If you want to increase your nutrient intake and aid fat loss with natural ingredients, then do indulge in healthy smoothie recipes. However, an addiction to blitzing Nutribullet recipes comes with a caveat: blending only fruit and ice won't keep you satisfied. Quite the contrary. A healthy smoothie recipe should be viewed like any other meal of the day: include a healthy balance of macros.
Unsure how to make healthy smoothies? Two top tips:
❕If you're in a rush to get back to your desk after a workout but scrolling a healthy breakfast smoothie recipes, do not choose a carb-light smoothie recipe thinking you're doing yourself good. After a workout, it is critical to get carbs – and protein – to your muscle cells as fast as possible. Why? This starts your recovery/muscle growth process.
❕And yet, if you're on the hunt for some healthy smoothie recipes for weight loss, it might be working blitzing up a lighter portion of the carbs and heavier portion of the protein pre-workout. Doing so will help you burn mostly fat as fuel.
For the best healthy smoothie recipes and inspiration, keep scrolling.
WH has collected smoothie ideas for protein shakes, fruit blends and avocado-based smoothies so you can blend-and-go.
23 healthy smoothie recipes to up your Vit intake
1/ Blueberry, cinnamon and chia healthy breakfast smoothie
Aka Meghan Markle's favourite smoothie, and it's no surprise that the royal-to-be is Britain's newest trendsetter. Her glowing skin and rosy cheeks boast of her go-tofacial and the Meghan Markle skincare secrets that WH scouted out for you, and her fashion picks rival even that of her Suits alter-ego. But beauty starts from the inside right?
Well, according to The Chalkboard Mag, this antioxidant-packed blend could be the trick behind her Hollywood looks. Disclaimer: there's no guarantee this healthy smoothie recipe will give you Meghan-esque freckles.
2/ Cacao, maca and hemp chocolate healthy breakfast smoothie
Model Daisy Lowe says that this chocolately drink made from only six ingredients gives her sustained energy, makes her feel happy and even seems to make her brain work better.
All that from one healthy smoothie recipe? It's a real bonus that it basically tastes like a milkshake!
3/ Pineapple, banana and lucuma healthy breakfast smoothie
Try this tropical mellow yellow smoothie bowl if you feel your diet may need a vitamin injection and you fancy a healthy sweet treat.
4/ Berry, spinach and yoghurt healthy breakfast smoothie
Berry smoothies have a tendency to be uber sweet so try this wonderfully vibrant smoothie bowl instead. Spinach is included in the recipe to nix a sugary taste, plus increase the fibre content.
Eat at breakfast for an instant mood boost. Oh, and it looks great on Instagram.
5/ Mint chocolate healthy breakfast smoothie
A smoothie bowl doesn't just have to mean an acai bowl. This nutrient-packed healthy smoothie recipe, served in a bowl and eaten soup-style, is a tasty choco-blend. Thick, creamy, and tastes like an After Eight - what's not to like?
6/ Flax, oat and peanut butter healthy protein smoothie
Overdone it on the peanut butter? Switch to Coconut Almond butter. You won't go back.
This healthy smoothie recipe is a go-to post-workout smoothie if you like to get your protein from real foods, not powder.
Make after a heavy session to refuel fast, when prepping a proper meal isn't an option.
7/ Coconut, espresso and banana healthy protein smoothie
This choco boost smoothie c/o Clean and Lean skirts the line between healthy smoothie recipes and protein shakes. Made from coconut milk, coconut oil, espresso and banana (plus more) it contains a healthy balance of protein, carbs and fats.
Make on morning's when you've got porridge fatigue and can't face another bowl of zoats.
8/ Blackberry and coconut healthy protein smoothie
Think smoothies packed full of fruit can't be high in protein? Think again. Not only will this smoothie recipe help you hit your daily nutrient intake, it'll up your protein intake, too.
9/ Aduna baobab citrus healthy morning smoothie
Rise and shine with this detoxifying, stress-busting and irresistibly tasty blend (starring a secret-weapon wellness powder).
This healthy smoothie recipe is perfect if you want to upgrade your morning OJ.
10/ Orange, carrot and mango healthy morning smoothie
The perfect kickstarter to your day, with added ginger for even more zing.
Try this healthy smoothie recipe for a sweet way to get your five a day.
11/ Beetroot and cinnamon healthy smoothie recipe
This bright pink smoothie from chef duo Hemsley+Hemsley is packed full of fruit and veg and made extra creamy with the addition of coconut oil. It's the perfect healthy smoothie recipe for breakfast or a snack!
