Breakfast smoothies aren’t just for spring. Take advantage of frozen berries and make some antioxidant-rich smoothies with skin-beautifying ingredients.
I have blender envy. Having read celebrity profiles and fashion magazines since before I could actually read, I’m well used to feeling envy over the Chanel eye shadow and Alaïa shoes and original Rembrandts and Diptyque candles famous people have. But now they’re all talking about how brilliant their $700 blenders are, and I was unprepared for the level of envy I feel about that.
With the rise of juice fasts and living only on smoothies, every famous person and rich style blogger in the world has her hands on a $700 Vitamix blender. Gwyneth Paltrow says it’s an absolute requirement and completely worth it. (She would.) Dita Von Teese has a rolling travel case for hers so she can have smoothies in her hotel rooms. I am imagining what beautiful piña coladas it must make.
But you don’t need a fancy blender to enjoy a smoothie. The only spinning, choppy thing in my house is a secondhand Magic Bullet, but my smoothies are cold and delicious.
Smoothies are often considered mainly a spring and summer thing because that’s when the fruit is fresh. But you should definitely enjoy them during the fall and winter because frozen fruit is perfect for smoothies. Frozen fruit can be unpleasant in other preparations because freezing damages the texture. But since smoothies are blended anyway, by using frozen fruit, you get all that wonderful spring produce, and it makes your drink nice and cold.
Cranberry Orange Smoothie
Cranberries are a rich source of antioxidants, and orange juice has a ton of vitamin C. Vitamin C is key in the production of collagen and helps your skin repair itself.
Recipe: Real Food. Real Deals
Berry-Nana-Cado Smoothie
Do I have an avocado problem? I might have an avocado problem. But avocado is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and is excellent for your skin, and it makes this smoothie nice and creamy. Orange juice donates some vitamin C to the cause, and mixed frozen berries provide vitamin A and bonus antioxidants.
Recipe: The Nifty Foodie
Lavender Blueberry Slow-Down Smoothie
Blueberries are one of the most antioxidant-rich things you can put in your mouth. This smoothie also includes almond milk, which will give it a smooth and creamy flavor and bonus Omega-3 fatty acids, and lavender, which is supposed to be pretty calming.
Mango, Kale, Spinach & Apple Smoothie
Dark greens like kale and spinach are amazing for your skin. Spinach has lutein, a carotenoid that protects the skin from UV damage. It also has high levels of vitamin C, K, and E.
Recipe: Love Life Eat
Spicy Pumpkin Smoothie
Pumpkin gets its orange color from a ton of beta carotene, which protects your skin from UV damage and converts to vitamin A once you eat it. This smoothie is also spicy and has a ton of protein, so if you’re exercising a lot, try one of these to help build muscle.
Recipe: The Healthy Foodie
Pumpkin Cheesecake Breakfast Smoothie
OK, this one sounds suspiciously like a delicious seasonal milkshake, but that’s not exactly an argument against drinking it for breakfast.
Recipe: Cooking Classy
Mango Avocado Smoothie
OK, I really might have an avocado problem. But mangos are delicious and sweet and full of vitamin C, and this is one of the most healthful ways to make an insanely creamy smoothie.
Recipe: Eat Yourself Skinny
Red Velvet Beet Smoothie
Beets are considered anti-inflammatory, and they’re also rich in copper and vitamin C, and they also have zinc, which is another essential beauty nutrient. This gorgeous smoothie has vitamin A-rich strawberries, cocoa powder with its lovely zinc, Greek yogurt, and a red beet. Beet juice was a crazy nutrition trend amongst the athletes at the last Olympic Games.
Recipe: Cooking A La Mel
Mixed Berry Smoothie
This thing is not kidding around when it comes to antioxidants. Between the raspberries, pomegranate juice, blackberries, strawberries, grapes, and spinach, you’re pretty much set for the day.
Green Tea, Tart Cherry & Almond Milk Smoothie
Green tea helps protect skin against UV damage, and almond milk is creamy full of delightful healthy fats. Add some tart cherries, which are one of the most antioxidant-rich things around, and this thing is pretty great.