Smoothies are gaining popularity as a healthy breakfast or a quick snack. You might think that a fruity drink couldn’t replace a meal, and you would be wrong. By adding milk, yogurt or protein powder, you can make healthy smoothie recipes that are filling and nutritious. In addition, homemade smoothies are inexpensive and they are easy to make.

How to Make Healthy Smoothie Recipes

Smoothies need a base or foundation for the other ingredients. The base can be milk, fruit juice, yogurt, soy milk and the like. Smoothies made with yogurt are thicker and creamier. You can use nonfat or low-fat products if you are concerned about calories or added health benefits. For a healthy smoothie recipe, look for organic brands or products without preservatives or added sugars.

Fruits add flavor to your smoothies. You can add one kind of fruit or any combination you like. Fruits can be fresh or frozen. Make sure there is no added sugar when using frozen fruits. Popular smoothie fruits include bananas, blueberries, strawberries, pears, peaches, cantaloupes, oranges, mangoes, pineapples and peaches. Fruits in season are sweeter, more flavorful, and cheaper. You can also stock up on fruits in season and store them in the freezer. These frozen fruits will come in handy in the months ahead.

Vegetables are also important in healthy smoothie recipes. Add vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, carrots, beets and cucumbers to your blended drinks. You’ll boost the fiber and nutrient content of your smoothie.

You can add other ingredients to your smoothie recipe for additional flavor, texture or nutrition. If the natural sweetness of the fruit is not enough, you can add sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup or stevia. Try to stay away from refined sugar as this will lessen the health benefits of your smoothie. You can add cinnamon, cocoa, vanilla or nutmeg. Nuts, wheat germ, flaxseed, protein powder, brewer’s yeast, spirulina, etc. all add to the drink’s health benefits. You can also add ice for a thicker and more refreshing drink.

Healthy Smoothie Recipes

When your energy level needs a boost, fruit and vegetable juices can quickly replenish your stamina. A delicious smoothie can satisfy hunger pangs without too much calories. We have here a few recipes to make healthy smoothies for your enjoyment.

Smoothie Recipe #1 – Pineapple Banana Smoothie

• 1 cup frozen pineapple
• 1 banana, sliced
• 4 cups milk
• Ѕ tsp vanilla

Blend ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately.

Smoothie Recipe #2 – Fruit and Carrot Punch

• 2 pears, peeled, cored and sliced
• 1 apple, peeled, cored and sliced
• 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
• 2 cups strawberries
• 2 cups cold water
• 1/2 cup almond milk.

Blend ingredients until smooth. Serve with crushed ice.

People love smoothies because they are delicious, easy to make, and versatile. Many people drink smoothies for a quick meal or snack, or to help them lose weight. There are also healthy smoothie recipes that are full of antioxidants and important nutrients to build your immune system. When you don’t feel well and have no appetite for solid food, an immune-building smoothie can help protect you from bacteria and viruses.

Smoothie Ingredients to Boost the Immune System

Fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients. They help protect the body from infections, carcinogens and other harmful substances. Blueberries, pineapples, bananas and peaches are rich in immune-building nutrients. The same goes for vegetables such as spinach and kale.

For a healthy smoothie, you can add the following super foods to your recipe:

Flaxseed – Flaxseed is rich in fiber and high in omega-3 fatty acids. It helps to stabilize blood-sugar levels.

Bee Pollen – Bee pollen is gathered by bees from flowering plants. It contains Vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, amino acids, enzymes, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Bee pollen helps fight fatigue and builds endurance.

Aloe Vera Juice – Aloe vera juice is an effective antioxidant and contains minerals, vitamins and enzymes that help strengthen the immune system.

Green Tea – Green tea is a powerful antioxidant and helps the immune system fight infections.

Echinacea – This is a powerful herb that is used for treating colds, flu, skin conditions and other infections.

Ginger – helps build the immune system.

Wheatgrass Juice – rich in vitamins and helps detoxify the body.

