6 Steps to a
Better Breakfast
Try this hearty cereal blend to cut calories and sugar
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Top 10
Get-Gorgeous Foods
Eat your way to pretty
skin, hair, and nails!
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10 Easy Paleo
Diet Recipes
Who would have known that eating like a caveman could taste so good?
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Slimmed-Down
Comfort Food
Easy tweaks to slash calories from burgers, pancakes, and more!
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Tonight, indulge — in moderation — with a scoop of homemade, gluten-free blueberry cobbler.

BERRY GOOD
For those with a gluten intolerance or celiac’s disease, avoiding wheat usually means skipping dessert. Not anymore — this blueberry cobbler is made with almond meal so everyone can enjoy. Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidant-rich blueberries and light on butter and sugar..

READ MORE...

TUMMY TROUBLE
How do probiotics contribute to stomach health?

AGAINST THE GRAIN
Why modern wheat might be causing an influx of gluten intolerances.

(Photo credit: Heather / Heather's Dish)

1. Chocolate Cupcakes 
Who says sugar is the only way to satisfy a sweet tooth? This recipe is free of added sugars. Instead, stevia and coconut oil bring the sweet, while cocoa powder, vanilla extract, peanut butter, and espresso powder contribute a range of flavors to these bites of gluten-free goodness.

2. Lemon Polenta Cake
Almond flour and polenta form the base for this melt-in-your-mouth confection. The recipe calls for a substantial amount of butter and sugar, so it may not bethe healthiest recipe out there — but the whole ingredients help establish this cake as a healthier option. If you’re interested in cutting back on the butter and sugar, it’s easy to try some simple, healthier substitutions.

3. Garbanzo Bean Chocolate Cake
We know garbanzo beans (the common source of the culinary delight known as hummus) might not be the first thing you reach for when dreaming of chocolate cake. But hear this recipe out: It’s high in protein, relatively low in sugar, and (perhaps unexpectedly) delicious.

4. Angel Food Cake
If it’s good enough for the angels, it’s good enough for us. The list of (almost exclusively) dry ingredients, which includes cream of tartar, rice flour, and potato starch, seems to magically transform into moist, fat-free, melt-in-your mouth cake that’s fit for the heavens (or at least a summer potluck). Top it with fresh fruit for extra vitamins and nutrients.

5. Bananas Foster Loaf Cake
Now a person can be dairy-free and gluten free and have a cake and eat it too (whoa). Several large bananas contribute vitamins C and B6 as well as carotenoids. Mix ‘em up with some gluten-free flour (the recipe calls for a specific brand, but feel free to use any mix) and a few other pantry staples to make a moist, banana-bread-esque cake in under an hour.

6. Blueberry Pudding Cake
It’s a pudding! It’s a cake! It’s both at the same time — and it’s probably best to have a napkin handy when it comes time to eat. Almond meal, soy milk, egg whites, and blueberries (a superfood rich in vitamin C and antioxidants) combine with some gluten-free pantry staples to make a deliciously weird concoction.

7. Chocolate Panna Cotta
Even if you never make this recipe, follow this link to drool over the photo. Do it; do it now! This gorgeous panna cotta is made with nothing but almond milk, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, coconut oil, agave nectar, and just a bit of agar agar (a vegan thickening agent).  It’s low in fat and sugar and high in deliciousness.

8. Upside Down Lemon Meringue Pie
This beautiful pie looks like a burst of sunshine cradled in a gluten-free crust. Work up an appetite whisking together eggs, cornstarch, water, sugar, and salt. Add in a lemon mixture and some cream and you’ve got yourself a gorgeous, light, gluten-free pie.

9. Key Lime Avocado Pie
Bravo to the avocado! Shredded coconut, dates, and macadamia nuts lend sweetness and crunch to balance out the smooth superfood, which is a great source of carotenoids, vitamins E and B6, and healthy fats. The result is one of the greenest — and cheeriest — pies we’ve ever seen.

10. Raw Berry Blueberry Pie & Pudding
Here’s another interesting take on pudding. Strawberries, blueberries, and chia seeds pack this dessert with super nutrients, including antioxidants and vitamin C (from the berries) and more antioxidants and healthy fats (from the chia seeds). Bonus: This six-ingredient confection is free of not only gluten, but also soy, dairy, grains, eggs, granulated sugar, and yeast. It’s a dessert virtually anyone can eat!

11. Chocolate Hazelnut Blender Pie
This one’s for all the lazy chefs out there. Simply toss all the ingredients (yes, all of ‘em) in a blender, pour the mixture into a greased pie plate, and bake for 40-60 minutes before enjoying this coconutty, chocolately vegan delight. It’s low in fat and sugar (thanks to the use of vegan margarine and agave nectar), relatively high in protein (thanks to several organic eggs), and packs some healthy fats thanks to a heaping cup of hazelnuts.

12. Yogurt Tartlets
Even though the recipe calls for maple syrup, eggs, yogurt, and oats, this ain’t no breakfast buffet. Instead, it’s the makings for incredibly adorable, smooth and creamy tartlets jam-packed with health foods and with a cherry on top (or strawberry — your choice).

13. Crepes: No longer will gluten-free folk be excluded from enjoying a classic brunch. These dairy-free, gluten-free crepes are made from surprisingly few ingredients, including eggs, soy milk, corn starch, and a few other pantry staples — all of which add up to a low-sugar, low-fat meal. Have the friends over on Sunday and see if they can tell the difference.

14.  Flourless Honey-Almond Cake
Honey and almonds lend wholesome sweetness and flavor to this simple cake. Although honey is undeniably sugary, it boasts numerous health benefits, such as antibacterial properties. Almonds are considered a good source of potassium, calcium, vitamin E, and other minerals and nutrients. Take this cake for a spin with afternoon tea or serve it as a lighter, warm-weather dessert.

