Spring and summer bring an unshakeable need to cleanse – our homes, minds, and bodies. With that, many of us are headed to our blender to whip up kale and spinach with some fruit to hope that we can get our greens for the day and not have to eat a salad.
You know I’m right.
So, while we’re at it, let’s talk about some amazing (and tasty!) smoothie boosters that you can add to the mix.
If… smoothies don’t keep you full
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds provide omega 3, plus, they help keep you full for a really long time. It’s kind of magical. I add 1-2 teaspoons of chia seeds to each of my smoothies to keep me full till lunchtime rolls around.
Coconut Butter
Coconut butter is my forever obsession. It makes every smoothie creamy, and paired with pineapple, you get a tropical sensation you won’t forget. Try pineapple + coconut butter + spinach. mmm…
Oatmeal
This may sound strange, but it works. If you struggle to stay full on a smoothie, you can try adding dry oatmeal for extra staying power. I’d suggest blitzing the oatmeal before adding other ingredients so it has a chance to blend nicely into your smoothie.
Hemp Seeds
Seeking a way to sneak more protein into your smoothie? Tiny hemp seeds to the rescue! Three tablespoons of hemp seeds has about 9 grams of protein, plus lots of healthy fats which also help keep you full and nourish your brain while you get to work.
Gelatin or Collagen
Gelatin and collagen both keep your skin looking glowy and can help reduce the appearance of scars. I add Great Lakes Unflavored Grassfed Gelatin to each of my smoothies to help heal my acne scars and give my skin a little boost.
Nut Butter
Who loves a peanut butter and banana smoothie with a bit of cacao powder? *Raises hand*
Nut butter helps keep you full, adds a creamy, rich texture to smoothies, and makes smoothies taste more like a milkshake. Sign me up.
Psyllium Husk
Psyllium husk is an amazing addition to your smoothie if you’re having digestive woes – it’s essentially a fiber supplement that also delivers vital nutrients to your body. Read all about the amazing benefits here. Note: if you use psyllium husk, make sure you drink your smoothie quickly as it can thicken it – or just add extra water.
If… You don’t like the taste of green smoothies
Ginger
There are two amazing reasons to add ginger to your smoothies. First, if you have digestive issues, ginger can help soothe your belly and improve digestion. Second, if your smoothie is extra green, the addition of ginger can help offset the flavor of all that.. green. You know what I mean. Smoothies and green juices can taste too green, so take a cue from the fancy juice shops and add ½ to 1 inch of ginger and a squirt of lemon to take the edge off.
Fresh Herbs
If you’ve never had mint in a smoothie, you are missing out! Mint adds a burst of refreshing flavor to all types of smoothies. Basil packs loads of fresh, spring flavor. Cilantro in my smoothie makes me want to go salsa dancing. Plus, herbs are loaded with health benefits. Like ginger and lemon, they can help take the edge off green smoothies.
Mint Essential Oil
Did you know you can make your very own mint chip smoothie? And that it’s so easy? Start with one drop (it can be very strong) and taste.
If… you’re looking for added benefits & nutrients
Cacao Powder + Nibs
Another key ingredient of your mint chip smoothie? Hint: it’s not chocolate chips. It’s cacao nibs! Cacao has been shown to be high in antioxidants, magnesium, fiber, and iron. It tastes similar to dark chocolate with a very rich flavor. I love to throw cacao nibs in smoothies towards the end of blending so they stay chunky. You can also add cacao powder to smoothies or nut milks for a chocolate “milkshake”!
Coconut Yogurt
Coconut yogurt boasts all of the same benefits as regular yogurt, minus the pesky dairy. Get a probiotic boost and a creamier consistency by adding unsweetened coconut yogurt to your smoothies.
Greens Boosters
In case kale and/or spinach aren’t enough for you, there are tons of greens boosters on the market to help you pack extra nutrients into your smoothie. Many of these are tasty and smart additions if you’re looking for extra nutrients and that special glow that comes from lots of greens!
Matcha
If you are seeking an energy boost, matcha could be your answer! Matcha is a high-quality green tea that’s made from finely ground tea leaves. Rather than steeping the tea and removing the leaves, you consume the whole leaf. Matcha is typically a vibrant green hue and can give you more energy for your busy morning. Matcha is great with coconut and banana because the flavor truly shines on its own.
Maca Powder
Maca is amazing and it makes your smoothies taste a bit like caramel. This incredible root has been shown to boast healing properties like supporting your endocrine system, energy, and overall vitality. It has a complex blend of amino acids and minerals.
Spirulina Powder
Spirulina powder has a wealth of benefits and has been shown to help your body detox, especially heavy metals. Plus, it makes green smoothies super green (without the super green flavor)!
Sun Potion Tocos
If you love creamy, dreamy smoothies, tocos is just what you’re looking for. Tocos, or Tocotrienols, are a bio-available source of vitamins D & E. It’s said to be amazing for your skin, hair, and nails, and your overall health. I put a tablespoon in almost every smoothie I make!
Sun Potion Yin Power
Yin Power is specifically formulated to support women’s health with a laundry list of amazing ingredients, including reishi, he shou wu, pearl powder, tocos, ashwagandha, pine pollen, and astragalus. A little bit goes a long way, and I try to fit it into my diet almost every day. It’s said to promote good health, including immunity, energy, hormonal balance, mental clarity, stress relief, and more. Learn more about the product here.
Three Power Pairings
Stay Full All Morning
1 tsp chia seeds + 2-4 tbsp oatmeal + 2 tbsp hemp seeds + 1 tbsp gelatin + 2-4 tbsp nut butter
Blend with nut milk, 1 banana, 1 cup of spinach, and 1-2 cups of frozen strawberries.
Digestion Assist
1 inch fresh ginger + ¼ whole lemon + ½ cup coconut yogurt
Blend with coconut milk, 1 banana, 1 cup frozen papaya, 1 cup frozen pineapple
Tropical Green Dream
1 tsp chia seeds + 2 tbsp hemp seeds + 2 tsp maca powder + ½ cup coconut yogurt
Blend with coconut milk, ½ banana, 1 cup of kale, 1-2 cups total of frozen pineapple, mango, and papaya
Emily
April 5, 2018 at 12:39 pmYou’ve listed so many things I would never have thought of adding, thanks for this I can finally get out of my boring smoothie making rut!
Colleen
April 7, 2018 at 11:56 pmI like your idea of blitzing the oats first to break them down! I always dislike the texture whenever I add oat to my smoothies. Must try. Thank you for a great post, too!
melve
April 8, 2018 at 12:21 amThank you for sharing this Smoothie Boosters for your Healthiest Smoothie Yet. SO healthy and delicious and kids will surely love this.
debi at Life Currents
April 8, 2018 at 2:35 pmI love this listing of great ideas on how to up my smoothie game! Thanks so much for this!
Kate
April 9, 2018 at 8:24 amI looooove smoothies-especially green ones! I love how to break everything down here and explain how to make a good smoothie. So many good, healthy, and delicious options!
Tiffany
April 10, 2018 at 1:26 pmI love a good healthy smoothie. Can’t wait to make your Tropical Green Dream! I like adding boosters and will have to try Sun Potion Yin Power.