10 Low-Carb Smoothie Recipes For A Healthy Boost

What makes smoothies so delicious? The rich, creamy texture, maybe? Or maybe it’s the fact that they’re fruit juice on steroids. Whatever the reason, they’re all the rage these days—and it’s easy to see why. Smoothies are portable, simple to make and full of vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

1) Blueberry Coconut Protein Smoothie

To keep carbs down and protein up, fill a blender with ice, almond milk, coconut water, one frozen banana and one cup of fresh or frozen blueberries. Blend until smooth. Top off with unsweetened shredded coconut for added flavour and nutrients. This drink gives you a healthy boost of energy from protein to help power you through your day—without weighing you down with excess carbs. One serving contains 14 grams of carbohydrate; 252 calories; 8 grams of protein; 10 grams of fat; 4 grams of fibre: (Courtesy of Power Hungry.)

2) Avocado & Pear Sunrise Smoothie

Blending avocado and pear is a delicious, healthful way to add fats and fibre without a ton of carbs. The green tea also provides a bit of caffeine so you can start your day off with energy. If you want more flavour, you can add some cinnamon or vanilla. Although it may sound strange, I make my smoothies in a coffee mug; it’s portable, easy to clean and makes less of a mess than blending everything in my blender pitcher.

3) Raspberry Avocado Green Tea Superfood Smoothie

This blend has vitamins and nutrients from a wide range of green vegetables, as well as natural detoxifying agents from flax seeds. Try it when you’re feeling sluggish or tired; it’s especially helpful after indulging in sweets or alcohol. If possible, use organic ingredients for added health benefits.

4) Banana Berry Green Protein Shake

Combine 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk, 2/3 cup sliced strawberries, 1⁄2 frozen banana, 3 tablespoons plain nonfat Greek yogurt and one scoop protein powder. Mix in a blender until smooth. In a small bowl, mix 1⁄4 cup liquid egg substitute with a pinch of baking soda and 1⁄4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour into blender and pulse until just combined. Top with another half of a sliced strawberry. Serve cold. Makes 1 serving (about 10 oz.) with 10g carbs 24g protein 70 calories per serving.

5) Easy Strawberry Mango Green Blend

Strawberries and mangoes are on top of any list for a quick and healthy blend. This fruit blend not only has fewer carbs than a regular fruit smoothie but also packs in twice as much vitamin C. Easy Strawberry Mango Green Blend Recipe (Yields 1 serving) 200 grams strawberries, chopped 3/4 cup mango, chopped 4 grams spinach 20 grams chia seeds 10 grams hemp seeds 15 grams maple syrup Directions: 1. Place all ingredients into the blender and mix well until smooth. 2. Pour into glasses and enjoy! Total Carbohydrates: 37g Total Calories: 433 per serving

6) Green Dream Mocktail

Take 2 cups (500 ml) of coconut water and add 3 to 4 tablespoons (45 to 60 ml) of fresh or frozen mango, as well as 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of lime juice. Blend until smooth. Finish with a handful of ice, or add 1/2 cup (125 ml) to one full cup (250 ml) of ice for an even creamier texture.

7) Raspberry Cacao Protein Shake

This protein shake blends up quickly for a quick breakfast or after-workout drink. If you have time, be sure to chill it for about half an hour before drinking to give your protein powder time to dissolve. The fat in heavy cream helps your body absorb a portion of your calcium and vitamin D from other foods in your diet, which is especially important if you’re lactose intolerant. Cacao (also known as cocoa) powder can be bitter on its own, but it absorbs dairy’s sweetness nicely here, making for a well-rounded smoothie that doesn’t taste like dessert! You can adjust how much cacao you use depending on how chocolatey you want things—start with 2 tablespoons and see how it tastes.

8) Pumpkin Pie Green Smoothie

Ingredients 1 cup coconut milk 3 tbsp. pumpkin puree 2 tsp. chia seeds 1/2 cup of baby spinach 4 ice cubes 1 tsp. cinnamon Directions Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Yield: 1 serving

9) Kale Apple Spinach Green Drink Blend

Kale is high in fibre and has been linked to lowering cholesterol. Green apples are high in vitamin C and can help boost your immune system, while spinach contains chlorophyll, a chemical that helps keep your blood healthy. Try blending with almond milk for a smooth flavour.

10) Watermelon Lime Greenville

This refreshing drink is a twist on a classic Popsicle and only has 3.5 g of net carbs per serving! It’s made with honeydew melon, lime juice, lemon juice, vanilla extract and fresh watermelon. All you need to do is freeze and blend until smooth. This recipe makes 4 servings. Click here for more information about Watermelon Lime Greenville.

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