Healthy Smoothie Recipes
6 Fruits and Vegetables Healthy Smoothie Recipes that will give you energy all day long
My kids leave for school at all hours in the morning so my goal is to make them something quick and healthy! Smoothies are the ultimate way to jam pack as much nutrition as possible into one drink. These 6 Superfood Smoothies are the perfect meal and full of vitamins which will keep them energized and their minds sharp. The key is the smoothies must taste amazing or my kids won't drink them! I sneak in handfuls of spinach without them even detecting it since it has such a mild flavor yet is such a nutritional powerhouse.
Since smoothies are full of fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein -- the options are endless. We mix it up with lots of variety so the smoothies don't get boring. I am posting our fabulous six superfood smoothies which are filled with superfoods that will start your mornings off right.
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE HEALTHY JOURNEY:
Here is where I am going to get a little personal. I was a healthy and active girl when I got hit with an autoimmune disease that rocked my world. I visited the doctor and he performed an insane amount of blood tests to figure out what was going on with my body.
I was dealing with the debilitating effects of several autoimmune diseases -- rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto's thyroiditis diseases, among others.
I didn't think I would be dealing with arthritis in my 30's! My weight had even skyrocketed for no apparent reason (which will put any woman in a tailspin).
After many blood tests confirmed I was dealing with several autoimmune issues, I was referred to both a rheumatologist and endocrinologist to deal with the effects of my immune system going haywire. The specialists wanted to put me on a host of medications to help with the swelling and inflammation, all with a list of negative side effects. I felt as if I was ALWAYS at the doctor. I didn't want to just put on a band-aid.
I went home and my husband and I just sobbed together on the couch (which he may not like me admitting publicly since he is not a crier), afraid of what the future might hold. After a good cry, I felt determined to figure out what the ROOT cause of my health issues was. I started studying like crazy. I began driving around to every library in town, picking up stacks of health books, and researching everything I could about my disease. I became a full-on nerd!
I kept reading over and over about the powerful healing powers of whole foods. After much research, I decided to implement a 30-day healthy food plan. It included only cold-pressed juices, whole food smoothies, vegetables, fresh fruit, fish, and chicken. Nothing else.
Being the baker that I am, it just about killed me! Okay truth be told....in reality, it gave me new life! I supplemented my diet with a whole host of herbs that help with inflammation and autoimmune disorders. I filled my refrigerator with the freshest ingredients and spent hours at a time creating smoothies and filling glass jars with them. I drank everything from raw fermented beet juice to cleanse my liver to lemon turmeric drinks to help calm my inflammation.
Here is a photo that was taken in Texas of a week's worth of healthy whole foods that I ate to try to heal myself and relieve some of my symptoms. It's amazing at what happened after going 30 days eating this way!
After several weeks, my swelling drastically improved and I was able to move around with ease. The best part was going to visit the doctor for another round of blood tests and finding out that the most alarming results were reversed! I still had a long way to go but this was a start. I still have to treat my Hashimoto's thyroiditis disease with Synthroid but I have found some natural supplements to help me feel better. I am not a doctor but will share some things that have helped me.
Here are some of the healing vitamins, herbs and supplements that have helped me with my autoimmune diseases:
(click on the links to purchase supplement for a discounted Amazon.com or Vitacost.com price)
Tumeric or Tumeric Force-- for reducing inflammation
Stress Reduction Herbs -- Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Siberian Ginseng, Perfect Calm Multivitamin. Holy Basil-- helps calm, reduce stress and adrenal support
Vitamin D -- immune support and energy
Vitamin B12 -- natural energy booster
Magnesium -- natural relaxer, calms nerves, good for ADHD.
Vitamin C -- immune system booster
Selenium -- very helpful if you have a thyroid disorder
Probiotics or Refrigerated Probiotics -- the gateway to gut health. Helps to rebalance gut flora.
Fish Oil or Whole Fish Oil-- a great source of omega-3's.
Fermented Foods -- Kefir, Kimchi, Sauerkraut
Bone Broth -- helps with gut issues
L-Glutamine, Berberine, Digestive Enzymes
Vital Proteins Collagen or Unflavored Collagen Protein -- good source of protein and helps the gut lining repair.
There are so many out there dealing with the effects of autoimmune diseases and I would LOVE to hear your story and what has helped you. Please feel free to leave a comment below and share your story. I believe we can all learn from each other. Knowledge is power and when we take our own health into our hands, we can invoke a healthy change.
