It’s the time of year when we all come out of our collective holiday food coma and realize that we may have packed on some holiday pounds, are feeling a little sluggish, and would like to spend this month kick-starting our resolutions to eat healthier and feel great. Do yourself a favor this year, skip the fad diets and cleanses and instead focus on eating to feel a certain way. Smoothies are a great way to pack a ton of nutrient-dense ingredients, especially greens, into a 16-ounce delicious drink.
You can test out pretty much any combination of your favorite ingredient or whatever you happen to have on hand. It’s a great way to utilize frozen vegetables and fruit, which is cost effective, nutritious and a great way to use items before they spoil. If you bought too many bananas than what you could eat before they get too ripe, peel and throw them in zip top bag in your freezer and use them all week in your smoothies.
The three recipes I’ve included have no ice, you can make them the night before and store them in your refrigerator with no fear of watering down your drink. If you’re the kind of person who likes to meal prep and work ahead, you can keep your smoothies in a freezer safe container and take them out to thaw or re-blend as you need them.
I’ve compiled some of my favorite recipes and some of the benefits in certain strategic ingredients that will keep you full or give you energy all while tasting delicious.
Matcha, Coconut and Chia Smoothie
Coconut Greek Yogurt
Large handful of frozen peaches
1 peeled frozen banana, cut in chunks
1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of matcha green tea powder
1 large pinch of chia seeds
Honey to taste (optional)
The coconut yogurt provides protein, fat and gives the smoothie a delicious creamy consistency. Peaches, bananas and honey add sweetness and thicken up the smoothie. This smoothie is great for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up as well as a nice way to start your day. Matcha can also help improve your concentration and is packed with antioxidants and is also said to have a calming effect. So this smoothie might just be your key to a peaceful end to your workday.
Cherry, Almond and Oat Smoothie
1 frozen banana, cut into chunks
Large handful of frozen cherries
1 large spoonful of vanilla or plain almond butter
1 small handful of raw rolled (non-instant) oats
¾ cup of yogurt
Big pinch of cinnamon
This one might be my favorite one, with the almond butter, oatmeal and yogurt it’s basically the only smoothie I’d eat as a meal. It’s full of protein, healthy fats, and all the flavors complement each other really beautifully. It’s best to make this one the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight, this will give the oats time to hydrate and thicken your smoothie.
Kale, Pineapple and Chlorophyll
1 cup of frozen kale
1 frozen banana cut into chunks
Large handful of frozen pineapple chunks
½ cup plain yogurt
Several drops of chlorophyll
Coconut water, or regular water as needed
This smoothie puts every other green shake or smoothie you’ve seen to shame! Not only does it get a burst of color from the kale, but chlorophyll is literally what makes all plants green. You can buy this odorless and flavorless liquid at Whole Foods or most health food stores. It’s great for you for the same reason leafy green vegetables are and more including helping to maintain your iron levels, reducing inflammation, can help fight fatigue and makes your drink a beautiful deep green. The natural sweetness of the pineapple and yogurt covers up any bitterness the kale might have. Leafy greens blend best in a high powered blender like a Vitamix, but if you don’t have one, just blend your kale with the coconut water until smooth and add the rest of your ingredients.
These are just three recipe suggestions, but when it comes to smoothies, the possibilities are endless. Mix and match what you have on hand and try your own combinations. If you try one of these recipes or adapt it to make it your own, tag The Chopping Block on Instagram! It’s a great way to start your day with a ton of protein or to get a jump start on your leafy greens for the day. If you’re interested in learning more about clean eating, download our free starter guide complete with a pantry list and recipes.
