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How to Make Plant Based Smoothies You'll Want to Drink Every Morning

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Wondering what’s the key to a good morning? A good breakfast. Your mom, your dad, your cousin, sister, brother, teacher, grandparents, family doctor, and professionals worldwide have likely heard – and hopefully agree – that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Breakfast does exactly what the name implies – it breaks your overnight fast, kick-starts your metabolism, and gives you the energy you need to get through your day. Skipping this meal could prove disastrous, causing unwanted energy spikes, unhealthy cravings, and weakened cognitive abilities. So don’t skip it. Better yet, you should be packing your breakfast with the vitamins and nutrients that’ll set you up for success throughout the day.

A plant based breakfast smoothie can do just that – and taste great at the same time. To learn why you should be adding a plant based smoothie to your everyday mix and some ideas on how to craft your perfect smoothie, read on. Here are just a few topics we’ll be covering in this guide:

  • Why you should start making plant based smoothies
  • Recipes for interesting plant based smoothies
  • Other ways to integrate greens into your diet + healthy lifestyle
Hand holding a smoothie bowl with bananas and nuts
Don’t want to drink your plant based smoothie through a straw? Try out a smoothie bowl and top it with nuts, dried fruit, nut butter, and other tasty additions to get the most out of your smoothie.

Why You Should Start Drinking Plant Based Smoothies

The health benefits and fun of making plant based smoothies

If you’re thinking, smoothies aren’t breakfast-worthy – they’re too sweet! We get where you’re coming from, but there are so many unexpected health benefits associated with plant-packed breakfast smoothies if you create them with certain ingredients. With just a few adjustments, your breakfast drink can go from being a decadent treat to a tasty-yet-healthy addition to your day.

  • Increase your daily dose of fruits and vegetables

This one probably goes without saying, but if you’re drinking a plant based smoothie then you’ll hopefully be taking in a larger volume of fruits and vegetables. The high volume of vegetables and other greens like fruits are a great source of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that can help to support a healthy diet. Smoothies with ingredients like kale can help you to reach your daily recommended amount of potassium, calcium, and fiber easily and in a delicious way. Depending on the ingredients you choose to include in your super greens smoothie, you could reach up to 25% of your daily amount of vitamins with your drink.

While this boost of vegetables and fruits is a great addition to a diet, it’s vital to get around two to three cups of vegetables each day depending on your age and other factors, and a super greens smoothie cannot fully fulfill that requirement. It should be a supplement to your diet, not a replacement.

  • Meal replacement

Daily breakfast smoothies, or whatever type of smoothie you prefer, should not be the only sort of food that you consume in the day. Detoxes that involve liquid-only products tend to produce dangerous results – while you might cut down on a few pounds, you might also experience side effects like “fatigue, dizziness, hair loss, muscle loss, and even heart damage” depending on how long you continue with the diet.

Additionally, using smoothies to replace solid foods could mean that you’re missing out on important fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Instead of completely overhauling your diet by replacing your solid meals with liquid smoothies, perhaps try replacing your breakfast with a plant based smoothie as a start.

If you plan on using breakfast smoothies as a meal replacement or a way of losing weight, then always make sure to consult your doctor or a health professional beforehand. If you are planning on losing weight, make sure that your breakfast smoothie isn’t adding any additional calories or sugar to your typical daily intake. Your breakfast smoothie should be high protein and high fiber to have the most effective results, but this can vary based on your individual body and health needs.

  • Go green for your gut health

If your smoothie contains a high quantity of leafy greens, or a greens powder with a large amount of veggies in it, then the insoluble fiber from that ingredient will help to aid digestion and reduce instances of diarrhea, constipation, or bloating. High fiber content can also help you to feel fuller and energized for longer periods of time, helping you to start off on the right foot each morning!

  • Lower that cholesterol

Greens like kale, spinach, and other ingredients commonly found in super greens smoothies can contain compounds that help to lower cholesterol over long periods of time. Consistent consumption of adequate servings of greens can help to maintain a healthy cholesterol level, which in turn helps to reduce the risk of fatty deposits from building up on your artery walls, decreasing the risk of heart disease over time.