15. Spicy Cherry-Chocolate Soufflés
Speaking of cherries: The superfood (which is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects) takes on a starring role in these flavorful little soufflés. Coconut sugar (and coconut rum!) add sweetness to balance out the cherry’s tartness and enhance the soufflés’ chocolately flavor.  
 
16. Blueberry Cobbler 
​Chock full of blueberries and almonds (or almond meal) and relatively low in sugar, this richly-colored dessert packs a nutritional punch. Make sure to snap some photos before digging in — the berry-blue color is beautiful. 

17. Peach Crisp
This one probably works best in the summer (when fresh peaches are plentiful), but we’re guessing it’s worth the wait. It’s also incredibly simple: Peaches (or any summer fruits), gluten-free flour, some butter and sugar (though not tons!), and a cup of oats equal a tasty, wholesome dessert. (Can’t wait till summer? We bet frozen peaches would work great, too.)

18. Apple Crisp
Thank goodness GF folks don’t have to give up the comforting delicacy that is homemade apple crisp. Coconut flower, gluten free, high-fiber oats, and (of course) some crunchy, good-for-you apples (which are high in fiber and antioxidants) combine in a fresh update to this classic dish.

19. Blueberry Clafoutis
This recipe is adapted from the illustrious Julia Child’s own work, so you know it’s gotta be good. It’s a less messy (and more bready) version of the cobbler above. Almond and vanilla extracts, honey, and Saigon cinnamon (fancy!) bring sweetness and flavor to this recipe without overdoing it on sugar.

20. Blackberry Cobbler
Here’s one sugar-free, gluten-free recipe that’s certainly not taste-free. This cobbler relies on agave nectar and some sweet, vitamin-rich blackberries to flavor a base of gluten-free baking flour, a bit of milk, and only half a stick of butter for the entire dish.
 
21. The Healthiest Chocolate Mousse
Dates, avocado (and the healthy fats that come with it), almond butter (which equals more healthy fats), vitamin-rich bananas, a sprinkling of energy-boosting chia seeds, and raw cacao powder come together in a beautiful, dairy-free concoction bound to have us licking the bowls and spoons.

22. Berry Mousse
Featuring two heaping cups of berries and more than half a cup of chia seeds, this mousse is packed with the powers of superfoods. Bonus: the only “cooking” required is pressing the blender’s “on” button.

23. Berries ‘n Cream Chia Pudding
A creamier take on the berry mousse above, this coconutty pudding is free of dairy, gluten, added sugar, yeast, corn, and grains — and yet the picture still makes us drool.

24. Hot Chocolate Pudding
We’re not sure how eggs, bittersweet chocolate, and just a bit of butter, sugar, and salt can turn into what looks like gooey chocolate brownies in a mug — but we’re certainly willing to give it a try.

25. Blueberry-Peach Bread Pudding
A bread pudding recipe doesn’t really seem to fit in on a list of gluten-free delectables — and that’s exactly what makes this recipe so excellent. Gluten-free bread, eggs, nutmeg and cinnamon, and plenty of fresh fruit combine to make a chewy, filling, and relatively nutritious dessert.

26. Vanilla Cardamom Tapioca Pudding
This pudding looks as pretty as its name makes it sound. Tapioca pearls, hemp milk, cardamom (of course), and a few other pantry staples combine to make a uniquely-flavored, low-fat, low-sugar, pearly-white cup o’delight.

27. Chocolate and Vanilla Pudding Parfaits
These black-and-white pudding cups manage to sneak in a heck of a lot of good-for-you foods: Dates, avocado, sunflower seed butter, almond milk,honey, and chopped fresh fruit sound like the contents of a shopping bag from the farmer’s market — but they combine to look like a prettier, more wholesome version of those pudding cups we all loved as kids.

28. Creamy Breakfast Rice Pudding
This rice pudding is healthy enough to eat for dessert or breakfast. Both vegan and gluten-free, the dish relies on cooked brown rice, some non-dairy milk, and a variety of seasonings (including cocoa powder!) to bring flavor and sweetness to a low-sugar, low-fat breakfast, snack, or post-dinner dessert.

29. Vanilla Pudding
This one’s so easy to make it’s almost funny. Combine cashews, honey or agave (two of our favorite sugar substitutes), water, and vanilla bean in a blender (really, that’s it!), refrigerate overnight, and voila: a gluten-free, dairy-free, delicious treat.

30. Almost-Instant Pumpkin Mousse
The color might be a little off-putting, but the nutrient profile is not: pumpkin (asuperfood in our book) plus cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and marshmallow crème are the sole ingredients in this easy-to-make mousse.

31. Chai Chocolate Pots de Crème
Chai spices and ginger (which is loaded with health properties) add richness and flavor to these beautiful baked custards. The image shows the cup o’ custard sitting on top of a string of pearls, but we’re pretty sure it’ll taste good even if you don’t raid grandma’s jewelry drawer.

32. Congo Bars
These decadent-looking bars are made from surprisingly healthy(ish) ingredients, including dark chocolate and nuts, and they really kick things up a notch with the addition of a little dark rum. Who says you can’t kill too evening indulgences with one stone?

33. Chocolate Chip Cookies
These guys might not hold together as well as the original variety, but luckily the differences end there. Fiber-rich oats, healthy-fat-rich walnuts, and vitamin-rich apple sauce up the health factor of this gluten-free twist on a cookie classic.

34. Ginger Snaps
The vegan, gluten-free dough used in this recipe lends itself to being rolled out and cut into shapes, so make sure the cookie cutters are handy. Ground ginger, cinnamon, and other spices add a health kick to this winter favorite.

