Smoothie a Day in May

Happy May!

As you guys know, I like to start the month off with a list of things I think would help make it a little happier/fun/fit. Since May is already a pretty awesome month, I was having a hard time thinking of things that would make it extra amazing. Since so many of you joined me for a green meal a day in March, I thought we would do something similar for this month.

How about a smoothie a day in May?

image

Smoothies are so refreshing in the toasty weather and are a great way to get in a lot of nutrients with hardly any prep.

Here are some of my favorite smoothie essentials:

smoothie goodies

Smoothie components:

-Liquid: Milk of choice, juice, coffee or water

-Protein: protein powders, nuts/seeds, nut butters

-Fruit: frozen fruit is the best way to go because then you don’t need to add ice, which waters smoothies down. I’ll always split browning bananas in half and put them in a bag in the freezer for smoothie purposes.

frozen bananas

-Greens: spinach is my favorite because it has such a mild taste, but many people like the taste of kale or chard in their smoothies, too. Seeded cucumber, fresh mint and spirulina are fun ways to add in some green.

greens

-Texture: Nuts/seeds (I’ll soak most nuts so they’re a little softer to blend), bananas and avocado with give smoothies a beautiful texture, yogurt and oats are a great way to bulk up a smoothie.

cashews

-Fats: You always want to make sure you have a little bit of fat in your smoothie to aid in nutrient absorption. My fave options are nut butter, chia seeds, hemp seeds and coconut oil.

-Extras: goji berries (soak in water to soften), espresso powder, sweetener (dates, Stevia, sugar, honey, maple syrup, etc) flavored extracts, shredded coconut, cinnamon and other spices, chocolate chips, cacao nibs….

vitamixx

Smoothies can be a very satisfying meal if you make sure to add in protein, healthy fat and enough calories to sustain you. If my smoothie is on the smaller side, I’ll enjoy it with a piece of toast with nut butter, a Larabar, amazeball or a salad.

smoothie

(Amazeball + oats atop a smoothie pool. Try it, you’ll like it)

Make-ahead tip: put all of your smoothie ingredients in the main part of the blender and place it in the fridge overnight. The fruit may soften a little, but in the morning, all you have to do is blend and go

Throughout the month, I’ll share some smoothie recipes with you, and please link to your smoothies in the comment section, or tweet me your daily pics @fitnessista #smoothieaday

For inspiration, here are some awesome recipes:

Show Me Your Smoothie

Blackberry Smoothie

Chocolate Cake Batter Smoothie

Chocolate Cherry Bomb Shake

Flex on the Beach Smoothie

Who’s in for the challenge? What’s your go-to smoothie combo?

Mine: almond milk, banana, frozen berries, nut butter, Sun Warrior, spinach, Stevia

Happy blending 🙂

xoxo

Gina

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88 Comments

  1. Anna on May 1, 2012 at 6:30 pm

    Sounds like a great idea. I may attempt a smoothie a day (as I’m already behind) – might be move like every other day.

  2. Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie on May 1, 2012 at 6:30 pm

    I will totally be partaking in this challenge! My family just ordered a Vitamix and it will be here this Thursday so I can’t wait to make tons of smoothies!

  3. Jeana on May 1, 2012 at 6:31 pm

    I am with you! I love making smoothies with fresh veggie juice but since I am not with my juicer right now we shall see what I make!

    My go to while I am away: bananas, sunbutter, chia or flax seeds, lactose free milk, spinach and usually strawberries. 🙂

  4. Becca on May 1, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    Oh I love this 🙂 you really can’t beat a smoothie on a hot day!

  5. Lindsey on May 1, 2012 at 6:35 pm

    LOVE smoothies and this challenge! My go to recently is strawberry-banana with almond milk, vanilla Sunwarrior protein, hemp, a frozen banana and 1 cup frozen strawberries. Another favorite combo of mine recently – one frozen banana, almond milk, vanilla Sunwarrior and 1T peanut butter.