Overall, if you’re making an effective greens smoothie, you’ll be reaping all of these benefits and more. For more information on the health benefits of greens smoothies, check out this post from the Healthy Skoop blog.

Person pouring smoothie into glass
Don’t be fooled – you don’t need a fancy blender in order to make a good smoothie. As long as you have a machine that’s able to break down ice, fruit, and vegetables, then you should be good to go!

Recipes for Tasty Plant Based Smoothies

Delicious and unique combinations to test out

Hoping to hop on the plant based smoothie train but not sure how? Want to expand outside your comfort zone and try some interesting flavor combinations? We’ve got you covered. Here are just a few great examples of delicious and easy to make breakfast smoothies to consider trying.

A Tropical Delight – Mangos, Kale, Protein, and more!

Smoothie glass with pineapple garnish
There’s nothing quite like a tropical smoothie on a hot summer day. Experiment with the tropical fruits you use with this recipe to add a bit of your own touch. Image courtesy of Simple As That Blog.

With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is accessible to anyone, even if it’s the first breakfast smoothie you’ve ever made! This drink has everything you could possibly need – with a green base of kale and a fun blend of mango and banana, this combination will leave you feeling full and refreshed.

Blend the ingredients listed below together to make your perfect tropical smoothie. Adding ingredients like the Healthy Skoop Plant Powered Daily Protein will help you to get that extra boost of protein to keep you energized throughout the day. The powder can also help to add a bit of vanilla flavoring to your drink, though it’s a subtle taste when mixed with the other flavorful ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Cup Curly kale
  • ½ Ripe banana
  • 1 Cup Frozen mango chunks
  • 1 Cup Almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or other plant based milk
  • Vanilla extract (to taste)

The Ultra-Green Smoothie

Green smoothie in bottle with two straws
For an extra finely blended smoothie, try adding a nut butter to the mix. This is also a great way to add some extra protein and make your smoothie thicker!

Go green with this greens-packed smoothie. Despite its name, this drink contains a well rounded blend of vegetables, nut milk, and fruits that combine to make a tasty smoothie that will leave you feeling healthy.

One great part about this recipe – besides its nutrient-dense ingredients – is its ability to be adjusted based on your tastes. Adjusting what type of apples and avocado you use, as well as the type of milk you add, can vastly change your smoothie experience. If you want to pack even more of a green punch with your Ultra-Green Smoothie, add the Healthy Skoop Organic Daily Greens with Adaptogens to get an extra boost of protein and vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of plant or nut based milk
  • 2 cups frozen spinach
  • 1 banana (frozen or not)
  • 1 sliced apple (Granny Smith to make it super green!)
  • 1/2 avocado

Pom-berry Green Smoothie

Green and pink smoothies in mason jars
Are you a foodie or a food blogger? If so, this aesthetically pleasing smoothie might be the right one for you. Image courtesy of Always Nourished Blog.

Can you guess the ingredients? If you were thinking pomegranate and strawberry, you’re on the right track. This smoothie is bursting with flavor – the blend of fruits mixed with the subtlety of the greens make this drink bound to become your next favorite. If you’re hoping to cut down on your sugar intake with this drink, try replacing the banana ingredient with a cup of plain greek yogurt or avocado.

Besides being a super smoothie and full of antioxidants, this drink also steals the show with its two layers. The top layer, the strawberry section, can be placed above the greens layer for an aesthetic look. Or, if you prefer to mix it all together, it’s totally your preference. We don’t judge.

Ingredients for pink layer:

  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries
  • 1/2 cup coconut water, or nut milk alternatives

Ingredients for green layer:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen spinach
  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate arils
  • 1/4 cup coconut water, or nut milk alternatives

These are just a few ideas of plant based smoothies to start with, but there’s a world of vegan drinks out there to explore. The best way to find what tastes and textures work best for you is by experimenting to see what you enjoy and how you best like your smoothie prepared. Ultimately, if you’re making something with ingredients you enjoy, are making sure to add lots of greens, and avoid adding too much sugar, you’re well on your way to discovering the perfect smoothie.