Spirulina – It is rich in vitamins, minerals, protein and essential fatty acids.

Brewer’s Yeast – This is rich in B-complex vitamins, minerals and enzymes.

Protein powders – Soy protein and whey protein powders are high in essential amino acids necessary to help build the body. Whey protein is easily assimilated by the body.

Healthy Smoothie Recipes to Build the Immune System

Below are a few healthy smoothie recipes that will boost your immune system. Simply combine the ingredients in a blender. Blend until you get the desired consistency.

To get the maximum benefits, consume the smoothie immediately.

Blueberry Smoothie

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/2 banana, sliced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tbsp ground nuts
• 1 tsp chlorella or spirulina powder

Orange Power

• 1/2 cup fresh carrot juice
• 1 cup ripe papaya, sliced
• 1/2 cup oranges, peeled and seeded
• 1 tbsp brewer’s yeast or spirulina powder

Green Tea Smoothie

• 1 cup green tea
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• a handful of blueberries or strawberries
• 1 tbsp whey protein
• Dash of cinnamon
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp chia seeds

Today I want to publish a different kind of post. I’ve been throwing recipes and tips since the beginning of this site and I think I’ve written enough, so today I want to try a distinct thing.

I love giving information, but I think this time is your turn.

Long story short,  I want you to leave a comment with your favourite recipe. That’s all. Easy, right?

Just submit your recipe and contribute improving the health of the members of our community.

If you like, I can help you making it healthier an tastier.

Kids love smoothies because they’re delicious and refreshing. Adults love them for the same reason, and also because they’re healthy. Drinking smoothies offers many health benefits. They provide quick energy, protein, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. You’ll never grow tired of this nutritious drink because there are hundreds of recipes for healthy smoothies out there.

Smoothie Health Benefits

Smoothies are healthy because you can add all sorts of nutritious ingredients into them. With the right recipe, you can have a healthy smoothie with these health benefits:

• Boost your energy
• Cleanse and detoxify your body
• Build your immune system
• Boost your memory
• Burn body fat and lose weight
• Strengthen your bones
• Build strong muscles
• Nourish and beautify your skin, hair and nails

Try the recipes for healthy smoothies below. They’re amazingly delicious and good for your health. To make the smoothie, combine ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Serve and enjoy.

Healthy Smoothie Recipe #1 – Banana Orange Strawberry Fruit Shake

Make this smoothie when you want to cleanse and detoxify your body.

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 banana, sliced and frozen
• 6 strawberries, frozen
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp skim milk powder
• 1 tbsp protein powder
• 1 tsp flax seed oil

Healthy Smoothie Recipe #2 – Frozen Fruit Smoothie Recipe

When you need a quick boost of energy, grab your blender and whip up this smoothie recipe.

• 1/2 cup frozen banana
• 1/2 cup frozen peaches
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tbsp honey

Healthy Smoothie Recipe #3 – Citrus Rush

When it’s flu or colds season, protect yourself from infection with this citrus smoothie recipe. Even if you already have a cold, the Vitamin C in this drink will shorten your suffering time. This is also a great drink to soothe your sore throat.

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 pink grapefruit, peeled and seeded
• Juice of Ѕ lemon or 2 limes
• 1 inch fresh ginger, skin scraped off
• 1/2 cup nonfat yogurt
• 2 tsp honey

Healthy Smoothie Recipe #4 – Low Fat Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Trying to lose weight? Have a low-fat, low-calorie smoothie.

• 1/2 cup strawberries
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup non-fat milk
• 1/2 cup crushed ice

Healthy Smoothie Recipe #5 – Banana Strawberry Power Smoothie

Athletes and bodybuilders need extra energy and potassium while working out. Build your muscles with this power smoothie.

