Consider this a love letter to smoothies. Not solely is a smoothie the proper breakfast merchandise, however it makes an equally satisfying lunch or mid-afternoon sustenance. The better part? Smoothies are an ideal summer time deal with that’s additionally wholesome! So straightforward to throw collectively, filled with blended fruits and veggies, and as shut as you will get to dessert that’s socially acceptable for a meal. Are you offered but? If not, enable me to up the ante. I’m speaking about summer time smoothies, folks! AKA, smoothies filled with summertime produce which might be your one-stop store for beating the warmth.
As we’re closing the e book on June (loopy, I do know), I hope everybody’s thoughts is on summer time produce. I’m speaking peaches, watermelon, cucumber, blueberries, cherries, and all the different fabulous fruits and veggies that outline the season. If you’re not utilizing them already, or in the event you’re in search of extra methods to incorporate them into your food regimen, enable me to introduce you to a couple of summer time smoothies that benefit from these unimaginable substances at your fingertips. But first, why smoothies?
Featured picture by Teal Thomsen.
Image by Michelle Nash.
Why do summer smoothies make the perfect meal?
I probably don’t need to tell you the health benefits of smoothies, but I’m going to anyway. While it does depend on the contents of your cold creation, smoothies are generally a simple and healthy way to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet while optimizing your nutrient intake. Specifically, fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, berries, and apples play key roles in gut health and metabolic function. Cucumbers, for example, can help alleviate bloating due to their high water content, while berries and apples are rich in fiber—helping to keep your digestive health on track.
Another health benefit of some smoothies comes in the form of their unsung hero: yogurt. Yogurt is packed with probiotics, which is a bacteria that’s essential for gut health and can even boost your immune system—yes please! And while all smoothies are made differently, they’re generally a very healthy way to incorporate these benefits into your diet and have fun while doing it. So, let’s explore five summer smoothies that are easy to make, celebrate summer produce, and incorporate healthy benefits into your daily diet.
5 Summer Smoothies to Shake Things Up This Summer
PHOTO: Kristen Kilpatrick Photography, Camille Styles, Camille Styles Recipes,
Chia Berry Smoothie
Why We Love It: Six ingredients are all that stand between you and a refreshing, antioxidant-rich summer smoothie. We’re talking banana, blueberries, chia seeds, honey, almond milk, and a handful of mint. That’s it! And believe me, it’s all kinds of delicious.
Hero Ingredient: Chia seeds are the small-but-mighty heroes of this smoothie. Like the blueberries, they’re full of antioxidants, fiber, and can even reduce the risk of heart disease. Thank you, chia seeds—you’re welcome to the party anytime.
Creamy Pineapple Cucumber Smoothie from Minimalist Baker
Why We Love It: I’ll admit, I’m not one to leap on the considered a cucumber. While I acknowledge they’re versatile, refreshing, and positively good for you, I’ve by no means cared a lot for the inexperienced giants. But on this smoothie, they cruise proper together with that pineapple, banana, and lime juice and lend only a trace of earthy taste that brings refreshment full circle. I’m about it.
Hero Ingredient: Pineapple is welcome in my smoothie any day. You simply can’t beat that citrusy sweetness.
Berry Superfood Smoothie from With Food + Love
Why We Love It: Don’t run on the sight of “superfood.” Apple cider vinegar, pink Himalayan salt, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, chia seeds, and MCT (or coconut) oil are the superfoods in query right here, that are all belongings you most likely have already got in your pantry. An accessible and flavorful strategy to well being? Sign me up.
Hero Ingredient: Let’s not overlook in regards to the namesake fruit right here. Use any berries you may have readily available to complement all that wholesome goodness. Personally, I’m a fan of the basic blueberry/strawberry crossover, however raspberries and blackberries make an equally scrumptious workforce.
Golden Peach Sunrise Smoothie from The First Mess
Why We Love It: Golden peach dawn feels like summer time in a glass. And not solely are peaches a spotlight ingredient on this summer time smoothie, however raspberries, orange, carrot, and ginger make a glowy look as effectively. To prime it off, turmeric, sea salt, black pepper, vanilla, and lemon juice add depths upon depths of taste and vitamins.
Hero Ingredient: Talk about superfoods, turmeric is a superfood-above-all-superfoods. It has anti-inflammatory properties, can assist enhance reminiscence, and may even cut back ache. When it’s mixed with black pepper (like on this smoothie), turmeric is extra simply absorbed by the physique. Do I hear win-win?
Summer in a Cup Smoothie from Minimalist Baker
Why We Love It: This one is simply raspberries, banana, orange and pomegranate juices, and almond milk, so it actually comes collectively in lower than 5 minutes. Perfect for on-the-go or at-home, and you’ll measure your fruit beforehand to retailer within the freezer. Grab and go or sit and savor—the world is your summer time smoothie.
Hero Ingredient: Pomegranate juice boasts antioxidants, vitamin C, digestive well being properties, and a slew of different good-for-you qualities that might be an excessive amount of to learn. You’ll simply have to take my phrase for it.
What are your favourite summer time smoothies? Link within the feedback or sound it out!