Hand placing seeds into green smoothie bowl
The most important part of crafting your smoothie is making it your own. Always feel free to tweak a recipe to your own tastes and preferences to make it the best it can possibly be.

Other Ways to Stay Healthy on a Plant Based Diet

Maintaining health on a vegetarian or vegan diet

If you’re thinking about starting a plant based diet – and hence why you were looking for some awesome plant based smoothie recipe ideas – there are also a few other things you should keep in mind before adopting a vegan lifestyle.

One risk associated with moving towards a plant based diet is getting a sufficient amount of protein. The smoothie recipes listed above are great options to add plant based protein to, but you should absolutely be certain that you are getting the correct amount of protein with all of your meals. If you’re looking for even more protein-packed vegan recipes, check out this post from Healthy Skoop about vegan breakfast ideas.

Another potential risk associated with plant based diets, if not carefully monitored, is heavy fluctuations in energy levels due to an iron deficiency or blood sugar spikes. The cycles of fatigue brought on by these deficiencies can be combated by taking health supplements and incorporating foods like dried beans, nuts, and leafy vegetables. If you’re experiencing symptoms of fatigue that are heavily affecting your life, consult with your doctor immediately.

Despite these risks, adopting a vegetarian or plant based diet can do wonders for your health and improve many areas of the body. As long as you talk with a healthcare professional before starting, and you maintain the proper amount of vitamins and protein in your diet, you should feel empowered to begin your new lifestyle.

Woman taking selfie with green smoothie
If your smoothie doesn’t make you smile, then keep trying to find ways to make it better fit for your tastes. Playing around with the liquids you add and the amount of ingredients you put in can have a huge impact on your smoothie experience.

Plant based smoothies are the perfect addition to any diet – vegan or not. By adding greens, fruit, and other healthy ingredients, you’ll setting yourself up for a nutrient-packed boost to your diet.

Wondering what’s the key to a good morning? A good breakfast. Your mom, your dad, your cousin, sister, brother, teacher, grandparents, family doctor, and professionals worldwide have likely heard – and hopefully agree – that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Breakfast does exactly what the name implies – it breaks your overnight fast, kick-starts your metabolism, and gives you the energy you need to get through your day. Skipping this meal could prove disastrous, causing unwanted energy spikes, unhealthy cravings, and weakened cognitive abilities. So don’t skip it. Better yet, you should be packing your breakfast with the vitamins and nutrients that’ll set you up for success throughout the day.

A plant based breakfast smoothie can do just that – and taste great at the same time. To learn why you should be adding a plant based smoothie to your everyday mix and some ideas on how to craft your perfect smoothie, read on. Here are just a few topics we’ll be covering in this guide:

  • Why you should start making plant based smoothies
  • Recipes for interesting plant based smoothies
  • Other ways to integrate greens into your diet + healthy lifestyle
Hand holding a smoothie bowl with bananas and nuts
Don’t want to drink your plant based smoothie through a straw? Try out a smoothie bowl and top it with nuts, dried fruit, nut butter, and other tasty additions to get the most out of your smoothie.

Why You Should Start Drinking Plant Based Smoothies

The health benefits and fun of making plant based smoothies

If you’re thinking, smoothies aren’t breakfast-worthy – they’re too sweet! We get where you’re coming from, but there are so many unexpected health benefits associated with plant-packed breakfast smoothies if you create them with certain ingredients. With just a few adjustments, your breakfast drink can go from being a decadent treat to a tasty-yet-healthy addition to your day.

  • Increase your daily dose of fruits and vegetables

This one probably goes without saying, but if you’re drinking a plant based smoothie then you’ll hopefully be taking in a larger volume of fruits and vegetables. The high volume of vegetables and other greens like fruits are a great source of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that can help to support a healthy diet. Smoothies with ingredients like kale can help you to reach your daily recommended amount of potassium, calcium, and fiber easily and in a delicious way. Depending on the ingredients you choose to include in your super greens smoothie, you could reach up to 25% of your daily amount of vitamins with your drink.

