4 Healthy Smoothies for Every Preference and Lifestyle

The following recipes and photography were provided by Recipe Developer and Food Photographer, Kayla Breeden of Kayla’s Kitch and Fix.

Smoothies, they’re so simple to make but can do so much good for the body when prepared with the right ingredients.

The key to building the perfect smoothie is all in what you put in it. The great thing is, there are endless ingredient combinations, so you’ll never get bored. However, not all smoothies are created equal.

Although most smoothies feature some sort of fruit and/or vegetable, many smoothies on the menus of fast food chains are full of high calorie, sugar-laden juices or high-fat milks. Whole foods can’t help you much if your body is too busy combatting a sugar overload.

To blend a healthy smoothie that your body and taste buds will crave, it’s important to include as many items from the following list as possible:

1. Liquid Base
2. Greens (Fx Pillar 1)
3. Rainbow Fruits & Veggies (Fx Pillar 2)
4. Omega-3 Fats (Fx Pillar 3)
5. Protein (Fx Pillar 4)
6. Functional Foods (Fx Pillar 6)

For specific healthy smoothie ingredient recommendations, click here.

Another idea to keep in mind when building a perfect smoothie is that you don’t always need to have fresh fruits and veggies on hand. Heinen’s premium selection of frozen fruit is picked at peak ripeness and frozen immediately to lock in maximum flavor and nutrition, so it’s as good as its fresh counterpart and acts as the “ice” to keep your smoothie cold!

The final thing to remember when diving into the world of smoothies is that you can customize them to meet your personal preferences and needs. For those who are new to smoothies, or who need a quick and healthy meal on their way out the door, a “beginner smoothie” with a short list of good-for-you ingredients is great! For those who have been in the smoothie game for a while, or who are looking for an extra nutritional boost, a “power smoothie” with a more advanced ingredient list may be the way to go.

Making smoothies is never one size fits all, so use your creativity and find the combination of ingredients that work best for you.

To get your juices flowing, I’ve developed and taste-tested four healthy smoothies that range from “beginner” to “power” and offer tasty flavor and nutrition with every sip.

PB&J “Beginner Smoothie”: Featuring the nostalgic taste of the lunchtime sandwich we all know and love, this smoothie requires only four ingredients!

Peaches & Cream “Upgraded Smoothie”: With wholesome ingredients including frozen peaches, coconut cream and flaxseed meal, this smoothie is slightly more advanced than the “beginner smoothie,” but offers refreshingly sweet fruity flavor that is sure to keep you feeling full.

Golden Hour “Power Smoothie”: You don’t need to wait until golden hour to enjoy this sippable creation. Featuring vibrant sun-colored fruit, a few frozen carrots and anti-inflammatory turmeric, this tropical-inspired smoothie is a great way to get a dose of fruits and veggies in one simple meal.

Berry Green “Power Smoothie”: This ingredient list may seem a bit obscure, but the beautiful color and filling flavor is sure to surprise you!

Add one or all of these to your meal routine and your days will undoubtedly be delicious and nutritious.