3 Healthy & Energizing Smoothie Recipes
Smoothies are a quick and easy way to get a tasty fruit fix, and I make them as often as possible. I love to start my day with one, and when I have friends over they’re the perfect alternative to coffee on a sunny day. My family loves them too, and I find that smoothies are one of the best ways to get kids the vitamins and antioxidants that they need.
I’m always looking for new recipes that are vegan-friendly, healthy and delicious, and the three recipes in this post tick all those boxes. They’re also great energy-boosters, thanks to the matcha green tea powder.
If you haven’t already heard about matcha tea, let me tell you why I love it. It’s known to increase energy levels and improve concentration, so it’s great for getting me through a busy day. It’s also full of antioxidants which help to boost the immune system and protect against diseases. It can even give your metabolism a boost which helps with weight loss too.
Matcha is the perfect smoothie ingredient and I love the long-lasting boost that it gives me - especially when I have a busy day ahead. Make sure you get high-quality matcha though as this ensures it's got the maximum health benefits and non-bitter taste. I recommend Evergreen Matcha, as they source their premium grade matcha from sustainable farms in Japan so it's packed with the maximum goodness.
For the following recipes, simply add all the ingredients to your blender, whizz up, and enjoy.
Energy-boosting strawberry, banana, and matcha smoothie
This smoothie is perfect for breakfast at the start of a busy day. The fruits not only taste delicious but are also packed with mood-improving vitamins and nutrients, and the matcha tea will give you all the energy you need to take on anything.
What you need:
● 2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen, but if frozen thaw them first)
● 1 banana
● 1 kiwi, peeled
● 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
● ½ cup plain low-fat yogurt or ½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
● 2 tsp matcha
Boost Your Immune System with this Ginger Matcha Smoothie
This smoothie is packed full of tasty goodness. The matcha is an incredible source of antioxidants, and the ginger and fresh orange gives your body some vitamins and a kick to help fight off any this drink a lovely warming finish which helps boost your immune system.
What you need:
● 1 tsp matcha
● 1 lime, juiced
● 1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
● 1 tbsp chia seeds
● 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
Note: if you don’t like the spiciness of the ginger, simply leave it out!
Antioxidant-rich cacao and matcha smoothie
Did you know that raw, organic cacao is full of antioxidants? It’s a true superfood, and it has all of the calcium, iron, and magnesium that your body needs. It also has over 40x the antioxidants found in blueberries, so cacao and matcha are a health-boosting dream team.
This smoothie is delicious as an afternoon pick-me-up and is perfect if you need an energy boost. And, drinking this smoothie regularly can promote weight loss and will help protect against diseases.
What you need:
● 1 ½ cups almond milk
● 1 tbsp cacao powder
● ½ tbsp matcha
● 2 tsp maca powder
Note: if you want to increase the iron content of this smoothie you can add a handful of spinach. Or, if you want to even out the strong cacao taste with some extra sweetness, blend in ½ tablespoon of maple syrup.
Erin Young is a health writer, tea expert and owner of two tea brands: Evergreen Matcha in the USA and Zen Green Tea Matcha in Australia. She partners with sustainable tea farms based in Kyoto (Japan) to ensure the best possible quality matcha green tea powder.