana
1/2 frozen avocado
Things to remember: Commercially prepared smoothies can be high in sugar and unhealthy calories - you might as well drink a milkshake with some of the ingredients they add. Make your own smoothies at home to save money and make sure the smoothie fits into your personal meal plan.
Invest in a good quality blender, this makes all the difference when making smoothies.
Smoothies are great for breakfast, but can also be an awesome substitute for high calorie/high sugar desserts.
For more great smoothie ideas, follow me on Instagram @nutrisensenutrition