  6. Whitney @ Whit Likes Fit on May 1, 2012 at 6:38 pm

    I’m so in. I love smoothies, in fact I just finished one. My go-to: almond milk, blueberries, protein powder, peanut flour, spinach and flax seeds.

  7. Laura on May 1, 2012 at 6:39 pm

    Great challenge! It is so hot here already this sounds like a really good way to try and cool down.

    My go to smoothie is frozen bananas, almond butter, almond or cow’s milk and then a scoop of Amazing Grass. Which actually brings me to a question I have for anyone that can help me: I can eat spinach salads without any problem but when I use frozen spinach or a product that has spinach in it like Amazing Grass it has a tendency to give me a worn down feeling shortly after finishing the smoothie. No big kick of energy here, just kind of lethargic when I include spinach. Anyone have a clue why?

  8. kaila@ healthy helper blog! on May 1, 2012 at 6:41 pm

    I will have no problem with this challenge…or should I say “non Challenge”!! Hehe…I loooooove smoothies!

  9. alicia on May 1, 2012 at 6:42 pm

    I’m so on board! My smoothies are very similar to yours Oj (sometimes a. milk, but oj for tropical fruits), almond butter, frozen bananas, strawberries, blueberries, flax, and oats to make a meal out of it.

  10. Thresha on May 1, 2012 at 6:44 pm

    I love smoothies…I had one this morning. My favorite is avocado + kale (or spinach) + frozen berries.

  11. Lisa @ Wealth O' Health on May 1, 2012 at 6:45 pm

    I have been obsessed with smoothies lately. I found one combo that I can’t get enough of now. The basic recipe is found here http://wealthohealth.wordpress.com/2012/04/07/magical-smoothie/ I also add some romaine or leafy greens if I am not having any on the side. Looking forward to many more yummy combos!

  12. Liz on May 1, 2012 at 6:46 pm

    Avocado is another great addition that makes it super creamy and delicious!

    • Fitnessista on May 1, 2012 at 6:48 pm

      yep, i think i added that under “texture”- one of my faves, too!

  13. StoriesAndSweetPotatoes on May 1, 2012 at 6:50 pm

    Oh I really need to do this. Lately my smoothies have been not so delicious though so I will browse around for recipes. I have a sample of that Ormus Greens coming and I’m super excited to try it!

  14. Lisa @ Fresh Spinach on May 1, 2012 at 6:56 pm

    I’ve been on a smoothie kick lately and I will GLADLY continue it through May. Right now I’m working on perfecting my pina colada smoothie but one of my favorites is the peanut butter cup: http://fresh-spinach.com/2011/11/14/for-the-love-of-peanut-butter-cups/

  15. Lauren @ Lawfully Wedded Wife on May 1, 2012 at 7:03 pm

    I’m totally in! I pretty much eat them everyday anyways so this will be a great way to remember! Awesome idea! 🙂

  16. Kim on May 1, 2012 at 7:10 pm

    Great idea Gina!

  17. Nicole on May 1, 2012 at 7:14 pm

    This is such a great idea!! Smoothies are full of nutrients and perfect for on-the-go. I will be trying these recipes for sure =)

  18. Sara on May 1, 2012 at 7:15 pm

    Frozen banana, raw cacao (beans, I mash them first in the mini-mill), maca, avocado, Whey Protein, a dash of sea salt, vanilla essence, a bit of stevia_erythritol. I can make that one in my sleep (or half-asleep, first thing in the morning if necessary). Sometimes I add frozen berries or a tsp of instant coffee. Also good is making it with coconut water or coconut milk instead of water. Smoothies are amazing and a great way to get up the fluid consumption. I”m trying to meet the national target at the moment (2.1L in addition to that from food) and it’s proving more difficult than I thought!

  19. Christine on May 1, 2012 at 7:16 pm

    When I make smoothies I usually wing it with whatever ingredients I have on hand… my best creation was frozen banana, frozen cherries, spinach, soymilk, and pomegranate juice.