12/ Citrus and avocado healthy smoothie recipe
Searched for avocado smoothie ideas? Then, this blend of avocado, kiwi and creamy almond milk will do the trick.
It's a nutritious combo of good fats and tangy citrus flavours all in one healthy smoothie recipe.
13/ Pineapple and wheatgrass power healthy smoothie recipe
For those of you who've tried the shots and can't quite get on board with the grassy flavour, the fruity blend of this healthy smoothie recipe is so tasty, you won't even notice the wheatgrass.
14/ Keto smoothie recipe
The ketogenic diet divides experts: some agree it is the shortcut to a fat-fueled brain, others warn of its dangers. If you've decided to dabble in this diet do make sure that you don't vilify foods to feast only on cheese – include cherries too. This keto smoothie recipe explains how.
15/ Apple, kale and almond smoothie recipe
Get your greens with this low calorie and high nutrient smoothie recipe, perfect for increasing your dietary fibre and in turn satiety.
16/ Beetroot, apple and ginger smoothie recipe
Top tip: to add more protein, add tofu: it both thickens and increases the protein content of the smoothie. Sounds weird, tastes great.
17/ Strawberry green goddess smoothie
Not all green smoothies have to taste like kale. This strawberry smoothie packs in all the nutrients you would expect to see in a healthy smoothie whilst tasting like a sweet and fruity concoction.
18/ Heavy metal detox smoothie
Because sometimes you need a detox. Living in a world full of aluminium cans, batteries and metal cookware exposes us to harmful toxins – and the effects aren’t pretty. So, this smoothie contains all of the ingredients you need to rid your body of those heavy metals toxins.
19/ Vegan Smoothie
Power up your mornings with this dairy-free vegan smoothie containing wholesome good-for you ingredients like fruit juice, tofu and oats.
20/ Iron boosting smoothie
This Iron-Rich Green Smoothie is packed with plant-based ingredients and better yet, it tastes amazing too! Iron-deficiency anemia can cause all sorts of problems including the most common issue: fatigue - so nip it in the bud and stay energised with this quick and easy morning recipe.
21/ Celery and mango nectarine smoothie
Feel good with this, nutrient-rich, super tasty, celery and mango nectarine smoothie. The perfect immune booster, preventing you from feeling under the weather during those winter months.
22/ Low Calorie Ginger, Carrot and Apple Smoothie
A lower calorie, low sugar smoothie proven to calm you. Not only will you feel totally zen after your morning smoothie, it will help reduce upset stomachs, motion sickness and nausea – sounds like a good one expecting mothers suffering from wicked morning sickness.
23/ Vitamin C Antioxidant Pink Smoothie
Although Vitamin C and pink don’t usually go hand in hand, this is the perfect blend for that immune system boost.
Healthy Smoothie Kitchen Tips
So, you've got the recipes pinned and the ingredients stocked. But do you still end up with your gorgeous fresh ingredients looking more like pond water than Instagram-perfection? Read on for ten top tips from the healthy smoothie gods at Vitamix.
How to build your smoothie in your blender:
- Start by adding in your liquids, e.g. water, juice or yoghurt
- Then add your dry goods, e.g. oats, powders or seasoning
- Next up: add your leafy greens, with any other fruit and veg on top of that
- Finally, add your ice or any frozen ingredients last.
Why the specific order? Well, it's science or common sense, dependant on how you want to view it: the heavy frozen bits at the top help to push everything into the blades, whilst having your liquid closest to the blades helps distribute it quickly and evenly to stop your blender blade getting clogged up. Genius.
How to make a smoothie thicker:
Add frozen fruit (especially bananas), add more ice, or add frozen yogurt. Work your machine back up to its highest speed, and process for 20-30 seconds.
How to make a smoothie thinner:
Add small amounts of water, milk, or juice. Work your machine back up to its highest speed, and process for 10-20 seconds.
How to make a smoothie creamier:
Avocado is ideal for adding creaminess to smoothies. Its mild flavour disguises its nutritional wallop. After removing its skin and pit, you can add a whole avocado to your smoothie, or save some for the next day. Work your machine back up to its highest speed, and process for 10-20 seconds.
How to make a smoothie less bitter:
Pineapple and oranges both add lots of fruity sweetness. Banana, in addition to being sweet, seems to neutralise bitter flavours. Strawberries are also good choices for green smoothies. Also try adding a bit of vanilla bean or vanilla extract, agave, cacao, or unsweetened cocoa powder. After adding these ingredients, work your machine back up to its highest speed, and process for 10-20 seconds.
Looking for other meals to go with your healthy smoothie recipes? We've got all sorts of healthy meals, including a week of healthy Clean and Lean breakfasts.