3 Vegan Smoothie Recipes You Need!
When I started making healthier choices, I started making smoothies for myself. Let me tell you- they were NASTY! If you're new to the smoothie world, I'm here to help- I've tried every combination under the sun, and these 3 smoothie recipes are my go-to rotations for breakfast. Full of nutrient-dense ingredients, healthy fats and protein to keep you full, you will start your day off on the right foot with one of these in hand.
What makes a good smoothie?
Here's some of my non-negotiable smoothie ingredients:
1. Protein
This keeps you full and helps to balance blood sugar- so important, especially for breakfast! Opt for a vegan protein powder that doesn't have a lot of added sugar. My absolute favorite is from Organifi- they are 100% organic and third-party tested. Plus they have been voted best tasting vegan protein powder, and for good reason! Check them out here and you can use code HOLISTICINHOUSTON for 20% off your entire purchase. My second favorite protein powder is from Truvani- I love their Vegan Banana Cinnamon Protein Powder! They are also third-party tested and low in sugar.
2. Healthy fat
Wanna know a secret? Eating fats makes you thin! Many of the nutrients and minerals in the smoothie ingredients are fat-soluble, meaning they need to be consumed with a healthy fat in order to be absorbed properly. Some healthy fats you can add to your smoothie include nut/seed butters like almond, cashew, sunflower or coconut butter. You can also add chia seeds for fiber and omega 3's, avocados... the sky is the limit!
3. Seeds for Hormonal Support
I practice seed cycling- consuming certain seeds at different times of the month to keep my menstrual cycle regular. Read more about that here.
4. Adaptogens
Adaptogens are non-toxic plants that help the body go into homeostasis and help the body resist stressors. I consume a lot of adaptogens (typically in powder form) so I like to add them to my smoothies to make it easy. Some of my favorites are:
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Maca powder (great for male and female hormonal support, increases libido, supports healthy testosterone levels in men)
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Ashwagandha (great for helping the body lower cortisol, the stress hormone, balancing female hormones)
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Reishi Mushroom (a medicinal mushroom that promotes better sleep, is anti-cancerous, promotes heart health, balances blood sugar and has a high antioxidant count)
Read below for my top 3 smoothie recipes!
Vegan Blueberry Vanilla Smoothie
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Handful of spinach
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Handful of frozen blueberries
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spoonful of nut butter (like almond or cashew)
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1-2 cups non dairy milk
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1 scoop vegan vanilla protein powder (I like Organifi)
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splash of vanilla extract
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fiber of choice (I like acacia fiber or flax seed)
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optional: seeds for seed cycling (see above)
Vegan Strawberry Sunbutter Smoothie
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Handful of spinach
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handful of frozen strawberries
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spoonful of sunflower butter (try to find a no-sugar added option; Trader Joe's has a good one and I also like this one)
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1-2 cups non dairy milk
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1 scoop vanilla vegan protein powder (I like Organifi)
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fiber of choice (I like acacia fiber or flax seed)
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optional: Maca powder for flavor + hormonal support; seeds for seed cycling (see above)
Vegan Chocolate Cherry Maca Smoothie
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Handful of spinach
- Handful of frozen cherries
- 1-2 cups non dairy milk
- 1 spoonful nut butter (like almond or cashew)
- Fiber of choice (I like acacia fiber or flax seed)
- 1 tbsp cacao nibs or cacao powder (this is different from COCOA powder. I like this one for my smoothies)
- 1 tsp maca powder (make sure it is Peruvian/fair trade and sourced responsibly. I like this one)
- 1 scoop vegan chocolate protein powder (I like Organifi)
Vegan Banana Cinnamon Smoothie With Nuts
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Handful of spinach
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 8 oz milk of choice
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
- Fiber of choice (I like acacia fiber or flax seed)
- 1 scoop Truvani Banana Cinnamon Protein Powder
- Handful of walnuts or pecans