Satisfying Smoothies

by Michael Vyskocil

What’s so special about smoothies? They’re great when you need to grab a meal on the go, and they typically contain healthy ingredients that are good for you. Whether made from fresh fruit or vegetables, smoothies provide a simple and satisfying way to boost your body’s intake of proteins and nutrients.

Instagram Reels, Pinterest boards and TikTok posts are all abuzz about smoothies these days — and for good reason. People are discovering that smoothies are more than what to have for breakfast. They’re ideal for whipping up as a post-workout snack or a late-afternoon energy boost.

That’s where these recipes come in. On the following pages, you’ll find several smoothies packed with superfoods, including fruits, chia seeds, greens and milk alternatives that taste delicious and offer the nutrients your body craves.

Avocado-Banana Smoothie

(pictured above)

Start off the new year with this sublime smoothie packed with superfoods. Avocado contains healthy potassium, and chia seeds feature omega-3s. Makes 1 serving

2½ teaspoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons almond milk
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
1 cup ripe banana slices
½ avocado
¾ cup ice
Honey or agave syrup, to taste

1. Soak chia seeds in almond milk until the seeds become slightly gelatinous, about 30 minutes. In a blender, combine ginger, banana slices, avocado and ice. Blend ingredients until smooth. Stir in honey or agave syrup and soaked chia seeds; serve.

Pomegranate-Blood Orange-Banana Smoothie

The holiday-inspired hue of this delightful smoothie complements the bursts of flavor from pomegranate and blood orange juices. Makes 2 servings.

1 blood orange, peel and pith removed, quartered
1 ripe banana, cut into thirds
1 cup pure pomegranate juice

1. Blend orange, banana and pomegranate juice. Pour into serving glasses.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

It’s the best of pumpkin pie without the crust — or the calories. This seasonally inspired smoothie combines the protein power of pumpkin with spices in a good-for-you drink that will have you passing up that slice of pie.

1 cup pure pumpkin puree (from a 15-ounce can)
2½ teaspoons peeled and chopped fresh ginger
1 cup almond milk
1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
Pinch of ground cinnamon
Pinch of ground cloves
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Whole nutmeg, for grating as a garnish (optional)

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour mixture into serving glasses. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg (if desired) and serve immediately.

Carrot-Cumin-Honey Smoothie

This delicious smoothie gets a boost from beta-carotene with hints of cumin and honey to perk up your taste buds. Makes 2 servings.

1 cup pure carrot juice
Pinch of ground cumin
3 tablespoons honey
½ cup ice cubes

1. Puree all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into serving glasses.

Ginger-Mango-Spinach Smoothie

Raise a glass to good health in the new year with this nutrient-packed, sweet-tasting smoothie. Makes 2 servings.

2 handfuls baby spinach leaves, washed well
2 teaspoons peeled ginger, finely grated
2 cups fresh or frozen mango slices
2 teaspoons honey
1⅓ cups water

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth.
2. Pour mixture into serving glasses.
3. Serve immediately.