I LOVE to read, study, and learn from the experts in the industry. I have found several books that are very helpful and will share my favorites. Click on the link below for more information.
An Epidemic of Absence: A New Way of Understanding Allergies and Autoimmune Diseases,
Hashimoto's Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back
If you would like to know specifically what I did to help mine and what I continue to do to stay off medication (besides my thyroid medication for Hashimoto's disease since my thyroid no longer functions), you can reach out to me at melissa@modernhoney.com.
If you would like to sign up for my newsletter, I will include the specific things that have helped me in my health journey. You can find me on instagram @modern_honey.
List of Healthy Superfoods:
- Kale – insanely low in calories, powerful anti-oxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, and helpful for arthritis and autoimmune diseases
- Spinach – the beauty of spinach lies in how easy it is to disguise the taste. It’s mild tasting yet packed with vitamins, has anti-cancerous properties, and is one of the healthiest foods on the planet
- Blueberries - one of the highest antioxidant capacities of all fruit which helps to combat free radicals in your body
- Strawberries - just one serving provides more vitamin c than an orange while being low in natural sugars
- Greek Yogurt - double the protein and half the carbs as regular yogurt
- Cucumber – since it’s 95% water, it’s an incredible detoxifier and helps with liver and kidney function
- Lemon – one of the most important items to stock in your kitchen as it’s a highly effective cleansing agent and cuts through the bitterness of greens
- Banana – an essential in smoothies as it adds creaminess, a touch of sweetness, and helps you feel full longer plus, it’s rich in potassium and fiber and gives you natural energy
- Turmeric - anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties
- Ginger - aids in digestion and supports the immune system
- Chia + Flaxseeds - rich is Omega-3 and fiber benefits
After years and years of my mother-in-law telling me that the Vitamix is the greatest appliance ever made, I bit the bullet and bought one. I am so grateful because I use it every single day. Plus, it purees the spinach so much that you can't taste it at all. It's seriously amazing! You can buy one here.
If you are looking to add fruit and vegetable JUICE recipes to your diet as well, click HERE for my Healthy Juice Cleanse Recipes.
For extra detoxification benefits, a lemon turmeric flush first thing in the morning will do the trick. This isn't for the faint of heart. It's super simple.
Lemon Turmeric Flush Drink:
- 2 cups Water
- 1 Lemon, squeezed
- ½ teaspoon Ground Turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Stevia or 1 Tablespoon Honey or Real Maple Syrup
- Serves 2
Mix together, water, lemon juice, turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper (optional) and cinnamon. Add stevia, honey or maple syrup to taste. The cayenne pepper adds a kick to it so not everyone can handle it.
If you are looking for MORE JUICE CLEANSE RECIPES, CLICK HERE.
If I am suffering from anything - from allergies to autoimmune issues to overeating the night before, this helps to clean out my liver and belly. I woke up this morning with swollen eyes caused by allergies and this drink helped the swelling go down quickly. You can drink it heated up or drink it cold straight out of the refrigerator. We make a large pitcher and keep in the refrigerator to last a week. We give it a good stir and guzzle it down.
Pin on Pinterest:
I would LOVE to hear from you about how you have benefited from drinking smoothies or juices and how you like these 6 Healthy Superfood Smoothies. Share with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Yummly. Thank you, as always, for your support. xoxo
Happy Blending!
You can also find a recipe for my pitaya dragon fruit smoothie bowl HERE.
Donna
I admire all the research and hard work you have gone to in order to help yourself. I have Hashimotos as well. My naturopath had me move from Synthroid to a compounded T3, T4 prescription. It is natural and the dosage can be adjusted which makes all the difference. I would highly recommend this to you. It does cost more, but I feel so much better on it.
beth maceachern
Where did you get those smoothie cups? They are fantastic!!
Laura H
I am looking forward to trying these recipes, as they sound delicious and nutritional. I'm a little bummed that it doesn't seem as though you reply to other posters' posts. Many asked really great questions that I would be interested to know your thoughts!
Dee Pat
Your story sounds so much like mine!! I began a new journey yesterday adding fresh smoothies and intermittent fasting into my eating plan. I've been praying like crazy for an answer to alleviate this sudden weight gain. I'm 62 years old and never had a health issue until this year. I can't swallow pills which is another reason why I'm trying to get as much helpful nutrients from natural foods as possible. I'd be interested in supplements that can be mixed in smoothies or that come in liquid form. I take gummy vitamins.
