Smoothies have become very popular in the health industry and are recommended to drink for many reasons. For one they increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, even for the pickiest eaters, there are recipes that don't even taste like you’re eating them. If you’re adding the right ingredients, smoothies may be beneficial to your health. NBC news states, “Done right, smoothies can make nutritious sense, packing satisfying ingredients along with fiber, vitamins, minerals and other health-protecting substances.” Here are a few easy and healthy smoothie recipes you can make at home!

Banana Strawberry Soy Smoothie - This sweet smoothie will boost your protein intake and satisfy your sweet tooth. Soy can lower your blood pressure and can be a healthy alternative to fatty protein sources.

• 1 cup plain soy milk (vanilla flavored, if preferred)
• 5 oz. silken tofu
• 1 banana (cut into chunks)
• 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
• 2 tsp. honey

Green Smoothie Recipe - This refreshing drink is an excellent source of vitamins A and C. In this recipe, you can add green superfood powder that will provide your smoothie with potent plant foods that can help fight inflammation and boost your immune system. If you're looking for a good powder you should try our Simple Botanics’ green superfood powder which contains all organic ingredients.

• 1 banana
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 4 tablespoons)
• 1/2 cup strawberries
• 1/2 cup other berries, such as blackberries or blueberries
• 2 ounces fresh raw baby spinach (about 2 cups)
• Fresh mint to taste
• 1 cup cold water or ice

Raspberry Avocado Smoothie - This smoothie contains avocados that will provide loads of potassium. This drink contains a lot of vitamin c, fiber, and antioxidants.

• 1 avocado (peeled and pitted)
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 3/4 cup raspberry juice
• 1/2 cup raspberries

Protein Packed Breakfast Smoothie - This is a protein packed breakfast smoothie with the key ingredient being collagen powder, which is known for improving skin and hair health. Included in some of Simple Botanics’ snack packs, Great Lakes Collagen Powder would be a perfect addition to this smoothie recipe.

• 2 scoops of collagen protein powder
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
• Handful of fresh spinach
• Handful of ice
• Handful of blueberries

Carrot Smoothie - This smoothie has a citrus flavor and contains carrots, which have a lot of vitamin A, vitamin K, potassium and magnesium. By adding fresh squeezed orange juice you can avoid unnecessary sugars and gaining loads of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. This smoothie is perfect to give you the boost you need in the morning.

• 1 cup sliced carrots
• ½ teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
• 1 cup of orange juice
• 1½ cups ice cubes
• Orange peel curls (optional)
  

Overall, smoothies can make a great breakfast or snack, anytime of the day, and can also help you refuel after a workout. While buying smoothies at juice shops can be pricey and contain ingredients that might not be as healthy as you think, you can still enjoy them by making them at home and ensuring there healthy ingredients.  So if you're looking for a quick and easy way to gain your daily nutrients, try out some of these smoothies!