Life is fast-paced and busy. Between a locked-in work schedule, our kids’ activities, social obligations, making meals for our families, and taking care of our homes, it can be difficult to carve out time to take proper care of ourselves.

In an effort to ensure proper nutrition while constantly on the go, many of us turn to taking vitamin and mineral supplements to try and make up for the lost nutrition we should be getting from food. While supplements do have their place, they are just that: supplements. Meant to boost our already healthy diets, not become our main source of nutrition.

The Health Impact of Improper Nutrition

This lack of nutritious food, along with the stress of trying to keep up with our busy lives, wreaks havoc on our health in a number of ways, including:

• Decreased energy levels and constant fatigue.

• Difficulty focusing and remaining mentally sharp.

• Irritability and mood swings.

• Brittle and dull hair, skin, and nails.

• Insomnia.

• Reduced immune function.

• Weight gain and slow metabolism.

• Indigestion, gas, bloating.

• Junk food cravings.

What we need are quick, simple, nutrient-packed foods that can be made in minutes and taken with us wherever we go. This is where healthy drinks, such as smoothies, shakes, and juices, come in.

31 Healthy Drinks and Smoothie Recipes

Each of these drinks are packed with nutrition, take minutes to make, and can be easily taken with you to the office, the soccer field, sipped on the way to or from yoga class, or while you’re running around doing errands and house chores.

1. Bananas + Almonds + Cinnamon + Salt

Blend together:

• 1 banana

• 15 raw almonds

• 1 glass filtered water

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 pinch of sea salt or pink rock salt

Why it’s healthy: Cinnamon is the star of this show thanks to it’s appetite suppressing and antioxidant capabilities. Bananas and salt help to balance levels of key electrolytes sodium and potassium, and the almonds provide small amounts of protein and a good dose of healthy fats.

2. Bell Pepper + Lemon

Blend together:

• 2 Bell Peppers

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Why it’s healthy: The vitamin C from the lemon and peppers will help boost your mood, immune system, and energy levels. Vitamin C is also a beneficial antioxidant for your skin, and lemon is a fantastic digestive aid.

3. Carrots + Tomatoes + Bell Peppers + Garlic + Celery + Garden Cress + Spinach

Blend together:

• 5 carrots

• 2-3 tomatoes

• 2 bell peppers

• 4 cloves garlic

• 4 celery sticks

• 1 cup garden cress

• 1 cup spinach

Why it’s healthy: This is the ultimate immune-boosting, vision improving, and glowing-skin drink. It’s packed with beta-carotene, vitamin C, and a host of other vitamins, anti-oxidants, and flavanoids that will have you feeling and looking amazing in no time.

4. Almonds + Dates + Honey +Mint

Blend together:

• 1 handful raw almonds

• 1 glass filtered water

• 2 dates, pitted (medjool are best because of their softness)

• 1 tsp raw honey 

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 handful fresh mint

Why it’s healthy: This naturally sweet drink is great for a little energy-boost mid-day. It’s full of vitamin E from the almonds that works wonders for your skin and nails, mint which aids digestion, cinnamon and honey which have antimicrobial properties.

5. Beets + Carrots + Radish + Garlic + Parsely

Blend together:

• 1 medium sized beet

• 3 carrots

• 1 radish

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1 handful parsley

Why it’s healthy: Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants such as beta carotene, anthocyanins, and vitamin C help to improve your immune function, decrease food cravings, and even lose weight.

6. Pineapple + Carrot + Apple

Blend together:

• 1/2 pineapple

• 2 apples

• 2 carrots

Why it’s healthy: Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, a powerful anti-inflammatory that helps improve immune function, promotes healing, and has anti-aging and weight loss benefits. This smoothie also has plenty of soluble fiber to help keep you regular.

7. Carrot + Tomatoes + Celery + Olive Oil + Salt + Pepper

Blend together:

• 1 carrot

• 2 tomatoes

• 1 celery stick

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• 1 pinch salt and pepper

Why it’s healthy: Along with the vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, this drink has an extra nutrition boost thanks to the olive oil. This oil contains vitamins E and K and is an excellent source of essential monounsaturated fatty acids. These fats aid in nutrient absorption are hydrating for the skin and hair.

8. Kiwi + Pear + Parsley + Banana

Blend together:

• 3 kiwis

• 1 large pear

• 1 large bunch parsley

• 1/2 banana

• 1 cup filtered water

Why it’s healthy: Kiwi is an excellent source of b-complex vitamins and vitamins A, C, E, niacin, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorous. These nutrients help to decrease inflammation,  fight off infection, improve sleep and energy levels, and provide healthy, glowing skin.

