We are big smoothie people. They are so easy to make and have seemingly endless possibilities. You can make a simple green smoothie with spinach, banana, pineapple, strawberries, and water, or you can make one that is slightly more unique, such as this recipe. We love to include blueberries in smoothies because they are naturally rich in antioxidants and low in sugar. They mix well with a variety of ingredients and have a strong flavor that can overpower less traditional smoothie ingredients, such as avocado.

Don’t worry, your smoothie will not taste like guacamole. In fact, you won’t even know the avocado is in your smoothie, but you will reap the healthy fats, potassium, magnesium, and other vitamins and minerals that it provides. Banana adds creaminess and natural sugars that pair beautifully with the antioxidant-rich blueberries. The homemade almond milk brings a subtle nutty flavor and contributes to the creamy consistency. Not a fan of almond milk? No problem! You can switch it out for water or another homemade nut or seed milk of your choice.

Avocado is not the only ingredient bringing healthy fats to the party in this smoothie recipe. We cannot forget about hemp seeds, which add a hefty amount of omega-3s and protein. Hemp seeds are also a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. That makes hemp seeds an excellent plant-based protein source.

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Today, we are sharing a simple green smoothie that may just become a go-to smoothie for you, especially to start your day. In fact, you may just want to make this smoothie every single day. The bananas provide a sweet and creamy base and the blueberries and squeeze of lemon bring a sweetly tart flavor combo. Don’t worry about the spinach because it does not take over the flavor here. Plus, the almond butter and homemade almond milk bring a subtle nuttiness to the smoothie, complementing the other ingredients.

The real nutrient dense ingredient is spirulina, which is a blue-green algae that has 60% protein content. It is one of the few plant-based sources of complete protein, meaning it has all of the essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. Spirulina is also a rich source of beta-carotene, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins A, E, and K. Considered to be a super food, spirulina may assist the body with fighting allergies, reducing fatigue, and enhancing immune function. In fact, 14th century Aztecs were known to use spirulina in herbal remedies.

This smoothie is the perfect combination of nutrition and balanced flavor. The key to balancing your smoothies comes down to four things: fiber, healthy fats, vegetables, and protein. In this smoothie, we have spinach as the vegetable, chia seeds as the fiber and some healthy fats, and almond butter as the primary fat source with some protein. The blueberries and bananas offer beneficial nutrients and provide natural sugars to make the smoothie palatable. If you like this smoothie, let us know in the comments. Cheers to your health!

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Whether you need a healthy and refreshing breakfast or an afternoon snack to beat the heat, this blueberry flaxseed cacao smoothie fits the bill. It has a subtle hint of chocolate from the raw cacao powder that pairs beautifully with the sweetly tart blueberries and nutty ground flaxseed. You can stream in coconut oil at the very end of the blending process for an extra dose of heart-healthy fats.

A randomized controlled trial found that eating blueberries improved endothelial function (how blood vessels relax). Another study found that blueberries helped improve blood vessel function and reduces systolic blood pressure after consuming them for 12 weeks. A more recent clinical review links the anthocyanins (antioxidant compounds that give blueberries their color) to better vascular function and modest blood pressure improvements. Additionally. a systematic review of randomized trials found that blueberry intervention improved memory and cognitive performance.

Similar to blueberries, ground flaxseed works to enhance heart health. In fact, a meta-analysis of 28 randomized controlled trials found that flaxseed significantly reduced total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. A larger meta-analysis confirmed that flaxseed helped lower triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. More recent studies suggest that flaxseed may help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Flaxseed may also help lower some markers of inflammation.

Needless to say, this smoothie is one heck of a nutritional powerhouse!

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When you want to be healthy and consume a lot of different fruits and vegetables in one meal, turn to old faithful: the reliable smoothie. You can create beautiful and harmonious flavors by blending different fruits and vegetables together. Sometimes, the smoothie can be sneakily healthy. How is that possible? You add fruits that are packed with antioxidants and vital nutrients to complement the vitamins and minerals in leafy greens.

The smoothie is green because it contains spinach. Like any other leafy green, spinach controls the color of the smoothie. Similarly, beets turn a smoothie red and blueberries turn a smoothie blue. The dark pigments, which are antioxidant compounds that benefit cellular health, in these ingredients are to blame. To blame or to thank? We will let you be the judge of that.

This green smoothie contains bananas, pineapple, and grapefruit. Before you add the banana and pineapple to the blender, you’ll want to peel them and roughly dice them. Scatter them across a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer overnight. Make sure that the fruit pieces are in a single layer to avoid clumping. If you do not want to freeze the fruit, you can use fresh fruit and add ice until the smoothie reaches your desired consistency.

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Fruity, delicious, and refreshing…are not the words you would typically use to describe a kale smoothie. This high protein smoothie is definitely a keeper, especially if you are cleansing. It is full of fiber, antioxidants, protein, and so much more. Drinking this smoothei can fuel your body with the energy and nutrients it needs to stay full between meals. Plus, it comes together is just five minutes!

