Nutritious Smoothie Recipes to Add to Your Rotation

Do you want to eat more fruits and vegetables and protein, but don't feel like you have the time or know-how to eat enough of them (no one eats enough vegetables, you're not alone)?

DRINK your veggies!! Sometimes in the cooler months it's hard to be as enthusiastic about smoothies if your palate really adjusts seasonally. However, smoothies are a perfect vehicle not only for balanced nutrition but for a treat as well!

Check out these four smoothie recipes!

Green Superfood Smoothie

Ingredients

1/2 c. unsweetened vanilla almond milk, or your preferred dairy or plant based milk

1/2 c. plain Greek yogurt

1/2 c. pineapple, frozen

1/2 c. banana, frozen (about 1/2 banana)

1/2 medium avocado

2 c. fresh spinach (about 2 large handfuls)

1 Tbsp. chia seeds

Instructions

1. To a blender, add all ingredients. It is helpful to have the liquid go in first and the frozen items go in last. This give some viscosity to the blades of the blender, and the ingredients will blend more smoothly.

2. Blend for 45-60 seconds on medium-high speed, or until the ingredients are fully blended and smooth.

3. Pour into a glass and enjoy right away while cold.

Blueberry Coconut Smoothie

Ingredients

1 c. almond milk (dairy or your preferred plant-based milk)

1/2 c. plain Greek yogurt

1 scoop (approximately 2 Tbsp.) unflavored collagen protein

1 c. frozen blueberries

1/4 c. unsweetened flake coconut

large handful spinach

Instructions

1. In a blender, add all ingredients.

2. Blend for 45 seconds to 1 minute or until all ingredients are blended to a smooth consistency.

3. Pour into two glasses and enjoy right away while cold.

Healthier Pina Colada

Ingredients

1/2 banana, frozen

1/2 c. pineapple, frozen

1/2 c. plain Greek yogurt

1/2 c. unsweetened vanilla almond milk

3 Tbsp. unsweetened flake coconut

Instructions

1. To a blender, add the banana, pineapple, coconut, yogurt and milk.

2. Blend on medium-high speed for 45-60 seconds or until the ingredients are completely incorporated and a smooth texture.

3. Pour into a glass and enjoy right away while cold.

Cranberry Smoothie

Ingredients

1 frozen banana in pieces

½ cup frozen cranberries

2 small oranges peeled and sliced

1 ½ cups almond milk

1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoons collagen powder

1 tablespoon hemp seeds

Instructions

1. Add all of the ingredients, except for the hemp seeds, to a high speed blender.

2. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.

3. Serve smoothie immediately, topped with extra cranberries, an extra drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of hemp seeds.

Raspberry Almond Smoothie

Ingredients

2/3 c. plain Greek yogurt, like Fage 2%

2/3 c. unsweetened almond milk

2/3 c. frozen raspberries

2 tbsp. whole almonds

1 tbsp. chia seeds

large handful spinach

1 teaspoon honey

Instructions

1. In a blender jar, add the milk, yogurt, raspberries, almonds, chia seeds and sweetener.

2. Make sure lid is well secured to the blender jar. Blend for 30-45 seconds or until ingredients are completely blended and creamy.

3. Pour into a glass and enjoy right away while cold.

Espresso Smoothie

Ingredients

1 medium banana frozen, chopped into thirds

¾ cup almond milk

¼ cup espresso

1 medjool date pit removed

½ cup ice

2 teaspoons hemp seeds

1 teaspoon almond butter

1 tablespoon protein powder (unflavored or vanilla)

Instructions

1. Add the hemp seeds, medjool date, ice, frozen banana pieces and protein powder to a high speed blender.

2. Top with almond milk and half of the espresso. Place the lid onto the blender cup and fasten securely.

3. Blend the smoothie until smooth and creamy.

4. Pour the remaining espresso into a glass, followed by the smoothie. Serve immediately.