Smoothies are no longer crunchy granola hippie food. They are in sidewalk cafes and are being sold at the grocery store in 6 packs. But smoothies are easy to make at home and can be even more nutritious when you make them yourself. One of the best reasons to start drinking smoothies is if you are prone to skipping breakfast.



Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet millions of people walk out the door with a thermos of coffee and a full to-do list. Your body needs fuel to work properly. Your brain needs energy to think properly. Smoothies are a great way to get super nutrition in a tasty treat. They are quick to make and easy to share. What more could you want form a great breakfast?

I keep a list of smoothie ingredients on hand so I can make the best tasting, most nutrient rich shake I can. I keep these ingredients on hand all the time so I can substitute different fruits or juices to change the flavor depending on my mood.

Here is my list: juice (I mix it up), plain whole yogurt, flax seeds, a super green powder, coconut milk powder, protein powder (vanilla), flax seed oil, and wheat germ.

You can start out with juice, yogurt, green food and the Coconut milk powder and work in the flax seeds, protein powder and other ingredients. I recommend a powdered super green mix because it mixes easily and digests very quickly. (In fact I often mix it with a cup of juice and take a green shot for a mid afternoon pick me up!) Plus it is less expensive than other vitamin regimes because you get all the nutrients you need in one shot. I particularly like adding vanilla protein powder and Coconut milk powder because they add more protein and omega 3 fatty acids, plus the coconut milk powder tastes really creamy and good! Ok, now that you have your basic ingredients lets get down to it!

Smoothies are good for you for many reasons, but two in particular. One: smoothies combine readily available nutrients in a liquid form. This means you get the nutrients you want in a highly digestible form, right away. Second: they are great healthy food on the go. Let's face it, we need better food for a fast pace society. Before you go drop another 5 dollar bill on a starbucks -try creating your own smoothies and feel the super green food difference!

Smoothie recipes without using a blender

Creamy orange

1 cup orange juice (to taste)

1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt

1 tb super green energy powder

1 tb coconut milk powder

2-3 cubes of ice (helps mix ingredients and keeps it cold)

Put ingredients into jar with tight lid and shake vigorously or whisk together

Grape dream

2 cups grape juice (to taste)

1 cup vanilla protein powder

1 tsp super green energy powder

1 tsp coconut milk powder

2-3 cubes of ice (helps mix ingredients and keeps it cold)

Put ingredients into jar with tight lid and shake vigorously or whisk together

This one is sweet and creamy

Cranberry Lemon zest

1 cup cranberry juice (to taste)

1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt

1 tsp super green energy powder

1 tsp lemon juice

2-3 cubes of ice (helps mix ingredients and keeps it cold)

Put ingredients into jar with tight lid and shake vigorously or whisk together

This one is a real zinger and great when it's hot!

Smoothie recipes using your blender

These are easy to make before work and you can

make plenty to share with your family too!

Apple banana fun

1 cup apple juice

1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt

1 tsp super green energy powder

1 tsp wheat germ

1 large cored apple (with or without peel)

1 ripe banana

2-3 cubes of ice

Put ingredients into blender and serve cold

This one turns out very chunky and good! The wheat germ gives I a slight texture and wonderful nutty taste.

Coconut banana cream

1 half cup fresh filtered water

half cup coconut milk powder

1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt

1 tsp super green energy powder

2 tsp flax seeds

1 ripe banana

half a cup of half and half (optional, but good)

2-3 cubes of ice

Put ingredients into blender and serve cold

Ok, are you ready for a yummy, creamy, coconutty and that's really good for you? Try this recipe!

For this one I use fruit I keep the freezer, try it - its easy. Next time bananas, blueberries or strawberries (or any other fruit) starts to go bad, just peel chop and freeze it in a bag. I then use these chunks for smoothies all year long! It replaces the ice and gives your smoothies great flavor and texture.

Frozen Slushie delight

1 cup 2% milk

1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt

1 tsp super green energy powder

2 tsp flax seeds

1 cup frozen fruits

1 ripe banana

2 tsp coconut milk powder

1 tsp flax seed oil

1 splash of vanilla extract

Put ingredients into blender and serve cold

Healthy bloody mary

2 cups tomato/ vegetable juice

1 tsp super green energy powder

1 quarter cup celery leaves

2 -3 fresh basil leaves

2-3 cubes of ice

Put ingredients into blender and serve cold, serve with fresh celery sticks

Now that you have all these delicious options for adding a super green drink to your morning - what are you waiting for?