While this boost of vegetables and fruits is a great addition to a diet, it’s vital to get around two to three cups of vegetables each day depending on your age and other factors, and a super greens smoothie cannot fully fulfill that requirement. It should be a supplement to your diet, not a replacement.

  • Meal replacement

Daily breakfast smoothies, or whatever type of smoothie you prefer, should not be the only sort of food that you consume in the day. Detoxes that involve liquid-only products tend to produce dangerous results – while you might cut down on a few pounds, you might also experience side effects like “fatigue, dizziness, hair loss, muscle loss, and even heart damage” depending on how long you continue with the diet.

Additionally, using smoothies to replace solid foods could mean that you’re missing out on important fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Instead of completely overhauling your diet by replacing your solid meals with liquid smoothies, perhaps try replacing your breakfast with a plant based smoothie as a start.

If you plan on using breakfast smoothies as a meal replacement or a way of losing weight, then always make sure to consult your doctor or a health professional beforehand. If you are planning on losing weight, make sure that your breakfast smoothie isn’t adding any additional calories or sugar to your typical daily intake. Your breakfast smoothie should be high protein and high fiber to have the most effective results, but this can vary based on your individual body and health needs.

  • Go green for your gut health

If your smoothie contains a high quantity of leafy greens, or a greens powder with a large amount of veggies in it, then the insoluble fiber from that ingredient will help to aid digestion and reduce instances of diarrhea, constipation, or bloating. High fiber content can also help you to feel fuller and energized for longer periods of time, helping you to start off on the right foot each morning!

  • Lower that cholesterol

Greens like kale, spinach, and other ingredients commonly found in super greens smoothies can contain compounds that help to lower cholesterol over long periods of time. Consistent consumption of adequate servings of greens can help to maintain a healthy cholesterol level, which in turn helps to reduce the risk of fatty deposits from building up on your artery walls, decreasing the risk of heart disease over time.

Overall, if you’re making an effective greens smoothie, you’ll be reaping all of these benefits and more. For more information on the health benefits of greens smoothies, check out this post from the Healthy Skoop blog.

Person pouring smoothie into glass
Don’t be fooled – you don’t need a fancy blender in order to make a good smoothie. As long as you have a machine that’s able to break down ice, fruit, and vegetables, then you should be good to go!

Recipes for Tasty Plant Based Smoothies

Delicious and unique combinations to test out

Hoping to hop on the plant based smoothie train but not sure how? Want to expand outside your comfort zone and try some interesting flavor combinations? We’ve got you covered. Here are just a few great examples of delicious and easy to make breakfast smoothies to consider trying.

A Tropical Delight – Mangos, Kale, Protein, and more!

Smoothie glass with pineapple garnish
There’s nothing quite like a tropical smoothie on a hot summer day. Experiment with the tropical fruits you use with this recipe to add a bit of your own touch. Image courtesy of Simple As That Blog.

With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is accessible to anyone, even if it’s the first breakfast smoothie you’ve ever made! This drink has everything you could possibly need – with a green base of kale and a fun blend of mango and banana, this combination will leave you feeling full and refreshed.

Blend the ingredients listed below together to make your perfect tropical smoothie. Adding ingredients like the Healthy Skoop Plant Powered Daily Protein will help you to get that extra boost of protein to keep you energized throughout the day. The powder can also help to add a bit of vanilla flavoring to your drink, though it’s a subtle taste when mixed with the other flavorful ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Cup Curly kale
  • ½ Ripe banana
  • 1 Cup Frozen mango chunks
  • 1 Cup Almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or other plant based milk
  • Vanilla extract (to taste)

The Ultra-Green Smoothie

Green smoothie in bottle with two straws
For an extra finely blended smoothie, try adding a nut butter to the mix. This is also a great way to add some extra protein and make your smoothie thicker!