9. Broccoli + Cauliflower + Grapefruit + Flax Seeds + Almonds + Dates

Blend together:

• 1 handful broccoli

• 1 handful cauliflower

• 1/2 grapefruit

• 1 teaspoon flax seeds

• 1 small handful almonds

• 4 dates

• filtered water, as needed 

Why it’s healthy: Cauliflower and broccoli contain high amounts of b-vitamins that aid in the detoxification of our digestive systems. When combined with weight-loss boosting grapefruit and omega-3 fatty acid rich flax seeds, this drink will have you feeling light, energized, and glow from the inside-out.

10. Banana + Apple Juice + Carrot + Lemon

Blend together:

• 1 banana

• 1 glass unsweetened apple juice

• 2 tablespoons of chopped carrot

• juice of 1/2 lemon

Why it’s healthy: This refreshing drink contains potassium, beta carotene, and cleansing lemon to provide your body with easy energy and hydration to improve the look of your skin.

11. Bilberry + Pomegranate + Apple + cucumber + Spinach

Blend together:

• 3/4 cup frozen bilberries

• 1 glass pomegranate juice

• 1 peeled apple

• 1 peeled cucumber

• 1 handful spinach

Why it’s healthy: Bilberries are excellent immune-strength builders, and pomegranate is well known for it’s cardiovascular protective properties.

12. Orange + Grapefruit + Lemon + Green Tea + Banana + Honey

Blend together:

• 1 peeled orange

• 1/2 grapefruit

• juice of 1/2 lemon

• 1 glass of cooled green tea

• 1 mashed banana

• 1 teaspoon honey

Why it’s healthy: This is the ultimate detox drink thanks to the citrus fruits and green tea. Along with the incredible antioxidant properties of green tea, this drink can help you to lose weight, improve your skin, and provide you with long-lasting energy to power you through your day.

13. Apple + Celery + Cucumber + Beet + Ginger

Blend together:

• 3 green apples

• 1 celery stick

• 1 cucumber

• 1 beet

• 1 medium sized piece of ginger

• filtered water, as needed

Why it’s healthy: This drink is excellent for hydration, and therefore the skin, thanks to the high water content of the celery and cucumber. The beets and ginger provide your body with much needed anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to fight off illness and disease.

14. Ginger + Spinach + Apple + Honey

Blend together:

• 2 large handfuls spinach

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger

• 2 apples

• 2 teaspoons honey

• filtered water, as needed

Why it’s healthy: Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, making it great for fighting off illness and disease.

15. Cucumber + Parsley

Blend together:

• 1 cucumber

• 1 handful parsley

• filtered water, as needed

Why it’s healthy: Don’t let this drink’s simplicity fool you, this is a vitamin and mineral hydration powerhouse. Cucumbers are 96% water, and parsley is rich in antioxidants and several vitamin and minerals. Drink this smoothie on a hot day for a nutrient-packed hydration boost.

16. Pineapple + Kiwi + Cucumber + Lemon

Blend together:

• 1 kiwi

• 1 cucumber

• 1/2 medium pineapple

• A couple squeezes of fresh lemon juice

Why it’s healthy: The previously mentioned benefits of pineapple and kiwi plus the hydrating power of cucumber make this a sweet pick-up to push through that mid-day slump.

17. Apple + Lemon + Cucumber

Blend together:

• 1 apple

• juice of 1/2 lemon

• 2 cucumbers

Why it’s healthy: This simple, hydrating smoothie is high in vitamin C, fiber, and iron. Drink this for improved energy levels and an immune system boost.

18. Avocado + Orange + Banana + Herbs + Lemon

Blend together:

• 1 banana

• 1 orange

• 1 avocado

• juice of 1/2 lemon

• small handful of herbs of choice

• filtered water, as needed

Why it’s healthy: Avocados are packed with healthy fats that improve the look of your skin, hair, as well as brain function and other body systems. Healthy fats also aid in the absorption of nutrients and fat-soluble vitamins.

19. Grapefruit + Flax Seeds + Strawberries + Grape + Avocado + Banana + Lemon

Blend together:

• 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds

• 1/2 grapefruit

• 15 frozen strawberries

• 1 handful seedless grapes

• 1/2 avocado

• 1 banana

• juice of 1/2 lemon

• filtered water or nut milk, as needed

Why it’s healthy: Full of vitamin C, antioxidants, and healthy fats, this smoothie will help to boost your energy and immunity to keep you sharp and energized every day of the week.

20. Banana + Apple + Bran + Coriander

Blend together:

• 1/2 banana

• 1/2 green apple

• 1 tablespoon bran

• 1 small bunch coriander (or substitute basil or mint)

• filtered water, as needed

Why it’s healthy: If you struggle with constipation, than this is the perfect drink to start off your day. The soluble fiber will help keep you regular to avoid common side effects from constipation such as fatigue, gas, and bloating.

