Start your day the right way with 4 power-packed protein smoothies

Smoothies are a fantastic way to get plenty of vital nutrients, vitamins and macrobiotics into your daily diet without expense, mess or fuss. Many ready-made smoothies on the market tend to be high in sugar and don’t contain a diverse range of fresh, potent ingredients – so it’s best to make them from scratch at home. Fortunately frozen fruit and powdered protein blends make creating nourishing, goodness-filled smoothies at home quick and easy. Here we share our favourite four – so all you’ll need are a few basic ingredients and a blender to get started.

Purple power

The star of this smoothie is the brilliant blueberry – packed with nutritional benefits that can promote a healthier lifestyle and support regular physical activity. They’re high in fibre, vitamins B and C, antioxidants and potassium, which can support heart health. Frozen fruits impart a thick and creamy texture. Simply throw all the ingredients in, blend and enjoy!

½ cup frozen blueberries
¼ cup blackberries
1 cup thick, full-fat Greek yoghurt
½ cup milk (whole milk, or plant-based – almond or soy works well)
1 banana

Mean, green and lean

Hailed as one of the most powerful blends out there, the green smoothie arguably offers one of the easiest ways to pack a plethora of potent vitamins and minerals in just one glass. This version features a blend of vegetables, fruits and powders for maximum nutrition. Avocado adds creaminess and a soft, smooth texture – whilst also providing a healthy hit of good fats.

1 ripe avocado
2 cups fresh kale/baby kale
1 ripe or over-ripe banana, fresh
1 cup full-fat natural Greek yoghurt
1 cup of egg whites
Ice (optional)
Maple syrup/Agave/Honey to taste (optional)

Red or dead

This vibrant, velvety-red smoothie is brimming with anti-oxidant goodness. Unconventional additions such as coconut oil and beetroot add a welcome boost of energy and macronutrients. Dates bring fibre and a hit of energy for a smoothie that’s perfect pre- or post-workout.

1 medium beetroot, peeled and cubed
2 cups of fresh/frozen strawberries
¼ cup extra virgin coconut oil, melted
¼ cup of unsweetened almond milk
3 large pitted dates
1 cup diced apple slices

Banana build

Banana is well known as a fantastic morning energy booster. High in potassium, magnesium, iron, niacin and vitamin B6, they provide a comprehensive range of macronutrients to support bodily functions pre-workout and throughout the day. Meanwhile the rich, creamy almond butter in this recipe provides a healthy hit of protein and unsaturated fats.

1 medium/large banana (can be fresh or frozen for a creamier, thicker texture)
1 heaped spoonful of raw almond butter (or peanut butter if you prefer)
2 spoonfuls of golden flaxseed
½ cup unsweetened almond milk, or regular milk
Honey, Agave or Maple syrup to taste (optional)