  20. Nikki on May 1, 2012 at 7:21 pm

    I only recently became addicted to smoothies, and now I may or may not be having them for dinner almost every night!!! What do you think about giving kids a smoothie for the main part of their dinner? I can’t decide if it’s a great way to get all that nutrition in, or whether having a smoothie for dinner takes some of the specialness out of having a family dinner around the table (or blender!) every night.

  21. madison @ toldinvain on May 1, 2012 at 7:35 pm

    How many ways can I say I’m in??

  22. Kim on May 1, 2012 at 7:38 pm

    Yay I already had one for lunch today- they taste so good since I’ve been Preggo. I do half a frozen banana, strawberries and blueberries, handful of spinach, Greek yogurt, hemp seeds, cinnamon and almond milk. So so so good! It will be a fun may!

  23. Melissa on May 1, 2012 at 7:48 pm

    spinach + banana + almond milk + maybe some frozen berries & I am good to go. at least 3x a week. good to know about the added fat though. Would almond milk or banana count for this or should I be putting almond butter in?

  24. Shaina on May 1, 2012 at 7:48 pm

    ooh I like this! I’m so in.

  25. Hillary on May 1, 2012 at 7:49 pm

    From now until September or October, I could eat smoothies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and sometimes I do!) Right now, my favorite combo is: banana, pumpkin, spinach, cocoa powder, Stevia, and plain nonfat Greek yogurt. Topped with a little cereal and some PB, it is the perfect lunch on a hot afternoon!

  26. Ush on May 1, 2012 at 7:51 pm

    Yummy smoothies!! My current favorite is one with a coffee kick: frozen banana, peanut butter, almond milk, protein powder, instant coffee, spinach!

  27. Amber L on May 1, 2012 at 7:57 pm

    Mmmmmmm I have been craving smoothies this entire pregnancy. I even had them in the winter haha!

  28. Averie @ Averie Cooks on May 1, 2012 at 7:58 pm

    I have sooo many but this is a recent one, spring-like and lighter

    http://www.loveveggiesandyoga.com/2012/03/strawberries-and-cream-smoothie.html

    Great idea, Gina!

  29. Catalina @ Cake with Love on May 1, 2012 at 8:18 pm

    I love smoothies, I remember I saw the sun warrior protein on your blog a few years ago, I gave it a try once when you had an open sky deal, and I am in love since then!!!! 🙂 Its the best!!!

  30. Laura @ She Eats Well on May 1, 2012 at 8:40 pm

    My favorite smoothie is exactly the same as yours! Love it.

  31. Kristi on May 1, 2012 at 8:42 pm

    Yum!! My hubby and I share the following recipe every morning: 2 oranges, 10 strawberries, 1 banana, 1 apple, and a big handful of spinach 🙂 blended in the Vitamix, it becomes a delicious (and pretty!) green smoothie! We can’t get enough of it 🙂

  32. Nicole on May 1, 2012 at 8:43 pm

    Just bought some protein powder today! I’m down 🙂

  33. AnneW on May 1, 2012 at 8:45 pm

    Mine today was AWESOME:
    Vanilla Sun Warrior, frozen spinach, 1/2 frozen banana, 3 TBL pumpkin, 3 big ice cubes, 1/4 C chai concentrate, 1/4 C Almond Milk, 1/2 C water, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and a pinch of xantham.

    Seriously BUENO. 🙂

    Keep sharing your recipes, Gina!

  34. Abby @ Chane of Pace on May 1, 2012 at 8:52 pm

    Love the smoothie a day idea! I might go for one every few days- it’s still too cold to have one every day!

  35. Lindsay on May 1, 2012 at 8:54 pm

    My go-to combo is unsweetened vanilla almond milk, brown rice protein powder, frozen bananas, frozen berries and ground flax seed!

  36. Brittany on May 1, 2012 at 8:58 pm

    I’ve been having a smoothie every afternoon as a snack now that its getting warmer. Having a smoothie once a day in May should be super easy!

    Love that Cherry Chocolate Bomb Shake but haven’t had it in way too long!! Need to get on that. 🙂

  37. Diane on May 1, 2012 at 9:06 pm

    I’m considering buying a vitamix –it’s so expensive though…. which model do you recommend?
    are there other blenders that are just as good but less $? Thanks!

