There is no doubt that you have seen or been to a smoothie establishment. There are healthy options, seemingly healthy options, and glorified milkshakes. Some of the recipes even state that they contain juice and ice cream. Those smoothies do not do anything for your overall health. In fact, they only make you crave unhealthy foods and increase your sugar intake. 

On the other hand, a smoothie can be an excellent source of easy-to-digest fuel for the entire body, especially your muscles. That should be of great interest if you are focusing on your gains in the gym. With the following ingredients, you can ensure your smoothies will be nutrient-dense, instead of detracting from your progress. 

Spirulina

It’s possible that this ingredient may not be a go-to selection for you, but it is one of the most nutrient-dense ingredients on this list. Familiarize yourself with spirulina, which is a blue-green algae that is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, zinc, iron, beta-carotene, and so much more. Just remember that a little goes a long way and it can have a seaweed-like taste, so don’t treat this like protein powder. 

Beets

Yes, you can add beets to your smoothie and make it taste good! Beets exhibit anti-inflammatory activity and are rich in iron, folate, and several B-vitamins. A one-cup serving of beets also offers 442 milligrams (mg) of potassium, which may help lower blood pressure. The body can better absorb iron when you consume it with vitamin C, so pair beets with citrus fruits, apples, and carrots for better nutrient absorption.

Cinnamon

Fruits and vegetables get a lot of love and support as smoothie ingredients, but spices like cinnamon are typically neglected. Cinnamon is as versatile as it is aromatic and flavorful. According to several studies, cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar, making it an excellent choice for people with diabetes. It may also reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. It is also a warming spice that goes great with bananas, almond butter, maple syrup, chia seeds, pears, and more.

Bananas

Believe it or not, every smoothie does not have to contain bananas, but it is a useful ingredient, both nutritionally and texturally. Frozen or soft, bananas bring both a natural sweetness and creamy texture to your smoothies. They are also rich in potassium, fiber, complex carbs, and vitamin B6, which is integral for optimal brain and immune function. 

Almond Butter

If you have the option to purchase raw almond butter, please do so because other varieties can include added sugars and problematic oils. Almond butter is a great smoothie ingredient because it contains monounsaturated fat and doesn’t have nearly as much saturated fat as peanut butter. It is also rich in protein and fiber, two nutrients that help keep those hunger pangs at bay. 

Non-Dairy Milk

Although water is a perfectly acceptable liquid to use in a smoothie, non-dairy milks make smoothies more creamy and filling. One of the primary benefits of non-dairy milks is that they increase calcium absorption. Regarding protein content, soy milk is the best option, but soy can be inflammatory for many people. Both almond milk and cashew milk are great options for smoothies as well. Whichever non-dairy milk you select, make sure to buy unsweetened varieties, as many contain added sugars, stabilizers, and other processed ingredients. You can also make your own non-dairy milks, which is the best and most nutritious option.

Chia Seeds

These seeds may be small, but they are mighty, packing a lot of heart-healthy omega-3s and fiber per serving. Research suggests that chia seeds may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Don’t add too many chia seeds to a smoothie, or else the texture of the smoothie may feel closer to chia pudding. As a side note, chia pudding is a great pre- or post-workout snack to fuel your muscles. 

Spinach

Popeye was leading the charge about popularizing spinach! It is a great green to add to smoothies because it doesn’t really flavor your smoothies. Add bananas and some other fruits and you won’t even know the spinach is there, besides the color. Spinach is a great source of protein, magnesium, folate, iron, and more. It also contains lutein, which promotes healthy eyesight. Spinach is also a great source of vitamin K, with one serving providing nearly 200% of the daily value. 

Raspberries

To round out the list, we have raspberries, which are low in sugar (five grams per cup) and full of fiber (eight grams per cup). Raspberries are also rich in potassium, vitamin C, and a variety of antioxidants. Pair raspberries with a protein source and your smoothie will be great for muscle building and anti-aging.

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Mornings can be a whirlwind, especially if you are dealing with work deadlines, school runs, or the general hustle and bustle of life. Finding a breakfast that is both healthy and easy to make in a timely fashion can be quite difficult. That’s why we always recommend chia pudding to those with busy schedules. You can easily prepare it the night before and it’s ready to go in the morning. Just take it out of the fridge, put on your optional toppings, and enjoy on the go. So if you are looking for a breakfast that is both delicious and nutritious, make this chia pudding that is 100% customizable. Let’s take a look at the featured ingredients in this recipe:

• Chia seeds: Without these tiny black seeds, you have no recipe. They are responsible for the pudding’s thick, tapioca-like texture. They absorb liquid and expand to create the pudding and are naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and other vitamins and minerals.
• Homemade almond milk: This is an essential liquid to have if you are on the raw vegan diet. Not only is it easy to make, but it also tastes way better than any store bought almond milk you’ve had. Homemade almond milk also provides more nuttiness, which complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Cinnamon: This aromatic spice provides a comforting warmth to this chia pudding. It enhances the flavor and offers some potential healthy benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Vanilla extract: Make sure to buy the alcohol-free pure vanilla extract, as the regular stuff can contain unnecessary sugars. A touch of vanilla extract adds a subtle sweetness that rounds out what the cinnamon and maple syrup bring to the table.
• Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that brings a non-chemical sweetness to the chia pudding. It has a touch of warmth that complements the cinnamon and a little goes a long way.

