Summer Smoothies

Busy mornings, warm weather, and picky eaters are no match for the power of a smoothie. Whether you’re racing through your morning routine or just looking for an easy way to pack in nutrients, smoothies are a versatile go-to.

Here are four favorite blends I’ve been making lately to fuel my family — with ingredients that support energy, gut health, and taste buds. These smoothies double as snacks, breakfasts, or even last-minute add-on to a “lazy” dinner. Yes, they’re that satisfying!

Smoothie 1: Blueberry Bonanza

A sweet and antioxidant-rich smoothie with hidden greens.

Ingredients:

• A handful of fresh spinach

• 1 cup frozen blueberries

• 1 banana

• Dash of cinnamon

• Yogurt of choice (nut, soy, or dairy)

• Water (to desired consistency)

• Fermented protein powder

• Ice cubes

Smoothie 2: Peanut Butter Banana Powerhouse

Kid-tested, parent-approved — a creamy shake that hides a full box of greens!

Ingredients:

• Spinach or kale (yes, the whole 16 oz box!)

• 2 ripe bananas

• 1 Tbsp peanut butter

• Yogurt (any variety)

• Soy milk, water, or dairy milk

• Dash of cinnamon

• Fermented protein powder

• Optional: cacao powder or a square of dark chocolate

• Ice cubes

“My kids drink this like it’s a milkshake — it totally makes up for any mealtime fails!”

Smoothie 3: Strawberry Shake

This really does taste like a milkshake, but it's full of fruit and protein.

Ingredients:

• 2–4 chilled bananas

• Large handful of frozen strawberries

• Vanilla soy milk

• Fermented protein powder

• Water, as needed

• Ice cubes

Smoothie 4: Pumpkin Pie

Perfect for fall cravings or post-holiday pumpkin leftovers.

Ingredients:

• ½–1 cup cooked and chilled pumpkin, sweet potato, or butternut squash

• 1 banana

• Cinnamon + pumpkin pie spice

• Vanilla yogurt (your choice)

• Water or vanilla soy/dairy milk

• Cacao powder

• Fermented protein powder

• Ice cubes

Why Fermented Protein Powder?

Fermented protein is easier to digest and supports a healthy gut microbiome. While I don’t always add protein powder to every smoothie, I’ll include it if the smoothie is standing in for a full meal or a “lazy” meal.

Smoothie Tips for Busy Days:

• Keep pre-portioned smoothie packs in the freezer

• Use overripe bananas for natural sweetness

• Sneak in greens — your blender does the hard part

• Top with seeds, granola, or nut butter for added texture and nutrients

The best part? Smoothies are endlessly customizable.

Once you learn the basic formula — fruit + greens + protein + liquid + flavor boosters — you can mix and match with whatever’s in your fridge. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated… or boring!

Smoothie 1 - Blueberry Bonanza

After adding all the spinach, I add the blueberries, powder, cinnamon, etc.

Smoothie 2 - PeanutButter Banana

I will put as much spinach in as I can with some liquid, then blend, and add more.