I can’t pinpoint why, but I have been seriously dragging during the second half of the day. One way I’ve been combating my late afternoon slump is through diet – amping up my vegetable intake and cramming extra nutrition wherever I can manage. My smoothies, for example, were always what I would consider healthy but are now getting the deluxe treatment. Anytime I’m throwing one together, I think about what extra ingredients I can tack on to give it a nutrient boost, especially considering where I can increase the protein and vitamins with a complementary or at least neutral effect on flavor.
In the past couple weeks I’ve been particularly drawn to smoothies with a tropical vibe. I think it’s a side effect of being (more than) mentally ready for warm weather even thought it’s not yet my physical reality. I’ve been reaching for mango, pineapple, and citrus – fruits full of bright sweetness, vibrant color, and, as luck would have it, plenty of nourishing vitamins and minerals. In particular, pineapple and orange boast generous amounts of vitamin C and mango is rich in vitamin A.
Because these fruits have such punchy flavors, there’s a lot of room to play around with additions. I chose hemp seeds for protein and essential fatty acids, fresh ginger for digestive health (and just as much for its invigorating spice), and turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties, among other benefits. I prefer my smoothies on the creamy side, so I included coconut milk and half a banana for texture and an extra tropical touch.
While there’s nothing wrong with a 3-ingredient smoothie, I think it’s worthwhile to take a moment to think about what you can add to your go-to combination to make it even more satisfying and energizing. I’d love to know: What are your favorite smoothie add-ins?
Superfood Tropical Smoothie
handful of ice (or use frozen fruit)
2/3 c coconut milk (full fat or light)
1 c chopped pineapple
1/2 c chopped mango
1 orange, peeled (I used cara cara)
1/2 banana
2 tbsp hemp seeds
1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
(some other potential add-ins: chia seeds or a handful of spinach or kale)
Add the ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
Makes 1 large or 2 smaller servings
blogger / pomegranate / 3044 posts
Drool! That looks so good…
pear / 1614 posts
Yummmmm that sounds awesome. Beautiful pics! I love the tropical vibe, now I’m craving one! I try to add kale to every smoothie, as a result most of our smoothies are green but it helps get us our veggies.
GOLD / wonderful pomegranate / 28905 posts
Our daily smoothies include: plain Greek yogurt, kefir, bananas, blueberries, chia seeds, flax seeds, handful of spinach and a frozen mixed fruit (strawberries, mango, pineapple, grapes) and a splash of 100% pomegranate/ cranberry juice and soy milk to loosen things up. Sometimes I like to add a spoonful of creamy peanut butter to mine.
Can’t wait to try your recipe! Reminds me of a virgin pina colada smoothie!