Whether you’re feeling fatigued, under the weather, or just want a delicious way to stay healthy smoothies are the answer. Not only are they a healthy alternative to snacks, they’re highly customizable. Here’s 6 smoothie recipes to help you out in every situation.
The caffeine in chai is nice for an afternoon boost but studies have shown there’s plenty of health benefits too. Chai has been shown to improve heart health, boost your immune system, improve digestion, and alleviate nausea. With a little cinnamon mixed in, this recipe is packed with bright flavors and caffeine to wake you up from the afternoon slump.
1 1/2 cups chai concentrate
1 cup milk
1 cup ice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
A diet high in antioxidants has been shown to have substantial effects in long-term health. Oxidation is a natural process that damages cell membranes, proteins, lipids, and DNA. It creates free radicals which steal electrons from other molecules and damage surrounding cells. Oxidation can be accelerated by stress, pollution, alcohol, smoking, and just general day to day life. Oxidation leads to inflammation, arthritis, aging, heart disease, and certain cancers. Luckily tons of foods contain antioxidants which can prevent the creation of free radicals. This smoothie is jam packed with all the classics, dark chocolate, blueberries, soy, and avocado so you get plenty of antioxidants in your diet.
1/2 cup blueberry
1/2 cup avocado
1 banana
1 cup ice
1 cup soy milk
1 gram of dark chocolate
While lots of activity and energy are usually associated with a healthy life-style, adequate sleep and relaxation are just as important. Sleep is incredibly important. The long-term health effects of sleep deprivation and stress are well documented and devastating. Chamomile tea has long been used in Egypt, Greece, and Rome as a way to encourage a restful night sleep. It also helps prevent osteoporosis, reduces menstrual pain, and lowers blood sugar. This tea uses a variety of ingredients to get you a restful night sleep such as chamomile, ginger, almond, as well as coconut for added flavor.
1/3 cup almond
1 cup milk
1 cup ice
1/2 inch ginger
1/4 cup coconut paste
1 tablespoon chamomile
Another energy smoothie, this mixture contains plenty of caffeine for an active day. If you’ve been looking for a way to combine your morning brew with the joy of a smoothie, this is the recipe for you. Coffee has also been shown to prevent gout, aid liver function, and prevent Alzheimer's. What’s not to love? Chocolate turns this into a delicious way to wake up as well, but if you’re apprehensive about adding too much sweet to your diet you can always swap this out for dark chocolate.
1/2 cup chilled espresso or strong coffee
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cup ice
1/3 cup chocolate chips
Topped with chocolate syrup
Kale and cucumber are packed with vitamin A and C, two vitamins which are the foundation of a healthy diet. In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C has also been shown to help manage high blood pressure, reduce risk of heart disease, prevent gout, and prevent iron deficiency. There’s also the well known effect vitamin C has on boosting the immune system, so you can fight off flu season. Vitamin A is healthy for the skin and eyes, diets high in this vitamin help prevent aging and improve skin hydration. These aren’t the only two vitamins in this smoothie, but they’re certainly the most important. If you’re looking to add some more nutrition in your diet, this is the way to go.
1 1/4 cup vegetable juice
1/2 peeled cucumber
3 kale leaves
1/2 lemon of squeezed juice
Poppy seeds are full of minerals but they also have the benefit of reducing anxiety, relieving exhaustion, and aid in a good night’s sleep. The poppy seed is a great way to stabilize your mood and get back into the right mental space. In addition to the mood-boosting effects, they also have been shown to provide relief for dry coughs and abdominal pain. Poppy seeds include minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc making them excellent for bone and joint health. This recipe also includes Greek yogurt for some added digestion benefits as well as vitamin D and calcium.
2 teaspoons poppy seed
1 half lemon of squeezed juice
1 cup plain yogurt
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup ice
1/2 cup milk
Sometimes the best cure is a cookie. Smoothies aren’t all nutrition and health benefits, sometimes they’re a fun snack and that’s okay. This recipe captures the flavor of grandma’s fresh baked oatmeal cookie in a delicious smoothie. With cinnamon, ice cream, and cookies this smoothie is the perfect treat to enjoy by the fireplace on a cold winter evening. If you’re just looking for a treat to indulge in, look no further than this recipe.
Ingredients:
1 cup vanilla ice cream
1 cup milk
1 cup crumbled oatmeal cookies
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1 cup love
With a smoothie for every situation, you can arm yourself with enough nutrition and energy to take on whatever the day throws at you. Alternatively, you can mix and match your smoothie using the ingredients listed here. Customize your drink to make new recipes to combat individual needs.
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