21. Cucumber + Spinach + Pineapple + Green Tea + Lemon + Ginger

Blend together:

• 1 cucumber

• 2 bunches of spinach

• 2 cups of diced pineapple

• 1 cup green tea

• juice of 1/2 lemon

• 1 piece of fresh ginger

Why it’s healthy: This is a hydrating, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, vitamin C and iron rich smoothie perfect for breakfast on the go. This drink will help you remain focused and energized while fighting inflammation and free radicals that cause illness and aging.

22. Carrot + Apple + Ginger + Banana + Orange + Mint

Blend together:

• 3 carrots

• 2 green apples

• 1 piece ginger

• 2 bananas

• 1 orange

• 1 handful fresh mint

• filtered water, as needed

Why it’s healthy: Ginger and mint are excellent digestive aids which pair well with the fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the fruits and vegetables in this drink. This drink will have your stomach feeling good and your mood even better.

23. Strawberry + Cranberry + Banana + Mint

Blend together:

• 200 grams frozen strawberries

• 150 grams frozen cranberries (or cherries)

• 2 bananas

• 1 large handful fresh mint leaves

• Filtered water as needed

Why it’s healthy: Cranberries (or cherries) provide anti-inflammatory benefits and are great for anyone with joint pain.

24. Spinach + Lettuce + Celery + Pear + Banana + Lemon

Blend together:

• 1 handful spinach

• 5 lettuce leaves

• 3 celery sticks

• 1 pear

• 1 banana

• A couple squeezes of lemon juice

• Filtered water, as needed

Why it’s healthy: This is another great morning drink thanks to the constipation-fighting properties of pears, the hydrating abilities of celery and lettuce, and the vitamin C plus iron combination from the spinach and fruits. This drink will help you feel light and energized all day long.

25. Spinach + Banana + Apple + Lemon

Blend together:

• 1 large handful spinach

• 2 bananas

• 1 apple

• juice of 1/2 lemon

• 1 glass filtered water

Why it’s healthy: This drink can help to improve your mood, fight fatigue, and provide your body with the iron and potassium it needs to thrive.

26. Carrot + Beet + Celery + Cucumber + Apple + Parsley + Ginger

Blend together:

• 1 carrot

• 1 beet

• 1 celery stick

• 1 cucumber

• 2 apples

• 1 small bunch parsley

• 1 piece ginger

• filtered water, as needed

Why it’s healthy: This smoothie wins points for the color variety of the purple beets, orange carrots, and green parsley, providing a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants. In addition to the anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting powers of ginger, this is perfect for on-the-go energy and glowing skin nutrition.

27. Cucumber + Lettuce + Lemon + Honey

Blend together:

• 1 bunch lettuce

• 1 peeled cucumber

• juice of 1/2 lemon

• 1 small spoonful of honey

• Filtered water as needed

Why it’s healthy: This smoothie is a refreshing total body detoxifier. The high water content of the cucumber and lettuce along with the lemon juice will provide your kidneys and liver with the boost they need to flush out waste and toxins. This drink also has plenty of vitamin E, one of the most important vitamins for the health and healing of your skin.

28. Celery + Spinach + Lime + Banana

Blend together:

• 2 celery sticks

• 1 large handful spinach

• 1 banana

• juice of 1/2 lime

• filtered water as needed

Why it’s healthy: This hydrating smoothie is full of iron, potassium, and vitamin C for beautiful skin, strong hair, and sustainable energy to last throughout the day.

29. Bilberry + Banana + Lemon + Celery

Blend together:

• 2 bananas

• 3 tablespoons of bilberry

• 1/3 juice of a lemon

• 2-3 celery sticks

• filtered water as needed

Why it’s healthy: Bilberries are fantastic for improved immunity and the health of your eyes.

30. Spinach + Banana + Lemon

Blend together:

• 3 bananas

• 1 bunch of spinach

• juice of 1/2 lemon

• filtered water as needed

Why it’s healthy: Spinach is one of those everyday foods that can do so much for our health. They are an excellent vegetarian source of iron, and contain other vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for the maintenance of tissues, proper functioning of the brain and other body systems, as well as providing us with glowing skin and strong hair and nails.

31. Walnuts + Parsley + Honey + Ginger + Raisins

Blend together:

• handful of walnuts

• handful or dried parsley leaves

• 1 tablespoon natural honey

• 1 handful of raisins

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• filtered water, as needed

Why it’s healthy:  This smoothie will not only give you a hit of energy to get you through your day, but it will also help to fight adrenal fatigue that comes with our stressful lives, helping to fight chronic fatigue, brittle hair and nails, and dull, lifeless skin.

As you can see, there are endless combinations of ingredients you can use to make delicious, health-boosting drinks to keep your nutrition locked-in no matter how busy you get. Try one of these delicious combinations, or create one of your own. Share with your friends and family to help us build a healthier, happier society.

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