Smoothies have been a staple in my diet for years for a myriad of reasons. I love that they’re an easy and delicious way to incorporate so many nutrient-dense ingredients into one simple meal or snack. They’re also incredibly versatile and with so many different flavor combinations they’re one of those go-to meals I turn to because I rarely get sick of them. (I love them most for breakfast or a post-workout snack.) One tip I read years ago that also seems to help make smoothie-making on busy weekday mornings a breeze is to create smoothie meal prep packets to keep on hand for a quick option and easy blending. (Hooray for planning ahead!) I love that I can mix and match different ingredients in my smoothies to meet my nutritional needs and various goals (currently that looks like making high protein smoothies) and the volume and high fiber content of many of the smoothies I make do a great job of keeping me fueled and energized throughout the day. A bonus: They’re also a great way to use up any leftover fruits or veggies I have on hand that might be on their last leg!
Our kids also love smoothies and, as a mom, smoothies are one of those kid-approved recipes I love making because I know with every sip they’re getting a good dose of vitamins, nutrients, fiber, and protein. If smoothies are a favorite in your house as well, or if you’re looking for some new energy-boosting smoothies to try, you’re in luck today! Below I’ve rounded up my favorite energy-boosting smoothies that are all easy to make at home and I hope a few of them will pop out at you to try the next time you’re in the mood for a cold, creamy and nutritious treat!
5+ Energy Boosting Smoothies
How to Make a Green Smoothie
Learning how to make a green smoothie was a game-changer for me years ago when I first began prioritizing vegetables in my diet. Packed with baby spinach or kale, cauliflower, mango, pineapple, and fresh mint, this recipe is a nutrient powerhouse but is naturally sweet and refreshing.
Watermelon Smoothie
Made with four ingredients, this energy boosting smoothie is a go-to kid-approved summer drink! Blended with coconut water, it provides an excellent source of electrolytes to keep you hydrated, and the fresh fruit provides a boost of energy to put a little pep in your step on a hot day.
Banana Orange Smoothie
Cold and creamy, this orange banana smoothie reminds me of creamsicle desserts, but it’s secretly good for you. Made with a base of 100% orange juice and frozen banana, it’s an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and folate. I even sneak in some veggies and protein in this smoothie for a well-rounded snack that can double as a complete meal.
Snickerdoodle Smoothie
This smoothie tastes just like classic snickerdoodle cookies but is made with whole food ingredients and is completely refined sugar-free. Featuring a blend of complex carbs and healthy fats, it’s an excellent source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and potassium to keep you feeling great. It’s one of my all-time favorite breakfast smoothies.
Strawberry Banana Hidden Cauliflower Smoothie
Frozen cauliflower is the secret ingredient to this otherwise naturally sweet strawberry smoothie and will not alter the taste one bit. Frozen cauliflower increases the creaminess of the smoothie while providing a boost of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
Orange Smoothie
This energy boosting smoothie recipe is inspired by the creamy, frosty orange smoothies that are popular in mall food courts. However, unlike the original versions, this recipe is dairy-free, sweetened with fresh fruit and fruity juice, and good for you!
Mocha Cauliflower Cold Brew Protein Smoothie
What’s more energy boosting than coffee? Paired with cauliflower, chocolate protein powder, and collagen, this smoothie is guaranteed to perk you up and keep you satisfied until your next meal. The best part? It tastes like a rich, chocolatey shake!
Mocha Mint Protein Smoothie
What could be better than the combination of chocolate and coffee? This post-workout smoothie tastes like an indulgent dessert. However, it’s secretly full of nutrients and protein, thanks to the use of banana and Greek yogurt. It’s the perfect way to replenish your muscles after a tough workout while satisfying your sweet tooth and giving you a boost of energy.
How To Build A Healthy Smoothie For Energy
When made with whole foods and nutritious ingredients, smoothies are a great source of nutrients and can be a wonderful addition to a well-rounded diet. Not all smoothies are created equal, however, and I try hard to make sure to include a protein, fiber and healthy fats to help balance blood sugar and keep me feeling full and satisfied.
Here are my top tips for creating healthy smoothie recipes for a boost of energy:
Include a Source of Healthy Fat
Add nutritious fat sources like nuts, seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, almond butter, peanut butter, avocado, coconut flakes, etc. This helps make your smoothie even more filling while creating a thicker, creamier consistency and richer taste.
Use Natural Carbs
Include whole food carb sources, such as fresh fruit for a sweet flavor and a fast-acting energy source. Bananas, dates, strawberries, blueberries, oranges, mango, and pineapple are some of my favorite options. Adding a scoop of oatmeal that digests more slowly and works to keep me full and energized for hours is a complex carb source I also love to include in my smoothies.
Include a Source of Protein
I almost always include protein in my smoothies to help fuel my muscles, fight bone loss and keep me full. Vanilla protein powder is a great option for a more neutral taste though I’m always and forever a chocolate protein powder girl! Whey protein, vegan protein, and even collagen are all great options you can use to increase protein in your smoothies but I also absolutely love adding Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a creamier taste.
Limit Sugar
I do my best to completely eliminate added or refined sugars from my smoothies in order to prevent an energy crash later in the day. Instead, I rely on the sweetness of fruit or a flavored protein powder to create a delicious taste.
Blend Well
Make sure to include enough liquid to create a smooth, creamy consistency. You can use water, but I often opt for almond milk, traditional dairy milk or a splash of fresh fruit juice for a more flavorful smoothie.
Use Ice or Frozen Fruit
If you love a thick, creamy, almost milkshake-like texture, include ice or use frozen fruit. This adds bulk to the mixture and creates a thicker consistency without the need for additives like xanthan gum.
Add Flavor Boosters
Who said healthy smoothies have to be boring? Once you have a nutritious base with different proteins, carbs, and fats, enhance the flavor with different mix-ins. I love to use spices like ground cinnamon and nutmeg. I’ll also often include mix-ins like cocoa powder, cacao powder, vanilla extract, or mint extract to create a dessert-like taste.
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