35. Panforte
Chock full of healthy nuts, fruit, and spices, this gorgeous take on gluten-free cookies is like the health-obsessed cousin of the classic blondie.

36. Chocolate Chip & Double Chocolate Meringues
Meringues are a perennial gluten-free favorite, and this recipe is no exception. Seven simple ingredients and some serious mixing and sifting add up to low-fat, low-sugar, melt-in-your mouth drops o’ sweetness.  

37. Coconut Macaroons
Another gluten-free dessert classic: the macaroon. Unsweetened shredded coconut, vanilla extract, agave nectar, egg whites, and a little sea salt make for one of the lowest-sugar desserts on the market.

38. Peppermint Patties
Who knew four whole ingredients are all that’s needed to make a homemade version of the peppermint patty? Dazzle friends with your culinary prowess and get your peppermint-chocolate fix on with this easy recipe. Dark chocolatecontributes antioxidants and stress-fighting powers while peppermint aids digestion.

39. Five-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Skip the flour and head straight for the peanut butter. These low-carb, soft, chewy cookies are testament to the fact that “gluten-free” and “delicious cookie” are not mutually exclusive terms.

40. The Raw Brownie
We tried, but we seriously cannot find one offensive ingredient in this recipe forraw brownies. Walnuts, dates, cacao, almonds, and sea salt all contribute health properties to these deceptively good-for-you delights.

41. Chocolate Fudge
Gluten-free, dairy-free fudge? Yes please! This stuff gets its sweet flavor and creamy texture from coconut butter, almond butter, a banana, cocoa powder, and some staples from the spice rack. Bonus: The recipe calls for zero added sugar!
 
42. Tropical Dessert Parfait
Chia seeds, flaxseeds, Greek yogurt, fresh fruit — this recipe’s nutrient profile is making us swoon. Mix in a little reduced-fat cream cheese for, well, creaminess, layer all the ingredients on top of each other, and you’ve got a dessert that’s healthy enough to qualify as “breakfast.”

43. Sliced Oranges and Pears with Mint Sugar: This one might not satisfy the most devoted of sweet teeth, but it certainly qualifies as healthy — and dessert-like. Oranges, pears, mint leaves, and just a bit of sugar per serving make for a light, simple dessert best served on a warm summer day.

44. Caramelized Pineapple: It’s simple, it’s elegant, and it will impress the in-laws. And at only half a cup sugar and two tablespoons of butter for the entire pineapple, its nutritional profile ain’t too shabby either (for a dessert, anyway).

45. Slow-Cooker Bananas Foster: Good-for-you honey, cinnamon, bananas, coconut oil (plus just a splash of dear ‘ol Captain Morgan) make for gooey, sweet bananas foster that can be served as a topping for pies or ice cream or (if you’re watching your sugar intake) as a standalone dessert.

46. Mango Gratin: This cheery dessert bowl calls for healthy mango, yogurt, a little citrus, and paltry amounts of butter and sugar. Broil for two or three minutes and you’re good to go.

47. Ginger and Cardamom Poached Pears: Cardamom and ginger play starring roles next to vitamin-rich Bartlett or Anjou pears. Some lemon juice, sugar, and a few more seasonings take these curvaceous beauties to a whole other level of flavor.

48. Apple Pie Parfait: Superfoods apples, almonds, and cinnamon plus protein-rich Greek yogurt all contribute to this pretty little parfait’s nutritional punch, while honey, a dash of brown sugar, and a splash of maple syrup contribute to its bonafide “dessert” status.

49. Dried Fruit Compote with Ginger Tea and Lemon
These may sound fancy, but they’re actually made from one of the simplest recipes on this list (provided you have a crock pot). Green tea, lemon zest, and (dried) fruit make for a chewy, sweet, satisfying dessert that packs an antioxidant punch.
 
50. Banana-Blackberry Yogurt Popsicles
​The term “frozen yogurt” has never been more literal. Combine milk, honey, bananas, and blackberries with regular old yogurt, blend it all together, and freeze the whole shebang for happy, vitamin- and protein-rich nomming whenever the desire strikes. 

51. Chocolate Almond Butter Popsicles
Combine bananas, almond butter, cacao powder, and vanilla extract (and stevia, if desired). Blend and then freeze the mixture. The result? A delicious, high-nutrient, satisfying warm-weather dessert.

52. Mango-Banana Popsicles
These cheery little popsicles are made from only two things: mangos and bananas. If that doesn’t qualify as a “healthy dessert,” we don’t know what will.

53. Avocado Frosty Fudge Pops
Experience being a kid all over again with this healthier take on Fudgsicles. This dairy-free variety is made from avocados, almond milk, maple syrup, cashew butter, and a little bit of vanilla extract and cocoa powder — that’s it!

54. Banana Berry Sorbet
This vegan, health-nut-approved alternative to ice cream derives its sweetness from frozen fruit, orange juice, and a little bit of honey or agave. If you fancy a crunch in your sorbet, throw in some (gluten-free) granola or chopped almonds.
 
55. One-Ingredient Banana Ice Cream
A healthy, non-diary, low-fat ice cream that counts towards our daily fruit quota? Yes please! Bonus: This “ice cream” is healthy enough to have with breakfast (or any other time of the day). 

56. Dark Chocolate Avocado Cookies
Try these Greatist-approved chocolate treats: Delicious, gluten-free, and vegan. A successful and easy baking recipe with no butter, eggs, gluten, or dairy!

57. Chocolate Blueberry Smoothie
Skim milk (or soy or almond, if that's your thing), cocoa powder, frozen blueberries, and a touch of maple syrup create the creamy, rich texture and flavors of a classic diner milkshake — only with far less sugar, and an added antioxidant boost from the cocoa powder and blueberries.

