9 Out-of-the-Ordinary Breakfast Smoothies
If you’re looking for some smoothie excitement, read on to see nine delicious – and nutritious – new combinations for a quick breakfast you can sip on the go.
Overview
Thanks to portability, convenience, health benefits and delicious taste, smoothie consumption has seen a major uptick over the past five years. Many people are choosing to make their own smoothies at home in order to have greater control of the ingredients that go into the smoothie and to keep the cost lower. That said, the tried-and-true smoothie combination of strawberries, bananas and milk or yogurt can start to get a little boring after awhile. If you're looking for some smoothie excitement, read on to see nine delicious – and nutritious – new combinations for a quick breakfast you can sip on the go.
1. Peach-Ginger Cobbler Smoothie
You may be used to adding fresh ginger to your evening stir-fry, but incorporating it into your morning meal can be a great way to wake up your taste buds for the day. And it can do more than add a zing to your smoothie: This peppery root has been shown to reduce inflammation and settle an upset stomach, and early research has shown it may help to kill cancer cells. Ginger's slight heat is a great match for supersweet peaches, which have a hefty dose of calcium, potassium and vitamin A. Adding oats and walnuts -- both packed with protein and fiber -- will help you feel full longer. One Peach-Ginger Cobbler Smoothie contains 473 calories.
Related: See Full Recipe and Nutritional Details in MyPlate
2. Yes Peas Smoothie
Save those leftover peas from dinner and toss them into your smoothie for breakfast. Yes, really. Peas are sweet, full of fiber and a great source of protein (one cup has more protein than an egg). They blend up supersmooth and essentially disappear into the mix. Mint is a perfect flavor match, and it adds an extra bit of zing to the smoothie. Coconut milk is creamy, and despite containing saturated fat, it's mostly made of medium-chain fatty acids -- one of which, lauric acid, has been shown to raise both "good" and "bad" cholesterol levels. So where does it net out? Research shows it may have a neutral, if not beneficial, impact. One Yes Peas Smoothie provides 302 calories.
Related: See Full Recipe and Nutritional Details in MyPlate
3. Creamy Dreamy Green Machine
Almost everyone has jumped on the green-smoothie bandwagon at some point, but this version has a surprising and delicious twist. Avocados aren't just for guacamole: They can also add buttery creaminess and heart-healthy fat to a luscious breakfast shake. Antioxidant-rich mango is sweet and high in fiber for an added nutritional boost. You'll never taste the spinach, but it adds calcium and vitamin A, plus a healthy dose of vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting. One Creamy Dreamy Green Machine smoothie contains 545 calories.
Related: See Full Recipe and Nutritional Details in MyPlate
4. The Incredible Sippable Egg Smoothie
Pasteurized egg whites are one of the best bangs for your grocery buck, but they're not just for veggie scrambles. They're flavorless but provide a whopping 26.5 grams of protein per cup, making them an easy go-to for a nutritious breakfast drink. A recent study showed that eating a breakfast rich in protein can significantly improve appetite control throughout the day, which can aid in weight loss. Add an extra boost of protein with Greek yogurt and sweetness with a banana and chocolate syrup to make this smoothie totally sippable. One Incredible Sippable Egg Smoothie contains 293 calories.
Related: See Full Recipe and Nutritional Details in MyPlate
5. Strawberry Rice Pudding Smoothie
Rice in a smoothie? It may sound strange, but it's a delicious way to integrate this fiber- and calcium-rich grain into your diet. It's easy: Just make an extra half cup of whole-grain brown rice at dinner the night before and refrigerate it for breakfast. Toss in strawberries and some hydrating and naturally sweet coconut water, both of which are a good source of calcium, for a tasty, bone-building morning drink. Strawberries are also a great source of immune-system-boosting vitamin C. One serving of Strawberry Rice Pudding Smoothie contains 373 calories.
Related: See Full Recipe and Nutritional Details in MyPlate
6. Watermelon-Kiwi Slushy Smoothie
For a perfect after-workout refresher, this smoothie combines three workout superfoods: kiwi, Greek yogurt and watermelon. Potassium (one cup of kiwi has more potassium than one cup of banana) is key for properly functioning muscles and can help with muscle cramps. Watermelon is hydrating, and research shows it may help reduce recovery rate and muscle soreness after a workout, thanks to a unique amino acid called L-citrulline. The protein and calcium in Greek yogurt are great for muscle-building and performance. The Watermelon-Kiwi Slushy Smoothie provides 272 calories.
Related: See Full Recipe and Nutritional Details in MyPlate
7. Bunny Food Smoothie
Many people cringe when they hear the words "tofu" and "vegetables" in the same sentence -- and most would go running at the thought of having them for breakfast. But adding vegetables to a smoothie can be a great way to get picky eaters to consume these vitamin- and mineral-rich ingredients. And silken tofu is a great way to add calcium, creaminess and hunger-sating protein. Add just enough fruit to mask the flavor and you can sip happily knowing you're well on your way to the recommended five daily servings. Romaine lettuce is a great source of calcium and the antioxidant vitamin A, and its mild flavor seamlessly blends into this sweet, tart smoothie. Carrots are sweet and add a pleasant, earthy taste. A Bunny Food Smoothie contains 298 calories.
Related: See Full Recipe and Nutritional Details in MyPlate
8. Bean-a Colada
You may be tempted to turn up your nose at the addition of beans in your breakfast smoothie, but they have a delicious creaminess and all but disappear when paired with sweet, tangy pineapple and creamy coconut milk. A half cup of beans provides you with a generous dose of fiber, which is beneficial in many aspects: A Harvard study showed that eating fiber can lower your risk of coronary heart disease. Beans are also a great source of protein, iron, calcium, potassium and folate. Paired with the pineapple and coconut milk, you'll swear you're on a tropical vacation. A Bean-a Colada provides 560 calories.
Related: See Full Recipe and Nutritional Details in MyPlate
9. Antioxidant Smoothie Bowl
On mornings when you have time to sit and eat, try this spin on a sippable smoothie. Make the mixture a bit thicker than you would if you were drinking from a straw and toss in some assorted fruit and crunchy toppings like granola, nuts, or goji berries. Antioxidant-rich frozen cherries and blueberries make a sweet and delicious base for the bowl. A frozen banana lends creaminess and potassium, and a spoonful of chia seeds add omega-3 fatty acid and fiber. One Antioxidant Smoothie Bowl contains 231 calories.
Related: See Full Recipe and Nutritional Details in MyPlate
What Do YOU Think?
Do you like to make smoothies for breakfast (or lunch)? What is your go-to recipe? Will you try any of these? Which one sounds the best to you? Leave a comment below and let us know.
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