Thank you for sharing. I don't haven instagram, don't know how and don't really want to add another source of distraction to my life right now. So I was wondering if there is another way to follow you and your journey.
Praying God's best for you as you bless others.
Eric Lesher
I like the lemon/turmeric cleanse drink. I used 1 cup ice and 1 cup water, a few strawberries and I had to add about 1/2 tbsp of regular sugar.
I'm just getting started and your ideas, recipes, tips, and techniques are a fantastic source.
I'll be juicing also within a month or two. I have liver disease so my goal is to supplement the meds in expelling the toxins, like ammonia from my system. I also need to strengthen the rest of my body. In 9 days I have lost about 6 pounds.
Thank you,
Eric Lesher
Amber
Can these smoothies be made the night before to have for a quick out the door breakfast? Or do they not keep well?
Sarah Sayeed
WOW! I'm definitely going to try the "Lemon Turmeric Flush Drink". As a South Asian, I know how good lemon and turmeric are for the skin. After reading the recipe I understood, it will be very healthy and tasty too. Thanks a lot.
HelenM
Thanks for the recipes. I love smoothies very much. But I wouldn't use them as a diet. I think it is fanaticism and not really good for the body to eat only smoothies for a long period of time.
Valerie
Awesome suggestions advice, ideas, and thoughts for someone like myself who was just diagnosed with celiac disease, yet another autoimmune disease! Doctors have ignored my symptoms for over 15 years. I have had referrals to so many doctors who have some little to help but finally a simple conscious at age 53 revealed the truth of celiac. Doctors told me for years i was basically too fat to be a celiac.... silly doctors who do little to nothing to help their patients! Anyway ive gone gluten free, which is seriously harder than you think. Anyone can reduce their gluten but to eliminate something that is basically in all foods that aren’t raw or completely natural is next to impossible. Even chicken in restraints often has gluten in it and at minimum is cross contaminated:(.
Anyway your list really helped inspire and give tips on how to reduce the inflation that i line with constantly!! At least i have a direction now that i can try. Thank you so much for sharing your story, it really is a blessing to others to hear about your success.
Cap
You think being diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder/arthritis in your 30s is bad? I was 12 when I was diagnosed! These smoothie recipes were so great and healthy and they helped a lot. Thanks for sharing, and coming from someone who understands some of your pain, I hope everything's going well!
Joy Tilton
We’re new to green smoothies, but not new to juicing! Love drinking my vitamins and the Matcha powder gets added to almost all of them. We had the Youthful Glow this morning and the fresh ginger was such a great flavor! I agree with your Mother-in- law, the Vitamix changed our life!
Krishana Shiroya
This is is the first time I'm seeing the recipe for strawberry smoothie. Great work. This sunday I'm thinking to make it at my home.
Roxanne
Hi, I was happy to find your website! I suffer from Psoriasis and have been making smoothies and eating whole foods for 3 weeks and noticed my skin clearing up and not too many flair ups. I will definitely do your smoothies.
Summer
Thanks for sharing these recipes! About how many ounces per serving? I’m just looking into buying some mason jars. Thanks so much!
Summer
Can you refrigerate smoothies? I’ve read yes and no.
Margaret Trent
I am looking for smoothies I can fix my husband. He has stage 4 kidney disease. I
Believe he can get better if he eats the right things, low in protein and potassium.
Hope you can send me some recipes.
Thank you.
Peggy
Hi, Melissa: Your recipes sound GREAT! I Googled to find out the best recipes for a liquid fast, and that’s how I found you.
However, I’m only 121 pounds, so I definitely do NOT want to lose weight! I’m “elderly” and just want to remain healthy and energetic. Any suggestions?
Sarah Dewey
I am 27 and I have hashimotos and rheumatoid arthritis. My right knee started having trouble with swelling when I was 15 and now its in both knees and my right hand. I have learned how much changing my whole diet can improve my swelling, but im curious if you take all of those vitamins everyday. I am so bad at taking prescription medications and vitamins lol I know i need to get back on my synthroid and probably vitamin D since my levels were severely low when I found out about my condition 5 years ago. But I am so glad I found this article, it was like reading about myself as I am also a baker lol I just haven't taken all the steps in learning all of the things and I have 2 toddlers so its hard for me to find the time to prep that much. So happy for you that your results were reversed. Any extra advice that can be provided is helpful and again do you take all those vitamins and supplements everyday?