58. Chocolate Fruit Bark
This chocolate bark recipe starts with antioxidant-rich dark chocolate and adds some dazzle with dried apricots and figs, raisins, and cashews. The addition of the dried fruit and nuts counteracts the chocolate’s intensity and adds in a healthy dose of antioxidants and fiber.

59. Super Simple Fresh Plum Sorbet
This four-ingredient fresh fruit sorbet is packed with vitamins and antioxidants and is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth (we recommend trying this in the summer, when fresh plums are plentiful).

60. Baked Stuffed Apples with Maple Cream
Try satisfying your sweet tooth with these healthier, naturally gluten-free baked apples. Stuffed with dates and pecans, then doused in a delicious maple-mascarpone sauce, they’re elegant enough to serve at a fancy gathering, yet still wholesome and satisfying.

61. Cocoa Dusted Almonds
A protein-  and fiber-rich superfood dusted in cocoa powder? Yes, please! These slightly sweet and salty nuts are a great option for on-the-go dessert consumption.

62. Harvest Fruit Compote
Looking for a way to use up all that fall fruit? Try this simple, healthy compote for an all-natural sugar fix.

Berries are delicious, but they're also kind of delicate.  Raspberries in particular seem like they can mold before you even get them home from the market.  There's nothing more tragic than paying $4 for a pint of local raspberries, only to look in the fridge the next day and find that fuzzy mold growing on their insides.
Well, with fresh berries just starting to hit farmers markets, we can tell you how to keep them fresh!  Here's a tip on how to prevent them from getting there in the first place:  Wash them with vinegar.

When you get your berries home, prepare a mixture of one part vinegar (white or apple cider probably work best) and ten parts water.  Dump the berries into the mixture and swirl around. Drain, rinse if you want (though the mixture is so diluted you can't taste the vinegar,) and pop in the fridge.  The vinegar kills any mold spores and other bacteria that might be on the surface of the fruit, and voila! 


Raspberries will last a week or more, and strawberries go almost two weeks without getting moldy and soft.  So go forth and stock up on those pricey little gems, knowing they'll stay fresh as long as it takes you to eat them.

      - THANKS 4 THE NEAT TIP DIANE....

After hitting the weight bench today, blend up a smoothie made from
chocolate milk, bananas, and peanut butter to aid muscle growth. 

Smooth Operator
Any 5th-grader knows chocolate milk is delicious, but did perhaps you
didn’t know it’s also the perfect post-exercise recovery beverage. Skip the
energy drinks and pick up some low-fat chocolate milk, which has the optimal
ratio of carbs-to-protein post-exercise. Get the blender out and add some peanut
butter for protein, a banana for added carbs and electrolytes, and a handful of
ice to keep things cool.
Read more...

Spice Up Your Life
Sprinkle some cinnamon into the mix for added
health benefits.


Fuel Up
The best pre- and post-workout snacks to optimize performance
and recovery.

by Nicole McDermott · 25
days ago · Health


      

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• Email

It’s darn near impossible to screw up a smoothie (fine, avoid the anchovies).
Throw any combination of milk, fruit, nuts, and other goodies into a blender and
presto, you’ve got a handy-dandy drinkable snack. The beauty of these
five-minute recipes is that there’s free reign with ingredient amounts. And if
the fridge or pantry isn’t fully stocked with each, it’s easy to pull together a
winning combination by popping just a few things in the blender. We’ve rounded
up 54 of our favorite smoothie recipes to sip pre-and-post workout, plus
dairy-free varieties, ones loaded with greens, and others perfect for breakfast
and dessert.



Photo by Kate Morin


But first, we have some pro tips to get your smoothie-making off to
an award-winning start:

• Make sure to pour in liquids first (it’s easier on the blender).


• Start from the lowest speed and work up to higher speeds once the mixture
  smoothes out. Add ice last, and use as much or as little as you’d like. We
  suggest three cubes for each smoothie, but it’s perfectly okay to add more and
  make it a little slushier to achieve a creamier texture.


• Some of our smoothies use cow’s milk, or dairy free subs like almond, soy,
  hemp, and rice. Pick your favorite, or make a mixture of your own!


• If you’ve got leftover smoothie hanging in the blender, divvy it up into an
  ice cube tray for easy blending the next time.


• Top smoothies with fresh fruit, seeds, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for
  a texture change.


• Freeze fruit for a thicker consistency. Chop it up for easier blending.


• If you’d rather not sip it, try your smoothie from a bowl, with a
  spoon.

Now it’s time to get blending!


With Greens
Whoever said it’s not easy being green never met a green smoothie. The hue of
these blends may be startling at first, but popping some spinach, kale, or chard
makes these smoothies extra good for us.



Photo by Jordan Shakeshaft


1. Black and Blue
Though this
smoothie has a misleading name (it’s because of the berries!), it’s got a hearty
dose of spinach which can actually help speed healing (because it’s a great source of vitamin
K).


2-3 cups organic spinach
1 cup
milk (or juice) of choice
1 banana
¼ cup blueberries, frozen
¼ cup
blackberries, frozen
3 ice cubes


2. Thin
Mint
Sure, this one sounds like it
should be in the dessert section, but sneaky, sneaky it’s got spinach
hiding inside. Just a cup of spinach contains over 300 percent of our
daily-recommended amount of vitamin A. Plus, peppermint adds a refreshing
zing.


1 cup spinach, frozen (or 2 cups
fresh)
1 cup almond milk
2 scoops chocolate protein
powder
¼ cup rolled oats
⅛ teaspoon
peppermint extract


3. PKB (Pumpkin, Kale,
Banana)
Mmmmm, pumpkin. The delicious fall favorite has nearly no fat, but adds a
creamy thick consistency anything it’s added to. It’s also loaded with
antioxidants, like alpha- and beta-carotene, which convert into vitamin A in the
body. This harvest drink also uses cinnamon, which can help fight inflammation.


