ETI’s Advice on Five Healthy Smoothie Recipes

Who doesn’t like a good smoothie? They’re quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and an easy way to get your carbs on. But, a smoothie can only be as healthy as its ingredients. When you’re working on staying fit, your blender should work harder than you do. These are some great smoothie recipes that will make your pants fit better.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Bananas are right up there on the list of things that make a smoothie healthy and nutritious. Not only are they loaded with essential muscle building protein, but also boast of healthy nutrients that lead to a speedy recovery after workouts, which makes it the perfect recovery drink.

Now Blend It:

1 cup water
1 banana
1 cup chopped strawberries
2 tbsp walnuts
1 scoop vanilla whey protein
1 cup plain low-fat kefir

Nutritional Value:

Calories: 489
Protein: 39g
Fat: 11g
Carbs: 59g
Fiber: 7g

Coconut Almond Smoothie

Even the name sounds delicious! The coconut almond smoothie makes for a decadent treat. The inclusion of almond butter makes the smoothie extra creamy and the dark chocolate coupled with almond milk and coconut flakes offers added mood boosting benefits.

Now Blend It:

1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1½ cups water
1 cup Silk Almond milk, dark chocolate
1 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes
1 rounded tbsp almond butter
Ice cubes (as needed)

Nutritional Value:

Calories: 405
Protein: 27g
Carbs: 33g
Fat: 21g

Chocolate Mint Smoothie

The Chocolate mint smoothie fits nicely in the diet of those who need their daily chocolate fix. Packed with the goodness of cocoa powder, chocolate almond milk and cacao nibs, this is a great drink for the health conscious.

Now Blend It:

¼ cup water
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
3/4 cup Silk Almond milk, (dark chocolate)
2 tbsp cocoa powder, unsweetened
1 tbsp walnuts
2 mint leaves
1 tbsp cacao nibs

Nutritional Value:

Calories: 292
Fat: 12g
Carbs: 32g
Protein: 25g

Beets and Cherries Smoothie

Deep colored vegetables and fruits are packed with nutrients that help in muscle recovery and boosts one’s athletic performance during workouts. You can help your heart, muscles, and brain by drinking this smoothie.

Now Blend It:

8 oz water
½ cup frozen cherries
½ cup chopped beets (raw)
1 scoop chocolate whey protein
½ cup frozen strawberries
½ cup frozen blueberries
1 banana
1 tbsp ground flaxseed

Nutritional Value:

Calories: 329
Fat: 4g
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 52g

Baked Apple Smoothie

Apples in a smoothie? Well, for a healthy dose of selenium and magnesium drop in a baked apple in the blender along with sesame seeds, ground flax, some spinach and cinnamon to taste for an unexpected flavor you won’t get enough of. If you’re building muscle, this smoothie should give you that instant calorie kick to start the day.