If your goal is to include more protein in your diet, this smoothie should remain in your recipe rotation. No need for chalky protein powders with this smoothie! This smoothie is creamy as can be and helps your body build muscle, boost metabolism, and may even help you curb unwanted cravings. In addition to the protein, this smoothie also offers beneficial antioxidants, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, potassium, polyphenols, and more. Blueberries are great sources of anthocyanins, which are antioxidant compounds that work to reduce inflammation, help lower blood pressure, and protect brain function. Some research indicates that these antioxidants may even exhibit anti-aging properties.

When it comes to choosing kale, you have a lot of options to choose from. Typically, green curly kale is the most common variety in grocery stores, but you don’t want to choose that variety for this recipe. Baby kale is definitely the way to go for this smoothies, and other smoothies that call for kale. It has a much milder flavor and may even exhibit some mild sweetness. Plus, you don’t have to worry about thick fibrous stems that you have to remove prior to blending.

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A lot of people come down with the common cold or flu during fall. Between the colder weather and more time indoors with a lot of people, the body is more susceptible to sickness. To give your body a better chance at fighting off bacteria and viruses, give your immune system the nutrients it needs via healthy foods. Supplying the body with vitamin C-rich foods is a great place to start, and this smoothie is loaded with vitamin C.

Cranberries belong to the same family as blueberries, bilberries, and lingonberries, but cranberries are the healthiest family. They contain various plant compounds, some of which are effective against urinary tract infections. Regarding immune function, cranberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which also aids with skin, muscle, and bone maintenance. In addition to vitamin C, cranberries contain quercetin, which may be a potent protector against cancer. More research is necessary to confirm if this compound can help prevent the growth of leukemia, colon, breast, and pancreatic cancers. Cranberries also contain anthocyanins, which include peonidin and cyanidin, and they may be able to slow tumor growth, but more research is needed.

Although cranberries give this smoothie its ruby red color, pineapple is no slouch in the nutrient department. Pineapple is another vitamin C superstar, but it also contains a powerful enzyme, bromelain, that helps the body digest proteins. Bromelain may also reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. That same enzyme may also exhibit anti-cancer properties, as it was able to kill cancer cells in some laboratory studies. However, pineapples cannot cure cancer and they do not eliminate a person’s cancer risk. Pineapple is a healthy food that you can add to your diet to encourage optimal overall health.

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Is there any better way to start the day than with a nutrient-rich meal that boosts your brainpower and gives you energy? The ingredients in this smoothie have been scientifically proven to help enhance focus, boost overall cognition, and support memory. They are naturally rich in antioxidant compounds that fuel the brain. You may find that drinking this smoothie helps increase your energy, productivity, and mental clarity. Say goodbye to that mid-morning slump when you drink this smoothie in the morning. Just take a look at the ingredients that get those brain cells firing:

• Banana: A great source of natural sugars and complex carbs, banana provides a quick little boost of energy. It also contains vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6, all of which benefit brain function.
• Chia seeds: These super seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which work to support brain healthy by encouraging proper neurotransmitter function. Chia seeds also provide lots of protein and fiber, both of which provide sustained energy release.
• Walnuts: Packed with DHA, a type of omega-3, walnuts are not only shaped like little brains, but they also contain valuable nutrients for the brain. Studies suggest that eating walnuts regularly may improve overall cognitive performance.
• Avocado: Avocado contains monounsaturated fats that contribute to improved blood flow, which ultimately supports healthy brain function. The vitamins (C, E, B5, and B6) in avocado also play roles in cognitive processes.
• Blueberries and raspberries: These berries are antioxidant superstars, and they are especially high in anthocyanins, which have been proven to improve cognitive function. These antioxidants may also protect the brain from oxidative stress.

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Before summer comes to an end, do yourself a favor and make this salad. It features one of summer’s most iconic produce items: the mighty watermelon. It is juicy, refreshing, sweet, and crispy. Just make sure that you use the watermelon before it gets too ripe and soft. You want crisp cubes for this salad! Plus, an overripe watermelon can have an unpleasant flavor, which will not go well with the blueberries, mint, and vinaigrette.

This is actually a great salad to make if you have leftover watermelon that you do not want to enjoy on its own. Perhaps you had a party and cut up an entire watermelon, but half of it went uneaten. That’s perfect because this recipe calls for eight cups of watermelon. You can choose to use less if you want to make a smaller salad. Add in the blueberries and freshly chopped mint and you are in business. In fact, you could enjoy that trio without dressing and be perfectly content, but the apple cider vinaigrette adds a savory element that makes this feel more like lunch and less like a breakfast side.

Don’t have blueberries? You can opt to use blackberries, or even strawberries, if you have them on hand. There is just a special relationship between mint and blueberries. It’s a combo that just seems to work over and over again. Let us know if you agree in the comments!