3 leaves kale
½ cup vanilla
soymilk
1 tablespoon flax seed
1 banana,
frozen
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup pumpkin
3
ice cubes


4. Spinach
Flax
So we know spinach is great for us, but this smoothie has the
benefits of flax,
too. The high fiber seed has a heavy concentration of omega-3s, which are good
for the heart because they may help lower blood pressure and reduce blood
clotting. Tip: Slice the banana before freezing for easier blending.


½ cup vanilla yogurt
1 cup
milk
1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
2 cups
spinach
1 banana, frozen
3 strawberries
1
teaspoon flaxseed


5. Dark Chocolate
Blueberry
While the color of this tasty potion isn’t
exactly desirable, the taste and health benefits certainly make up for it. The
spinach provides a good dose of iron and fiber, and the blueberries and cocoa powder throw antioxidants into the mix.


2 cups spinach
1 cup blueberries,
frozen
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
2 tablespoons
dark cocoa powder
½ cup unsweetened almond milk


6. Killer
Kale
Kale can definitely be a bit bitter, so this mixture will taste best with a very ripe
banana. The leafy green is a great low-cal source of fiber, calcium, and iron.
Hemp is one of the highest plant-based sources of
complete protein.


1 ½ cups unsweetened almond
milk
1 ½ tablespoons almond butter
1 banana,
frozen
2 cups kale
1 tablespoon hemp seeds


7. Carrot-Berry
Not only does
this guy have some
greens, it’s got all sorts of other colors too. (Warning: It may not look as
pretty as it tastes.) For a thicker smoothie, let the chia seeds soak in the water for ten minutes
before blending (they absorb up to ten times their weight in water!).


½ cup almond milk
½ cup
water
1 carrot
2 cups spinach
½ cup frozen
berries
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon hemp
protein
½ teaspoon stevia


8. Minty Swiss
We’re not
talking swiss miss for this smoothie — we mean
swiss chard, a great
source of calcium and potassium.


1 bunch swiss chard
½ cup
raspberries, frozen
½ cup pineapple, frozen
½ cup
peaches, frozen
3 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
¼ cup
orange juice
3 ice cubes


9. Coconut Kale
This list of
ingredients produces the prettiest, brightest green smoothie ever.
The coconut extract is a must, and the coconut milk makes it super creamy. Feel
free to nix the honey if you’d like to take the sweetness down a notch, since a
little goes a long way.


1 cup chopped kale
1
banana
1 ½ cups coconut milk
1 tablespoon
flaxseed
1 tablespoon honey
¼ teaspoon coconut
extract
3 ice cubes


Pre-Workout
Try these smoothies 30-60 minutes before a
workout (but remember if you guzzle down too much might be tough to
bounce around on a treadmill). A liquid snack before hitting the gym can provide
the body the fuel it needs to gain
muscle and burn fat.



Photo by Jordan Shakeshaft


10. Trail
Mix
This smoothie’s the one for lasting energy throughout a long
workout. Raisins, skim milk, and honey, are especially good to fuel a cardio sesh.


1 scoop chocolate protein
powder
1 banana
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1
teaspoon honey
¼ cup low fat plain yogurt
¼ cup nonfat
milk
10 almonds
1 tablespoon raisins
3 ice
cubes


11. Peach Oat
Smoothie
The prep for this delicious blend is
a little different than the others. Instead of a blend-and-go smoothie, it’s
best to let the chia seeds and oats soak overnight in the fridge with the
remainder of the ingredients, then give it a whirl the next day.


½ cup rolled oats
⅓ cup plain
yogurt
¼ cup milk (plus ¼ cup more to thin out the mixture after it
sits overnight)
1 small peach
½ medium
banana
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Pinch salt


12. Endless
Summer
Nothing says summer like fresh, juicy watermelon — but we
won’t judge if you sip this guy during the
other three seasons, too. This superfood melon is low-calorie and contains lycopene, an
amino acid that helps protect us from the sun’s UV rays. Don’t forget: Strawberries are a superfood too!


¼ cup milk
¾ seedless watermelon,
cubed
½ cup strawberries
½ cup low-fat plain yogurt
2 teaspoons vanilla
whey-protein powder
3 ice cubes


13. Banana
Java
Many of these smoothies feature banana as their main event, but it takes the
spotlight in this coffee variety. The superfood is mostly known for it’s
potassium punch, but it’s also got carotenoids, which are especially good for
our eyes.


1 banana
⅓ cup
oats
1 scoop vanilla whey protein
¼ cup skim milk
1 cup
coffee


14. Strawberry
Banana
Chia seeds are known for
their hydrating properties making them a great pre-workout energizer. Prep for
this
smoothie is a little different because of the seeds. Blend up the
fruit, and add water or a milk of choice until it reaches your desired
consistency. Add the seeds and let them soak for a few minutes before knocking
it all back.


1 banana
¾ cup frozen
strawberries
½-1 cup water or milk of your choice
2
tablespoons chia seeds


15. Oaty
Banana
Since oats are slow digesting carbs,
they’re a great pre-workout smoothie enhancer for lasting energy on the road or
at the gym. This mix also features kefir, a
probiotic-packed drink that may help support immunity and better
digestion[1]. Note:
This smoothie has a thick, doughy consistency much unlike fruit and ice based
ones.


1 banana
¼ cup rolled
oats
½ cup plain kefir
1 tablespoon chia
seeds
1 tablespoon almond butter
¼ teaspoon vanilla
extract
1 pinch of cinnamon


16. Protein Creamcicle
This
smoothie has only three ingredients to get the job done. Whey protein has been shown to help increase
strength (as long as resistance training is included in your fitness
regimen).