• 1 cup non-fat milk
• 1 cup strawberries
• 1 frozen banana, sliced
• 2 tbsp whey protein powder
• 1 tbsp flaxseed oil
• 1 tbsp lecithin granules

Day in and day out we are constantly exposed to pollutants in the environment and even in the food we eat. That’s why it is important to cleanse our bodies if we want to live a healthier and longer life. When we detoxify our bodies, toxins and harmful chemicals are flushed out. Our bodies have natural healing and cleansing abilities that can be enhanced with proper nutrition. Healthy green smoothies and fruit smoothies can aid in a natural detox program.

Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, enzymes and nutrients that repair, nourish and cleanse our system. Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables also help cleanse the digestive tract and colon. They help flush out toxins that have accumulated in our bodies.

When you are in a detoxifying program, make sure that your body receives high levels of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. A detox program that uses natural products is more acceptable than one that introduces commercial chemicals into the digestive system.

Nutritionists and other health professionals recommend an approach that gradually increases the amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Fruits and vegetables aid the body’s digestive system and help eliminate toxins naturally. At the same time you receive the nutrition that you need.

Detox with Healthy Smoothies

Smoothies make it easy and convenient to add fruits and vegetables to your diet. You can incorporate healthy smoothies into your daily meal plans at any point. You can start your day with a breakfast smoothie or have one for a snack. Smoothies offer a non-stressful detoxification.

You can get the same detox benefits from fruit and vegetable smoothies that you would get from expensive and harsh commercial detox products. Detoxification smoothies, however, will leave you feeling better and more energetic.

How to Make Healthy Smoothies for Detox

The vegetable and fruit smoothies below are effective for detoxifying the body.

Beet and Spinach Smoothie

Beet juice detoxifies the kidneys, liver and gall bladder. It also prevents constipation.

• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, packed
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 beet
• 1 large Swiss chard leaves
• 2 tbsp walnuts
• 1/2 avocado
• 1/2 cup pure apple juice
• 1/4 cup filtered water

Full Flush Fruit Smoothie

This fruit and vegetable smoothie will flush out toxins in the bowel and bladder. It will also cleanse your liver and leave you feeling energized.

• 1 cup papaya, cubed
• 1 cup watermelon, de-seeded and cubed
• 1/2 cup beetroot juice
• 1 tbsp spirulina

Pineapple and Dandelion Smoothie

Dandelion helps rid the body of toxins. Pineapple is packed with fiber, minerals and vitamins for a healthy digestive system.

• 1 cup packed, chopped dandelion leaves
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh pineapple
• 2 cups packed spinach leaves
• 1 handful chopped parsley
• 2 tbsp almonds
• 1 cup pure mango juice
• 1/4 cup filtered water

We know that fruits and vegetables are healthy but it can be difficult getting the kids (and adults, for that matter) to load up on these foods. In fact, sometimes you can’t get your kids to eat a good meal at all. So why not serve everyone a nutritious meal-in-a-glass? Healthy smoothie recipes can provide a delicious meal or snack with all the nutrients your family needs.

Smoothie recipes are easy to find and easier to make. Once you learn the basics of smoothie-making, all you need is a little creativity to come up with your own healthy smoothies recipes. If you run out of creativity just look in the fridge or freezer and grab whatever is handy. You can’t go wrong with a refreshing smoothie.

Smoothie 101: What A Smoothie Should Have

A healthy smoothie needs something with real substance, like a banana, yogurt or tofu. This will keep you from feeling hungry half an hour after downing your smoothie.

Add your favorite fruit. Fruits can be fresh, canned or frozen. When using frozen fruits, you may not need the banana or tofu to thicken the smoothie.

A smoothie also needs a flavorful liquid. Use fruit juices, milk, tea, coconut milk, soy milk, etc.

You can also add ice cubes or crushed ice for a thicker and more refreshing smoothie. However, you may not need ice if you are using frozen fruits.

Tips for Making Healthy Smoothies Recipes

Use fruits in season for a more delicious and nutritious smoothie. Besides, they’re cheaper. You may want to freeze extra fruits for future use.

Experiment with the ingredients. Find out what flavors you like and the consistency that you prefer.

Don’t be uptight about measurements. They’re more of a suggestion, not carved in stone. And while you’re at it, you can switch ingredients around. Use whatever fruits are available or cheap. No one will complain.