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Are you ready to indulge in the velvety decadence of this unique, raw vegan blueberry avocado pudding? It’s a treat that’s as nutrient-dense as it is delicious. Crafted with one ripe avocado, refreshing blueberries, and a tablespoon of chia seeds, this breakfast, which doubles as a healthy dessert, will defy your expectations by offering a creamy, luxurious texture without the addition of unnecessary sugars, preservatives, or dairy. Think of this pudding more like a berry-laden, velvety cake, just with a healthier twist and more personality.

Bite into this delicate pudding and you’ll discover an array of health benefits. Blueberries exhibit potent antioxidant activity, meaning they work to fight free radicals, which staves off oxidative stress. Keeping your cells healthy also benefits immune function, and the vitamin C in blueberries contributes to collagen production, which enhances the overall appearance of the skin. Avocados provide heart-healthy, monounsaturated fats, which support healthy cholesterol levels and brain health. Meanwhile, chia seeds add a fibrous punch that aids digestion and keeps you feeling full longer, so you will be less likely to reach for snacks between meals. Instead, this pudding just satisfies your sweet tooth and nourishes the body from the inside out.

Best of all, this pudding is a no-cook, raw vegan masterpiece, so all of those precious nutrients are preserved in their natural state. Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free dessert or a filling breakfast, this blueberry avocado pudding proves that healthy eating can be both delicious and tempting.

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One of the most challenging dietary feats, besides switching to a raw vegan diet, is to reduce your caloric intake. It’s possible to do, but many low-calorie foods can leave you feeling hungry or unfulfilled between meals. This is primarily because they do not contain healthy fats, fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. That said, there are a surprising number of low-calorie foods that can keep you full. Continue reading to learn more about them. 

Berries

Low-calorie and low-carb alert, people! Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries  contain beneficial antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that benefit overall health. One cup of blueberries, for example, contains 86 calories but offers 3.6 grams (g) of fiber. Fiber, in addition to protein, has a big impact on your hunger and appetite. Berries contain a lot of pectin, a type of dietary fiber that has proven to slow stomach emptying and increase feelings of fullness in both human and animal studies. One study found that a 65-calorie afternoon snack of berries decreased total caloric intake later in the day compared to a 65-calorie snack of gummy candies. 

Air-Popped Popcorn

Before we tell you why you can have your popcorn and eat it too, please understand the difference between air-popped popcorn and buttered, movie theater popcorn. The popcorn you buy in packages that says “movie theater butter” on the label is not what we are referring to. Air-popped popcorn means that the kernels pop with heat and air, no oil or butter. You can put some kernels in a silicone bowl, cover the bowl, and microwave until they pop! Due to the high-fiber content, air-popped popcorn is one of the most filling, low-calorie snacks on this list. With only 31 calories in a cup, popcorn boasts 1.2 g of dietary fiber. In addition to slowing the digestive process to promote feelings of fullness, fiber also helps to stabilize blood sugar. Studies have found that popcorn can help enhance feelings of fullness more than other snack foods. 

Leafy Greens

On average, a one-cup serving of leafy greens contains anywhere from five to nine calories. This number will change if the greens are cooked or not, but the range we just specified applies to raw greens. That means you can consume a large serving of leafy greens without ingesting a lot of calories. Most leafy greens provide high amounts of folate, magnesium, iron, protein, and vitamins C, K, and A. You can enjoy large salads, add leafy greens to smoothies, or incorporate them into soups. 

Chia Seeds

Hailed as an incredible superfood, chia seeds offer a lot of protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. A one-ounce serving of chia seeds provides 138 calories, 4.7 g of protein, and 9.8 g of fiber. The soluble fiber in chia seeds absorbs liquid and swells in the stomach to create feelings of fullness. This can be observed if you mix chia seeds with liquid to make chia pudding. The seeds absorb the liquid to create a tapioca pudding-like texture. Some researchers observed that chia seeds can absorb 15 times their weight in water. They move slowly through the digestive tract to keep you full. 

Oats

A wonderful whole grain that is low in calories and high in protein and fiber, two nutrients that promote feelings of fullness. A half-cup serving of dry oats exhibits 154 calories, but the same cup packs 4 g of fiber and 5 g of protein. One study involving 48 adults found that eating oatmeal increased feelings of fullness and reduced hunger and caloric intake at the next meal. Another small study linked instant and old-fashioned oats to improved appetite control over a four-hour period. 

Legumes

Due to the high protein and fiber content, legumes such as peas, lentils, and beans can be very filling. One cup of cooked lentils provides 230 calories, in addition to 15.6 g and 18 g of protein. Several studies found that legumes have a powerful effect on hunger and appetite. A small study involving 43 young adults found that a high protein meal with beans, and peas increased feelings of fullness. The meal also reduced appetite and hunger more than a high protein meal with veal and pork. A review of nine other studies concluded that people felt 31% fuller after eating pulses, a type of legume, when compared to high-carb meals consisting of bread and pasta.

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