1 scoop vanilla whey protein
powder
1 cup orange juice
3 ice cubes


17. Blueberry
Lavender
Allegedly as delicious as Shaun T’s
abs, this smoothie has the antioxidant power of blueberries, plus
the energy boosting power of maca powder, a root that
Incan warriors used for endurance and strength.


½ cup almond milk
¼ cup
water
½ cup frozen blueberries
½ banana
1
teaspoon hemp seeds
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1
teaspoon dried lavender
½ tablespoon maca powder
1
teaspoon vanilla


18.
Neapolitan
This smoothie may remind
you of an ice-cream sundae, but it’s a helluva lot healthier. Instead of ice
cream, this treat uses fruit, yogurt, and chocolate milk to recreate the classic
flavor combo.


¾ cup low-fat chocolate milk
1⁄2
cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
¾ cup sliced strawberries
1
teaspoon ground flaxseed
1 scoop vanilla or chocolate whey-protein
powder
3 ice cubes


Post-Workout
Pawing for a protein drink after working up a sweat can help build stronger
muscles, increase training efficacy, and speed up muscle recovery
time. Packing in the protein can help the body rebuild throughout the
day[2].



Photo by Lisa Goulet


19. Chunky
Monkey
Chocolate milk can help the body recover after exercise
because of its carb-to-protein ratio (four to one)[3]. And
combining chocolate, peanut butter, and banana is always a win.


1 medium banana
1 tablespoon
peanut butter
1 cup low-fat chocolate milk
3 ice
cubes


  20. Sweet Potato
Pie
Protein powder has come a long way from the old standbys of
chocolate and vanilla. This shake features cinnamon bun flavored whey
protein (?!), along with potato, which can replenish glycogen
stores after a solid workout, as well as flavor packed
cinnamon-bun protein powder.


1 scoop cinnamon bun whey protein (or vanilla
protein and 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
¼ cup sweet potato, peeled, cooked,
and diced
1 cup vanilla almond milk
3 ice cubes


21. Cherry Berry
Tea
Tofu not only thickens this fruit-heavy
smoothie, but also sneaks in eight grams of protein. The red tea adds sweetness,
antioxidants, and a pretty hue to boot. Cherries may even help aid in muscle recovery
after strenuous exercise.


¾ cup rooibos tea (steep 2 tea bags for 5
minutes, then chill tea)
5 ounces silken tofu (about 1/3 of a
block)
2 cups sweet cherries, frozen
1 cup grapes,
frozen
½ cup blueberries, frozen


22. Savory Surprise
Smoothies
don’t always have to be for the sweet-tooth-sippers out there. Ginger adds spice to this savory beverage (and can even help ease sore muscles). Cayenne
pepper has also been shown to suppress appetite and boost
metabolism.


¾ cup carrot juice
½
cup avocado
1
tablespoon fresh lemon juice
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon
freshly grated ginger
1 pinch of cayenne
pepper



23. Creamy
Cantaloupe
This smoothie has half a
cantaloupe
(superfood alert!), which helps hydrate after a sweaty workout (since it’s 89
percent water). Plus, one cup of the fruit has as much potassium as a medium
banana!


½ cantaloupe, seeded and roughly
chopped
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon
honey
3 ice cubes


24. Strawberry Peach
Oatmeal
This mix is extra thick thanks to the oats, yogurt, and chia
seeds. Greek
yogurt has double the protein compared to the regular stuff,
which is important to speed up recovery time after a workout. Cook the
oatmeal separately and let it cool before adding it the blender with the
remaining ingredients.


3-4 peach slices, frozen (or about half a
peach)
7 strawberries, frozen
¼ cup rolled
oats
½ cup fat- free plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup orange
juice
1 tablespoon chia seeds
3 ice cubes


25. Pina Colada
Coconut water is a great
substitute for water after a workout because it’s been found to offer the same
hydration as leading sports drinks (just minus all the calories and yucky
sugars). This smoothie also highlights superfood pineapple, which boosts the immune
system and has a ton of vitamin C.


½ cup unsweetened almond milk
½
cup coconut water (or try
coconut water ice
cubes!)
½ cup pineapple,
frozen
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon shredded
coconut
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract


26. Raspberry Turmeric
Turmeric, the bright yellow spice known for it’s
anti-inflammatory properties, adds a kick to this smoothie that gets added nutrition from hemp
seeds.


1 cup water
1
banana
¼ cup raspberries, frozen
2 tablespoons hemp
seeds
¼ teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon
cinnamon
3 stalks collard greens


27. Almond Butter and
Jelly
This is like peanut
butter and jelly, but way better — and you don’t even have to chew. Almond butter beats out peanut butter for fiber,
iron, and vitamin E.


¾ cup almond milk
1 tablespoon
almond butter
½ scoop vanilla protein powder
½ banana,
frozen
1 tablespoon jam
2 tablespoons plain Greek
yogurt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ice cubes


Dairy-Free

For those who can’t stomach dairy (or prefer not to eat it), here are nine
recipes that won’t make you miss the creamy stuff.



Photo by Jordan Shakeshaft


28. Pumpkin
Cranberry
This tasty treat is
so Thanksgiving. But we’re totally OK with that. It’s got healthy fats
— coconut butter and nuts — and lots of fruit. Pro Tip: Soak the cashews in
water or milk overnight for easier blending.


½ cup almond milk
½ cup pumpkin
puree
¼ cup cranberries, frozen
¼ cup raw
cashews
1 small apple, diced
¼ orange, peeled (or a
splash of OJ)
2 tablespoons coconut butter
¾ teaspoon
cinnamon


29.
Pom-berry
Tart but tasty pomegranate juice has a
high concentration of antioxidants, and is also linked to heart health.