Go green with this greens-packed smoothie. Despite its name, this drink contains a well rounded blend of vegetables, nut milk, and fruits that combine to make a tasty smoothie that will leave you feeling healthy.

One great part about this recipe – besides its nutrient-dense ingredients – is its ability to be adjusted based on your tastes. Adjusting what type of apples and avocado you use, as well as the type of milk you add, can vastly change your smoothie experience. If you want to pack even more of a green punch with your Ultra-Green Smoothie, add the Healthy Skoop Organic Daily Greens with Adaptogens to get an extra boost of protein and vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of plant or nut based milk
  • 2 cups frozen spinach
  • 1 banana (frozen or not)
  • 1 sliced apple (Granny Smith to make it super green!)
  • 1/2 avocado

Pom-berry Green Smoothie

Green and pink smoothies in mason jars
Are you a foodie or a food blogger? If so, this aesthetically pleasing smoothie might be the right one for you. Image courtesy of Always Nourished Blog.

Can you guess the ingredients? If you were thinking pomegranate and strawberry, you’re on the right track. This smoothie is bursting with flavor – the blend of fruits mixed with the subtlety of the greens make this drink bound to become your next favorite. If you’re hoping to cut down on your sugar intake with this drink, try replacing the banana ingredient with a cup of plain greek yogurt or avocado.

Besides being a super smoothie and full of antioxidants, this drink also steals the show with its two layers. The top layer, the strawberry section, can be placed above the greens layer for an aesthetic look. Or, if you prefer to mix it all together, it’s totally your preference. We don’t judge.

Ingredients for pink layer:

  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries
  • 1/2 cup coconut water, or nut milk alternatives

Ingredients for green layer:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen spinach
  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate arils
  • 1/4 cup coconut water, or nut milk alternatives

These are just a few ideas of plant based smoothies to start with, but there’s a world of vegan drinks out there to explore. The best way to find what tastes and textures work best for you is by experimenting to see what you enjoy and how you best like your smoothie prepared. Ultimately, if you’re making something with ingredients you enjoy, are making sure to add lots of greens, and avoid adding too much sugar, you’re well on your way to discovering the perfect smoothie.

Hand placing seeds into green smoothie bowl
The most important part of crafting your smoothie is making it your own. Always feel free to tweak a recipe to your own tastes and preferences to make it the best it can possibly be.

Other Ways to Stay Healthy on a Plant Based Diet

Maintaining health on a vegetarian or vegan diet

If you’re thinking about starting a plant based diet – and hence why you were looking for some awesome plant based smoothie recipe ideas – there are also a few other things you should keep in mind before adopting a vegan lifestyle.

One risk associated with moving towards a plant based diet is getting a sufficient amount of protein. The smoothie recipes listed above are great options to add plant based protein to, but you should absolutely be certain that you are getting the correct amount of protein with all of your meals. If you’re looking for even more protein-packed vegan recipes, check out this post from Healthy Skoop about vegan breakfast ideas.

Another potential risk associated with plant based diets, if not carefully monitored, is heavy fluctuations in energy levels due to an iron deficiency or blood sugar spikes. The cycles of fatigue brought on by these deficiencies can be combated by taking health supplements and incorporating foods like dried beans, nuts, and leafy vegetables. If you’re experiencing symptoms of fatigue that are heavily affecting your life, consult with your doctor immediately.

Despite these risks, adopting a vegetarian or plant based diet can do wonders for your health and improve many areas of the body. As long as you talk with a healthcare professional before starting, and you maintain the proper amount of vitamins and protein in your diet, you should feel empowered to begin your new lifestyle.

Woman taking selfie with green smoothie
If your smoothie doesn’t make you smile, then keep trying to find ways to make it better fit for your tastes. Playing around with the liquids you add and the amount of ingredients you put in can have a huge impact on your smoothie experience.

Plant based smoothies are the perfect addition to any diet – vegan or not. By adding greens, fruit, and other healthy ingredients, you’ll setting yourself up for a nutrient-packed boost to your diet.

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