Healthy Smoothie Recipes

Try the delicious and healthy smoothie recipes below. They’re easy to make. Just put all ingredients in a blender and give it a whirl. Blend until you get the desired smoothness and consistency. It’s that simple.

Banana & Strawberry Smoothie

• 1 banana, sliced and frozen
• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 cup milk

Banana Pineapple Smoothie

• 1 banana, sliced and frozen
• 1 cup canned pineapple with juice
• 1/2 cup soft tofu
• 1 cup apple juice

Power Smoothie

• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 1/2 to 1 tsp green tea powder
• 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup frozen vanilla yogurt
• 6 frozen strawberries
• 1 banana, sliced

Both men and women want to have better looking bodies. That usually means getting in shape and building some muscle.

Now, this doesn’t mean building bulky, ugly muscles, but simply toning up a bit, and getting the body you truly want.

Smoothies can help you in achieving that while also improving your health, but there are a few ground-rules you have to know about before you start.

The Three Fundamentals of a Muscle Building Smoothie

Instead of giving you a bunch of recipes, I’m going to teach you the concepts so you can create whatever kind of smoothie you wish.

The three sources of food we have are proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. The most important of these is protein, if you want to build muscle.

Let’s have a closer look at how you can use them:

1. Protein. You can get protein by using a whey protein powder, peanut butter, milk, or cottage cheese. I recommend you get a large amount of protein after your workouts to supply your muscles with the necessary nutrients for repair.

2. Carbohydrates. You need carbohydrates after workouts to restore your depleted stores of fuel. Where do you get good carbohydrates? That’s easy. Use fruits. Any fruits will do, but here are a few examples: bananas, mangoes, watermelons, and oranges.

3. Fat. You don’t need a huge amount of fat to build muscle, but what you do need is calories, which is where fat comes in. While protein and carbohydrates only have 4 calories per gram, fat has 9. Throw in an avocado in your smoothie to get a nice addition of calories and healthy fats.

How to Make Your Smoothies Taste Great

In order to give your smoothies that fantastic taste, you’ll need to use a fair amount of your favorite fruits, which are sweet and will make your smoothie taste like candy.

If you have trouble coming up with your own recipes, feel free to browse this url.

Another great way to add some sweetness to your smoothies is to use natural sweeteners such as raw honey, stevia, and agave nectar.

It’s best to keep your smoothies completely natural, but if you need to turn things up a notch, there’s nothing wrong with using something extra.

Have fun and experiment with your smoothie recipes!

Wrap Up

Remember, to build muscle you need to give your body calories and protein. You don’t have to go overboard, but you do have to eat more than you are used to.

Using a pre- and post-workout smoothie will help you with that. Keep the food you eat as natural as possible, and you will not only build a great body, but have good health as well.

Henri Junttila writes over at Wake Up Cloud, where he covers topics such as overcoming fear and living the life of your dreams. He also enjoys writing about how to build muscle fast over at Gain Muscle Smarts.

If you feel that plain fruit smoothies lack something in them, it may be time to make healthy fruit smoothies with Greek yogurt. Greek style yogurt is thick and velvety. It makes your smoothies richer and creamier while providing extra protein, calcium and other minerals. Bump up the taste and nutrition level of your smoothie with yogurt.

What is Greek Yogurt

Greek style yogurt is a thick yogurt made from cow’s milk or goat’s milk. Cream can be added when making the yogurt for a higher fat content. Greek yogurt is triple strained to remove more moisture and leave a thicker consistency.

When used for cooking and baking, Greek yogurt does not separate, unlike regular yogurt.

Health Benefits of Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt in rich in calcium and contains more protein than regular yogurt. It is gluten free and safe for diabetics and vegetarians. Yogurt promotes a healthy colon, thanks to the lactobacteria it contains. Calcium and other nutrients in yogurt are more easily assimilated by the body. Yogurt is easily digested and boosts the body’s immune system.