1 cup pomegranate juice
1 cup silken
tofu
2 cups assorted berries, frozen
2 tablespoons
honey


30. Coconut
Lime
It sounds like a scent from Bath and Body Works, but this smoothie is
thankfully edible. Mango not only tastes sweet and tropical, but one fruit
supplies nearly 100 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C.


½ banana, sliced
½
mango, diced
⅓ cup coconut milk
1 lime, zested and
juiced
1 pinch of ground cardamom
3 ice cubes


31. Strawberry Lemonade
Talk
about refreshing! For a thirst quencher that mimics the not-so-good-for-you
lemonade powder, this smoothie has all
the taste without the sugary guilt.


½ cup fresh strawberries
1 large
date, pitted
½ cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tablespoon
raw cashews
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon
finely grated lemon zest
3 ice cubes


32. Avocado n’ Pear
We have a
confession to make: Here at Greatist HQ, we’re kind of obsessed with avocados. (Do we have an
avocado piñata in the office? Yes, yes we do.) Pairing it with pear makes this
smoothie extra delectable.


¼ cup avocado
¼ cup silken
tofu
¼ cup pear juice
1 teaspoon honey
¼
teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 ice cubes


33. Pink
Drink
This smoothie/juice hybrid is
pretty and pink and adds extra veggies to the mix, too. Bonus: Grapefruit has been shown to have weight loss
benefits.


½ English cucumber, peeled and
diced
½ small raw beet, peeled and diced
1 apple,
diced
1 large grapefruit, juiced
3 ice cubes


34. Chocolate Almond Date
Almonds are a nutritionally dense nut (meaning
they provide a ton of nutrition for the amount of calories they pack). For this smoothie, place the almonds, dates, cocoa,
and hot water in the blender and let it rest, unblended, for 5 to 10 minutes.
Add the tofu and ice, and blend until smooth!


¼ cup almonds
½ cup
dates, pitted
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ cup boiling
water
½ cup silken tofu
3 ice cubes


35. Purple Drank
This
smoothie is pretty and purpley, but also has the health benefits of the super-root beets. They house a ton
of potassium, fiber, and antioxidants.


1 small can beets, juice and all
1 cup
tofu or plain non-dairy
yogurt (made from coconut milk, almond milk, or soy
milk)
3 ice cubes


36.
Mojito
No, silly, there’s no alcohol in this smoothie (but
we promise we’ll keep it hush, hush if you sneak a little in there by
accident). Bonus: Spirulina algae is a
good source of protein and nutrients like the B complex vitamins,
which help our bodies turn food into energy.


1 cup coconut water
2 tablespoons
hemp seeds
½-1 teaspoon spirulina
2 tablespoons freshly
squeezed lime juice
½ avocado
1 banana,
frozen
2 dates, pitted
1 handful fresh mint
leaves


Breakfast
We’ve all heard “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” These
smoothies are quick to whip up and drink on the go. Skipping breakfast
altogether has been linked to obesity, increased risk of heart disease, and
diabetes, amongst other not so great
consequences[4][5].



Photo by Jess Ivy


37. Blackberry and
Basil
This unexpected duo is a
refreshing way to get the morning started. The cup of blackberries adds eight
grams of fiber to the concoction, and the vanilla adds a touch of extra
sweetness without added sugar. Extra bonus: the oil in basil can help maintain
healthy,
clear skin.


1 cup blackberries
1 medium
banana, frozen
1 cup almond milk
½ teaspoon vanilla
extract
1 small handful basil leaves


38. Sunrise
The tangy strawberry-banana yogurt
adds all the sweetness and flavor this smoothie needs, and
the pineapple makes it extra tropical. The yogurt alone provides 14 grams of
protein — plenty to stay full until lunchtime.


¾ cup nonfat milk
1 cup
strawberry banana Greek yogurt (we like Chobani!)
1 banana,
frozen
½ cup pineapple, frozen
½ teaspoon coconut
extract (or 1 teaspoon shredded coconut)


39. Green Tea and
Melon
Instead of a java-induced boost in the a.m., try green tea instead. The green stuff’s got fat burning power and can even improve
cholesterol levels. Brew two bags for a strong flavor that won’t get lost when
mixed with the other ingredients.


1 banana, frozen
½ a large, whole
honeydew melon
¾ cup strong-brewed green tea
1 teaspoon
honey
¼ cup almond milk


40. Mango Lassi
No, not
Lassie — Lassi! This mango version of
the traditional Indian yogurt-based drink has only three ingredients!


½ cup plain lowfat yogurt
½ ripe
mango, diced
1 teaspoon honey


41. Mochanana
To get your
morning caffeine kick plus the added benefits of fruit and protein
(from the milk and the powder) this hearty smoothie is
your guy.


½ banana, frozen
1 cup coffee,
chilled
½ milk
1 scoop chocolate protein
powder
½ teaspoon sweetener of choice


42. Raspberry Avocado
This interesting combo is a good source of
Vitamin C and potassium, and has 7 grams of fiber. If you can’t find raspberry
juice, pop in some extra frozen raspberries and OJ.


½ cup avocado
⅓ cup orange
juice
⅓ cup raspberry juice
¼ cup frozen
raspberries


43. Zesty Honey Ricotta
A high protein breakfast
like this one can help reduce hunger pangs throughout
the day. Plus it’s got all the fixins for an easy, tasty way to get the morning
going.


