Three Healthy and Easy Smoothies to Make at Home

When Becky of Indigo Row blog asked me to get together to work on a smoothie post, I was more than happy to say yes! As the new year is beginning, most of us have updated our health goals, and smoothies are an amazing way to get extra nutrients into our diets. Becky and I made three different healthy and easy smoothies together. You guys can definitely make all of these at home! This post includes those 3 recipes, plus some optional nutritional boosts, and toppings if you’d like to make yours into a smoothie bowl. We hope these recipes will help you get 2020 off to a nutritious start!

How beautiful is Becky’s kitchen?! The whole time we were working on this, I kept staring at the design of her home. I feel the same about her wardrobe. She has an understated and comfortable, yet chic style and I always love to see what she’s wearing.

All photos taken by Deeana Kourtney Photography

Green smoothies are how I almost always start my day, and I receive questions on instagram often about them. I am happy to say that this post includes my most commonly made recipes, plus information about some of the add-ins that I put in my smoothies, like collagen and spirulina.

Smoothie Recipes

Chocolate Banana Greens Smoothie

• ice, about 1 cup
• 1-2 frozen bananas (we use 2 frozen bananas for 2 adults and 2 kids)
• 1 Tbsp per person raw almond butter (any nut butter will work, but this is what we prefer)
• 1 serving chocolate collagen protein powder per person – Bulletproof brand or Primal Kitchen brand
• 1 serving chocolate greens powder – Amazing Grass brand
• 2 handfuls baby kale or baby spinach, organic
• about 1-1.5 cups unsweetened dairy-free milk (nut milk, coconut milk, gluten free oat milk)
• water as needed

Berry Vanilla Greens Avocado Smoothie

• 1.5-2 cups frozen mixed berries (organic if possible)
• 1 serving vanilla collagen protein powder per person – Bulletproof brand or Primal Kitchen brand
• 1/2 avocado
• 1-1.5 cups unsweetened dairy-free milk (nut milk, coconut milk, gluten free oat milk)
• 2 handfuls baby spinach, organic
• water as needed
• optional: Amazing Grass Berry Greens Antioxidant powder

Golden Smoothie

• 1 cup ice
• 1-1.5 cups frozen, uncooked cauliflower rice
• 1 cup frozen mango (we used pineapple, but mango gives better flavor)
• 1 inch fresh turmeric, peel removed
• 1 inch fresh ginger, peel removed
• 1 cup dairy-free milk (coconut is a great choice for this smoothie)
• water as needed (probably about 1/2-1 cup)
• 1 serving vanilla collagen protein powder per person – Bulletproof brand or Primal Kitchen brand

Directions

For each smoothie, add ingredients to the blender. Start on a low setting, and gradually increase speed. On a Vitamix, I go up to speed 7 to get a smooth consistency. While blending, you can add water if needed.

My Blender

This is the Vitamix that I use. I have used almost daily for 3 years. It is a refurbished one from Amazon, but I love it, and it has worked so well for our family!

Smoothie Additions

Sometimes I add extra boosts to my smoothies, including spirulina, maca powder, Amazing Grass powders (as mentioned in the recipes), and chia seeds. I have included links to research the items that I receive the most questions about. My kids have all of these (in small amounts) every time I make a smoothie.

Collagen:

Collagen is the most abundant protein found in your body. Ingesting it daily in drinks, such as smoothies, can have many benefits! It can improve joint and bone health, improve skin, promote heart health, help build muscle mass, and is great for gut health.

Collagen Information:

Top 6 Benefits of Taking Collagen Supplements

What is Collagen? 7 Benefits for Skin, Hair, Joints and More

Bulletproof brand. This does contain XCT (MCT) oil, which is an excellent healthy fat, and beneficial in many ways, but it can cause an extra trip to the restroom if you are not used to it. (This has not happened to me, but I wanted to give fair warning).

Links:

Bulletproof chocolate

Bulletproof vanilla

MCT Oil Info:

MCT Oil Benefits, Uses, Dosage, Recommendations

If you’re looking to start collagen, but want to make sure it’s easier on your stomach, I would start with the Vital Proteins collagen peptides. It is unflavored, though, so it will not add as much flavor to your smoothie. If you want some sweetness, you can add a banana or a couple pitted dates. Or you could try adding it to coffee.

Spirulina Info:

The Health Benefits of Spirulina

Spirulina Benefits: 10 Proven Reasons to Use This Superfood

The brand I buy when I purchase from Amazon

Maca Powder:

Maca is a cruciferous vegetable, originally from areas such as the mountains of Peru. It is considered an adaptogen, meaning it works with your body to naturally respond to stressors. The articles linked discuss all of its benefits and potential side effects, if any. One note I have seen a few places is that maca powder needs to be used carefully and cautiously in people that have impaired thyroid function.

9 Benefits of Maca Root (and Potential Side Effects)

Top 5 Maca Root Benefits and Nutrition

Maca powder link.

Smoothie Bowl Toppings

One of my main tips for smoothie bowls is to try and keep the smoothie more thick. Only add water if the blender just will not turn without any more liquid. I use the attachment that came with my Vitamix that helps push the ingredients down toward the blade. To keep it thick, blend it low and slow, and then increase the speed at the end. You can add ice to thicken as well.

We like to top ours with a variety of things, including chia seeds, granola (Purely Elizabeth is a great brand), maca powder, unsweetened coconut chips, nuts such as toasted pecans, and extra fruit!

We hope this post is helpful and that you’ll feel empowered to try these smoothie recipes at home!