Nutritious Summer Smoothie Recipes to Help Beat the Heat

Now that the warm summertime weather has arrived, let me introduce you to your new best friend: the Smoothie. 

Smoothies are perfect for breakfast, as a post-workout treat, or a healthy snack anytime of day. They are simple to prepare (both on the spot and during your weekly meal preparation time) and always enjoyable. 

With almost endless possibilities, this versatile snack will never get boring. Plus it will help you get your daily dose of fruits and veggies, and keep you cool at the same time. 

Here are seven delicious and nutritious combinations for you to enjoy both from the comfort of your a/c or sitting poolside:

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Blueberry Spinach Smoothie

• 2/3 cup plain yogurt or milk of choice
• 1 ripe banana
• 2/3 cup frozen blueberries
• 2 large frozen strawberries
• 1 cup spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy, coconut, soy, almond)
• 2 teaspoons protein powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of honey, or to taste

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Strawberry Kiwi Smoothie

• 1 cup plain yogurt or milk of choice
• -1/2 lb. strawberries fresh
• -1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
• -2 kiwis
• -1.5 cups ice
• -1/4 cup honey

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Mixed Berry Smoothie

• 1 ½ cups plain yogurt or milk of choice
• 2 cups mixed berries frozen (your choice of blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry)
• 1 banana 
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoon vanilla protein powder (optional)
• 1 cup spinach optional

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Hint of Mint Smoothie

• 1 cup coconut water
• 1½ cup green grapes
• 4½ cup fresh spinach, loosely packed
• 6 fresh mint leaves
• 4 slices pineapple, peeled
• 1½ cup frozen mango chunks

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Peach Blueberry Breakfast Smoothie

• 1 peach, pitted and chopped
• ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 cup milk of choice
• ¼ cup quick oats or granola
• 6-8 ice cubes (omit if using frozen fruit)

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Green Pea Citrus Smoothie

• 1 medium-large navel orange, peeled (or another kind of citrus fruit like lemon, lime, or grapefruit)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup frozen green peas
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 3/4 cup frozen mango, pineapple or banana
• Honey or other sweetener to taste (optional)

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Watermelon Smoothie

• 3 cups diced frozen watermelon cubes 
• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt 
• 1/2 tablespoon honey 
• ½ cup water or milk of choice, as needed
• ¼ cup packed fresh mint leaves or basil plus an extra spring for garnish (optional)

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Additional Add-Ins for your Summer Smoothie

Of course you have almost endless possibilities when it comes to smoothie combinations, plus you can always add a little extra nutrition by tossing in one or more of these ingredients: 

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Protein Powder

Cacao nibs

Goji Berries

Nut Butters

Chia seeds

Flax seed

Hemp seeds

Oats

Extra fruits or veggies

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