How to Make Healthy Smoothies with Greek Yogurt

A blender is necessary if you are going to make a smoothie. You can use a small personal blender or a large all purpose blender to make bigger batches.

Fruits are often used when making smoothies, although some smoothie recipes have vegetables in them. Fruits may be fresh or frozen. You may use one kind of fruit or a combination of different fruits. Bananas, strawberries, melons, grapes, peaches, pineapples, blueberries, pears, mangoes and papayas are smoothie favorites. When using frozen fruits, you may need less ice or none at all.

For a thick and creamy smoothie, add yogurt to your recipe. Greek yogurt makes a delicious and healthy addition to smoothies. Yogurt adds flavor, texture and nutrients to your fruit smoothies. You may want to use low-fat versions if you are counting calories.

To get the right consistency for your smoothie, you will need some type of liquid. You can add water, milk or fruit juice. Add enough liquid to get the consistency you like.

Try the simple Greek yogurt smoothie recipe below.

Triple Berry Banana Yogurt Smoothie

• 1 cup frozen mixed berries
• 2 small bananas, sliced and frozen
• 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 to 2 tbsp honey

Put all ingredients in a blender. Puree until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.

Mornings are usually hectic especially when you have kids around. If you want healthier meals but do not have the luxury of time, you can prepare a healthy smoothie for breakfast instead of cooking a hot meal. You’ll have a nutritious meal in a matter of minutes when you make a smoothie. It’s also a great alternative to a bowl of cereal.

Being the most important meal of the day, breakfast must include a balanced selection of cereals, proteins, fruits and vegetables. For most people, this is too much of a challenge. But anyone can find the time to make a healthy smoothie for breakfast.

Choosing Your Ingredients

To make a breakfast smoothie with the highest nutritional value, use the freshest ingredients whenever possible. Canned or frozen fruits and vegetables may not have as much vitamins and minerals as their fresh counterparts. Also, canned and frozen fruits may contain added sugar. Your local grocery store is possibly the best source of fresh produce. Be sure to wash the produce thoroughly to remove dirt and pesticides.

Your smoothie must contain carbohydrates for energy to jumpstart your metabolism. However, a healthy breakfast smoothie should also include protein. A high protein smoothie will provide longer lasting nutrition and energy. You will feel full longer.

Yogurt, protein powder and tofu are excellent sources of protein. You can also add a healthy dose of good fats by putting coconut oil in your smoothie.

Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Smoothie

• 1 apple, peeled, cored and sliced
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 5 ice cubes

Combine ingredients in a blender. Blend slowly at first then gradually increase speed until mixture is smooth and thick.

If you want to reduce the fat and calories in this recipe, use low fat milk and yogurt. If only takes a few minutes to whip up this delicious smoothie.

Banana Berry Protein Smoothie

• 1 cup mixed berries
• 1/2 banana, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 scoop protein powder
• 3/4 cup yogurt (choose any kind)
• 1 cup ice

Blend together all ingredients until thick and creamy.

This breakfast smoothie recipe is an excellent source of protein and calcium from the milk, yogurt and protein powder. It’s also packed with antioxidants from the berries and potassium from the banana. The fruit’s fiber adds bulk so you will feel full longer.

This morning I woke up early, decided to fight against all the fruits that were ‘living’ inside my fridge. Last thursday I bought a bag of oranges, so I thought about using them up. I love eating citrics and this was a great opportunity to fulfill my desires, so I took some other fruits and invented this simple recipe.

In some weeks, oranges will be out of season, but meanwhile this smoothie is a great idea as breakfast. Their high levels of vitamin C are well known, but oranges have some more benefits, including helping with your bowel movements or increasing your iron intakes, when eaten with vegetal sources of iron.

Ingredients:

• 4 oranges
• 2 tangerines
• 1 lime/lemon

Squeeze two of the oranges and add the juice to the blender glass. Peel the other fruits, and mix all them up. Blend until smooth and drink. This recipe makes one serving.