  38. Amy B on May 1, 2012 at 9:08 pm

    So funny to see this post 2 seconds after I sat down with a fresh smoothie and popped open my laptop! This is only my second attempt at a smoothie but, I think I’m hooked! Tonight, I even got a little brave and added some fresh spinach to my Berry/Banana/Peanut Butter/Almond Milk combo- Just don’t tell my husband! He tried a sip and said it was MUCH better than last week’s smoothie. I didn’t have the heart to tell him what was really in it 😉

  39. Amanda on May 1, 2012 at 9:11 pm

    I have a smoothie everyday. I don’t feel quite right when I don’t drink a smoothie. I’ve bought books and thought about trying other recipes, but here’s my tried and true: 1 c. soy milk, 2-3 cups spinach, 1/2 banana, frozen strawberries and blueberries – 1 cup, 1tbs. almond butter, protein powder. Yum – the best way to start the morning.

  40. chrissy on May 1, 2012 at 9:13 pm

    smoothies!!! argh, those Vitamix blenders are so ugly but so freaking awesome!

  41. Natasha on May 1, 2012 at 9:17 pm

    Okay twist my arm…I’m in 🙂 My favorite go to mix is Unsweetened chocolate Almond Breeze, chocolate Amazing Grass, frozen banana, 1/4c frozen blueberries, 1 tsp bee pollen and 1 tsp flax oil.

  42. Allison on May 1, 2012 at 9:19 pm

    i haven’t had a smoothie in so long, my goal for May for myself is to at least make 1 smoothie!

  43. Jani DuCoin on May 1, 2012 at 9:26 pm

    I will DEFINITELY be trying this! I like this one. Its a pledge I can do! lol

  44. Maria@healthydiaries on May 1, 2012 at 9:27 pm

    Love this post! I’ve been on a smoothie kick lately. My absolute favorite being coconut milk, strawberries, blueberries, 1/2 banana, raw cocoa powder, coconut oil and spinach SO delish!

  45. Anna on May 1, 2012 at 9:30 pm

    I had my first smoothie in forever this morning for breakfast! And I didn’t even know it was May until this afternoon at the bank! winning all day!

  46. Stephanie @ Legally Blinde on May 1, 2012 at 9:35 pm

    I’ve been enjoying lots of green smoothies lately! I like how you broke down the “equation” to making a good smoothie – very helpful. My go-to smoothie is pretty similar to yours: almond milk, peanut butter, ground flax seeds (or chia seeds), Sun Warrior, spinach, frozen banana, frozen berries or pineapple, and 2 ice cubes. Yumm.

  47. Parita @ myinnershakti on May 1, 2012 at 9:59 pm

    I like the smoothie a day idea, prob. more so bc I live in FL where it’s HOT now!

    My go to combo includes half a frozen banana, almond milk, chocolate Sunwarrior, peanut butter, instant coffee, and a little cocoa powder. YUM. 🙂

  48. The Get In Shape Girl on May 1, 2012 at 10:09 pm

    German Chocolate Cake Smoothie. I ALWAYS add spinach to a smoothie. You seriously cannot taste it and why not get the extra nutrients?!
    http://www.thegetinshapeworkoutplan.com/german-chocolate-cake-smoothie/

    • Fitnessista on May 1, 2012 at 10:23 pm

      whooaaa that sounds awesome!

  49. sarah on May 1, 2012 at 10:36 pm

    I want to do this so bad but, my husband sleeps during the day since he works the night shift so I can only blend them the night before and I hate the texture the next morning. Any ideas?!

    • Amy on May 2, 2012 at 12:37 pm

      On days where my husband or kids are sleeping and I want a smoothie, I carry my blender to the garage and blend away…

      • Fitnessista on May 2, 2012 at 6:12 pm

        aha i’ve taken it outside on the patio before

  50. Fallon on May 1, 2012 at 10:59 pm

    Yum great challenge! I already had a smoothie this morning.

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