This superfood smoothie is full of healthy nutritious ingredients that awaken your digestive system and start your day off right.
Is everyone enjoying their summer so far? Maybe we are all doing the best we can right now. I want to make breakfast simple for you guys, whatever that breakfast looks like right now.
This superfood green smoothie is bursting with flavor, antioxidants and fiber! It's pretty versatile, so you can add in whatever other supplements you have in your daily routine.
First off, let's get to the bottom of it. What is a superfood? It's essentially a marketing term used to describe a nutrient rich food that improves health and well-being.
Many companies will market açaí berries, wheatgrass, spirulina powder, etc... as a 'superfood,' but generally it just mean it's high in some good nutrients for you. Fruit and vegetables are technically considered a superfood too, but without the hefty price tag that some of the above can be.
How I Structure My Smoothies
Whenever I am making a new smoothie recipe, I try and balance the ingredients so that ...
- It has a protein component to it
- It has some sort of vegetable
- A healthy fat ingredient
- A simple carbohydrate for quick energy + antioxidant boost
- A complex carbohydrate (not always, but most of the time) for stable blood sugar control.
A protein component can be multiple things: For example, milk and yogurt are great sources of dairy protein. I would not include almond milk as a protein component just because the value is so low. Other great sources of protein can include protein powders or supplements with added protein, like collagen.
Vegetables: One of the main reasons why I love this superfood smoothie so much is because you cannot taste all the vegetables in it! I have crammed in ¼ cucumber and a handful of spinach per serving. I would never consume vegetables at breakfast (unless I'm making a hash) otherwise!
Healthy Fat: This can be anything from nut butters to chia seeds and almond milk. For this green smoothie recipe, I am using almond milk and half of a small avocado for my healthy fat ingredient. Both are high in potassium (hello recovery from a workout!) and phosphorus.
Simple Carbohydrates: Fruit is an excellent source of simple carbohydrates and has high antioxidant content! Some studies have shown that antioxidants may reduce the likelihood of certain diseases like cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's and some cancers. Not to mention they fuel the body with a quick and easily digestible energy source.
Complex Carbohydrates: Complex carbohydrates are ingredients like oats or other whole grains that can be paired with a smoothie for breakfast or blended up in the smoothie itself. It helps stabilize blood sugar control, so you are fuller for longer.
Ingredients
I love how easy this can come together by throwing everything in a blender and turning it on. The color is vibrant and you can add in your own supplements as you want without changing the flavor much!
- Cucumber: I used an English cucumber
- Spinach: Fresh or frozen works!
- Pineapple: I used frozen pineapple, way cheaper and easier to store!
- ½ banana: Any old bananas you have, never throw them out! Place in little zip lock bags in the freezer for easy smoothie access.
- Almond Milk: Because I love the creamy taste and fat content!
- Avocado: Would it be a green superfood smoothie without it?!
- Greek Yogurt: I added this for the creaminess and protein content.
Optional superfood add ins:
- Cauliflower - love adding frozen cauliflower because it's almost tasteless!
- Hemp seeds
- Chia Seeds
- Spirulina powder
- Maca powder
- Collagen (unflavored)
- Protein powder (I would suggest using vanilla)
The list can go on! What is your favorite ingredient to add to smoothies?
Other recipes similar to this:
Hope you love this superfood smoothie as much as I do! Please leave a star rating/review below!
Don't forget to PIN IT for later!
PrintSuperfood Green Smoothie {+ How I Structure My Smoothies}
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 smoothies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This superfood smoothie is full of healthy nutritious ingredients that awaken your digestive system and start your day off right.
Ingredients
- ½ cucumber, skin on (I used an English cucumber)
- 2 large handfuls of fresh spinach (can use frozen)
- 1 heaping cup pineapple, frozen and unsweetened
- 1 banana
- 2 cups almond milk, unsweetened vanilla
- ½ cup greek yogurt, plain
- ½ small avocado, pitted
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Recipe serves 2.
Notes
Can sub coconut water in place of almond milk
See additional add-ins ideas above to either add in or top with.
For quick meal prep: Make individual smoothies in zip lock bags and place in freezer for easy dump and go. Add all ingredients (minus the liquid) to the zip lock bag and freeze.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: breakfast, smoothie
- Method: blend
- Cuisine: American
Leave a Reply