¼ cup skim ricotta
¼ cup plain
low-fat Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon orange
zest
¼ orange, peeled and diced
¼ cup apple
juice
½ teaspoon cinnamon


44. Vanilla
Date
This simple smoothie is
sweet from the date’s natural sugars, and you can bank on 2 grams of fiber for
each small fruit. (A great way to start any day.)


½ cup plain nonfat yogurt
½ cup
nonfat milk
½ cup dates, pitted
¼ teaspoon vanilla
extract
3 ice cubes


45. Vanilla
Chai


Chai is usually served
hot, but we suggest trying this cool and refreshing take on the slightly spicy
beverage. Instead of using all of the spices in traditional chai, you can get a
similar taste by brewing a bag or two of chai tea in the milk and chilling it
before blending.


1 banana, frozen
1 cup milk (of
your choice)
½ teaspoon powdered ginger
½ teaspoon
cinnamon
1 dash of cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg
¼
teaspoon vanilla


Dessert
These smoothies don’t just have to be for after dinner, they just taste
deliciously dessert-y. If they are a pre-bed treat, lots of these
blends are fiber-filled to keep you full ‘til morning.



Photo by Kate Morin


46. Caramel Apple
Cider
This treat uses apple
cider, which is a good source of potassium and vitamin C. To get extra fancy,
rim the glass by dipping it in cider and then in a mixture of cinnamon and
sugar.


1 cup apple cider
½ apple,
peeled and diced
½ cup low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt
1
tablespoon caramel sauce
½ teaspoon cinnamon
3 ice
cubes


47. Pumpkin Pie
Smoothie
A pie… in a mug! No baking required. This all-too-exciting
flavor profile tastes naughty, but it’s got six grams of fiber from the nice
helping of pumpkin puree and banana.


1 cup almond milk
½ cup canned
pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon
blackstrap molasses
½ banana, frozen (or ½ scoop vanilla protein
powder)
3 ice cubes


48. Cherry
Pie
This may even be better
than the song. Yes, this
smoothie does include a frozen novelty, but it’s got a healthy helping of cherries, an antioxidant superfruit. And since
they don’t have a very long shelf life, freeze cherries fresh and use them in
smoothies year round.


15 black cherries, pitted
¾ cup
cranberry juice
2 scoops low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt
¼
teaspoon almond extract


49. Chocolate Silk
We already
know avocado and chocolate are a divine duo, so this smoothie’s ingredient list should come as no
surprise. The creamy green fruit creates a to-die-for texture
and loads up the dessert drink with a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats.


¼ cup coconut milk
3 dates,
pitted
¼ avocado
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
3
ice cubes


50.
Tiramisu
Unlike the authentic layered dessert of
deliciousness, this smoothie ain’t half
bad for ya. Throwing some ricotta into the blender ups the protein profile
without adding an insane amount of calories (plus it makes the drink thick and
creamy!)


⅓ cup part-skim ricotta
cheese
2 tablespoons low-fat plain yogurt
½ tablespoon
slivered almonds
1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder
1
teaspoon ground flaxseed
½ teaspoon finely ground
coffee
3 ice cubes


51. Apple
Pie
Now we’re talkin’. This sweet fall-inspired
treat is raw, vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free. If there’s no apple pie spice
hanging out in your pantry, make your own with
cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom. While hemp protein isn’t the most common of the
powdered add-ins, it’s a great plant derived source of essential fatty acids and
protein.


1 apples
½ banana,
frozen
¼ cup cashews
1 scoop hemp protein
2
dates, pitted
1 cup almond milk
1 teaspoon apple pie
spice
3 ice cubes


52.
Gingerbread
Talk about comfy-cozy (and holiday-themed)! The
pear may be a shocker, as far as gingerbread goes, but one medium fruit touts
six grams of fiber so this dessert-y beverage
will tide you over ‘til morning (or when Santa comes).


1 cup almond milk
1 pear,
diced
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
¼ teaspoon
cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ginger
3 ice cubes


53. Banana
Cheesecake
The addition of cinnamon cream cheese wedges make this smoothie incredibly smooth for just 45
calories a for each little triangle. For added creaminess and tons of protein,
the yogurt and cottage cheese work wonders. Garnish
with graham cracker crumbs for extra fun.


1 banana, frozen
½ cup
unsweetened vanilla almond milk
½ cup vanilla Greek
yogurt
¼ cup low-fat cottage cheese
2 Laughing Cow cinnamon
cream cheese wedges (or other low-fat cinnamon cream cheese)


54. Peanut Butter
Bomb
Peanut butter and banana are a game-changing combo. And this
smoothie comes with a yummy topping option to add even more pb— peanut butter crunch
balls.


1 cup almond milk
1 banana,
frozen
½ tablespoon chia seeds
1½ tablespoons natural
peanut butter
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ice
cubes


*All recipes serve one.


Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comment section
below, or tweet the author @nicmcdermott.


 



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   State University East Bay, Hayward, CA. Journal of the International Society of
   Sports Nutrition. 2006; 3(1): 7–27. [↩]


3. Chocolate milk: a post-exercise
   recovery beverage for endurance sports. Prittchett, K.,
   Pritchett, R. Department of Nutrition Exercise and Health Sciences, Central
   Washington University. Medicine and Sport Science, 2013;59:127-34. Epub 2012
   Oct. 15. [↩]


4. Association between Eating Patterns and Obesity in a Free-living
   US Adult Population. Ma, Y., Bertone, E., Staneck, EJ., et al.
   Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, University of Massachusetts
   Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA. American Journal of Epidemiology, 2003;
   158(1): 85-92. [↩]


5. Skipping breakfast: longitudinal
   associations with cardiometabolic risk factors in the Childhood Determinants of
   Adult Health Study. Smith, KJ, Gall, SL, McNaughton, SA, et al. 
   Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia. The
   American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2010 Jun;110(6):869-78. [↩]