I’m a smoothie fanatic.  Growing up I’d make milkshakes almost every night of the week, but as I got older my tastes changed and I’ve moved on from ice cream and milk to fruit and juice.  Lucky for me there’s about a million more options in the smoothie department.  A big smoothie is a great substitute from breakfast or lunch.  I especially like to drink them at the start of a big road trip that way I’m not tempted to stop for fast food or right before work as I’m running out the door.

You don’t need to follow a strict recipe for smoothies so feel free to sub in or out any of the ingredients listed.  Today we’ll make three smoothies from seven ingredients (oats are optional).  As long as you have frozen fruit and juice, you’re good to go.  I also like to add greek yogurt and any little extras I have lying around like oatmeal, chia seeds, maca powder or hemp hearts.  Plug in your blender, grab a jar and a straw and let’s blend.

Green Goddess

• ¼ c yogurt
• ½ c orange juice
• 1 frozen banana
• 2 big handfuls of spinach
• 6 ice cubes

I drank a Green Goddess every day for a month last summer and I felt light and airy like a little fairy (hehe).  It’s cheap, easy and healthy.   If I’m away from home and there’s a blender where I’m staying I always pick up these four ingredients.  It’s a great way to save money on the road while staying healthy and energized. If you think this sounds like a weird combination, you’re in for a tasty surprise.  You can barely taste the spinach; it’s actually a tangy and sweet smoothie.

Be sure to clean your spinach well since it’s part of the dirty dozen (one of the most pesticide-laden fruits and vegetables) or buy pre-washed or organic spinach. I named it the Green Goddess because among the many benefits of spinach, it’s has a high vitamin A and C content.  Vitamin A is key for sebum production to keep hair moisturized; it’s also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair.  Vitamin C is imperative for the building and maintenance of collagen which provides structure to skin and hair, therefore this smoothie will keep you looking like a goddess.

Berry Blend

• ¼ c yogurt
• ½ c cherry juice
• ¼ c milk or water
• ½ c frozen mangoes
• 5 big strawberries

Strawberries and cherry juice blend together to make the perfect mix of sweet and tart in this smoothie.  I used 100% Cherry Juice from Trader Joe’s.  It’s deliciously strong, which is why I also added some milk, but feel free to sub in water (or coconut water), a non-dairy milk or another juice if you’re vegan.  If you go the water route, don’t worry the taste won’t suffer.  Cherry juice is a good source of antioxidants, it helps regulate blood sugar, and is a proven aid in exercise recovery.  It’s also a great source of melatonin, which regulates your body’s internal clock.  Strawberries also pack a punch.  They’re heart healthy, full of vitamins and good for your teeth.  Strawberries are a great source of polyphenols, a compound that inhibits the breakdown of starches in mouth, while also fighting the bacteria that contributes to gum disease and tooth decay. Pretty sweet, right?

Sunrise Smoothie

• ¼ c yogurt
• 1 c orange juice
• ½ c frozen mangoes
• 1 frozen banana
• big spoonful oatmeal (optional)

The Sunrise Smoothie is a mild fruity blend to start your day off on the right foot.  It will wake you up, help you get energized and give you a whole host of benefits without you even knowing it.  Orange juice is a great source of Vitamin C, which aids in collagen production and helps control free radicals that cause early aging.  OJ also lowers bad cholesterol, reduces inflammation and balances blood pressure.  Bananas are the most widely consumed fruit and for good reason.  There are too many benefits to mention here, but for starters, bananas help one overcome depression, reduce PMS symptoms and protect against muscle cramps.  Here’s an interesting study conducted by Oklahoma State University concerning new health benefits of mangoes, which include aiding in blood sugar regulation and reducing body fat.  Top it off with a scoop of oatmeal to add texture, fiber and protein and sip away.

I hope you enjoyed these simple smoothie recipes.  Smoothies are a cheap, easy and quick meal substitute if you’re constantly rushing around or just don’t have the energy to cook something up.  Stay healthy friends!