Summer Smoothies

Now that summer is on it's way, many fruits and vegetables are at their peak.  This not only means they taste great, but also means they are at their highest nutritional value of the year.  Homemade smoothies are not only easy, but they are a great way to start your day.  They provide a huge nutritional punch that gives you energy that can last the whole day.

I realized yesterday that I had a smoothie for breakfast almost every day this week, yet they were all different.  I get tired of having the same thing over and over, so I try to be creative with my smoothies and switch things up a bit. Smoothies are my favorite breakfast when it gets warm (HOT!) out here in Atlanta because they are cool and refreshing while also offering great nutrition to start my day off right.

If you're looking for a tasty new smoothie recipe, I'd recommend one of these below!  They are all delicious and quite healthy.  I personally think Mango Monday takes the cake for the best one.  I made sure to squeeze all the juice off the part of the mango that was stuck to the seed and it made the smoothie super sweet and flavorful. 

If you're skeptical about putting veggies in your smoothies, my first piece of advice is this: just try it.  You wont taste it (I promise!) and the added nutritional value cannot be replaced.  If you simply can't get past it, try these recipes without the veggies.  You'll be losing some valuable nutrients, but your smoothie will still be a better substitute for that egg McMuffin you were reaching for last week. ;)

Check 'em out.

Mango Monday
1 mango
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 frozen banana
1 tbsp flax seed
1 yellow beet

Tangy Tuesday
1 kiwi
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup orange juice
a splash of unsweetened cranberry juice
a handful of spinach
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tbsp flax seed

Wistful Wednesday for you beach dreamers out there...
1 kiwi
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup coconut milk
a handful of spinach
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tbsp flax seed

Fruity Friday
1 peach
1 frozen banana
1 kiwi
1/2 cup orange juice
a splash of unsweetened cranberry juice
a small handful of spinach
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tbsp flax seed

You can find fresh, local produce for your smoothies at many of the festivals popping up around town, but my favorite place to get local goods is the Piedmont Market in Piedmont Park every Saturday morning (through December 8th) from 9am-1pm. 

Check out my blog, Lucky Zucca, for more nutritional recipes, workouts, and inspiration for a healthy and joyful lifestyle!