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Blue spirulina is a blue-green algae commonly found in lakes and ponds. It is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in existence, being chock-full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, carotenoids, and protein. According to several studies, blue spirulina may exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity. Other studies show that it may help lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, aid anemia patients due to the iron content, among other benefits. Due to its neutral flavor, it makes for a great addition to smoothies, drinks, oatmeal, chia pudding, and more for an added nutritional boost.

Although blue spirulina gives this chia pudding its color, the chia seeds make this recipe possible. When you soak chia seeds in liquid, they begin to absorb it and start to bloom, which creates the pudding or tapioca-like consistency. In fact, chia seeds absorb 12 times their weight in water, which actually prolongs hydration. Chia seeds are naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, calcium, and antioxidants. There is really no reason to avoid these small but mighty healthy seeds.

All you have to do to make the chia pudding is whisk the almond milk, agave nectar, vanilla extract, and spirulina powder together in a mixing bowl. While whisking, pour in the chia seeds and continue to whisk to avoid clumping. Once everything is incorporated, cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight to set. You can also transfer the mixture to a couple jars and refrigerate overnight. Grab the chia pudding in the morning, top with optional fruit or nuts, and enjoy!

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Are you ready to indulge in the velvety decadence of this unique, raw vegan blueberry avocado pudding? It’s a treat that’s as nutrient-dense as it is delicious. Crafted with one ripe avocado, refreshing blueberries, and a tablespoon of chia seeds, this breakfast, which doubles as a healthy dessert, will defy your expectations by offering a creamy, luxurious texture without the addition of unnecessary sugars, preservatives, or dairy. Think of this pudding more like a berry-laden, velvety cake, just with a healthier twist and more personality.

Bite into this delicate pudding and you’ll discover an array of health benefits. Blueberries exhibit potent antioxidant activity, meaning they work to fight free radicals, which staves off oxidative stress. Keeping your cells healthy also benefits immune function, and the vitamin C in blueberries contributes to collagen production, which enhances the overall appearance of the skin. Avocados provide heart-healthy, monounsaturated fats, which support healthy cholesterol levels and brain health. Meanwhile, chia seeds add a fibrous punch that aids digestion and keeps you feeling full longer, so you will be less likely to reach for snacks between meals. Instead, this pudding just satisfies your sweet tooth and nourishes the body from the inside out.

Best of all, this pudding is a no-cook, raw vegan masterpiece, so all of those precious nutrients are preserved in their natural state. Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free dessert or a filling breakfast, this blueberry avocado pudding proves that healthy eating can be both delicious and tempting.

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Are you ready to escape to a tropical paradise without leaving your home? If you answered yes to that question, then you are ready for our delightful mango coconut chia pudding. Some might call it summer’s sweetest secret, while others call it a nutritious breakfast that you can take on the go. It is a creamy, vibrant treat that combines juicy mangos and velvety, full-fat coconut milk for a flavor explosion that’s as refreshing as the ocean breeze. Plus, the chia seeds offer valuable omega-3s and fiber, helping to keep you feeling full between meals to avoid unnecessary snacking. The antioxidants in mangos help to boost your immune system as well, making this breakfast or snack the perfect guilt-free indulgence to keep you cool and nourished all summer long!

Not only does this chia pudding delight your taste buds, but it also offers a lot of healthy fats from the coconut milk. These fats work to support skin health and energy levels. Full-fat coconut milk is not sweet, but it is very creamy and offers a subtle nuttiness that complements the natural sweetness of the mango. The mango contains natural sugars, so you can choose to omit the agave if you choose. Some mangos are sweeter than others, so try the chia pudding without the agave first and then add it if it needs a little extra sweetness.

Let’s not forget the visual component of this delicious coconut mango chia pudding. The mango cubes look like little treats within the speckled tapioca-like pudding. Is it Instagram worthy? Well, that’s up to you to decide! Take a picture and tag us when you post it so that we can love it as much as you do. It is truly your summer-ready breakfast that will transport you to a tropical beach.

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One of the most challenging dietary feats, besides switching to a raw vegan diet, is to reduce your caloric intake. It’s possible to do, but many low-calorie foods can leave you feeling hungry or unfulfilled between meals. This is primarily because they do not contain healthy fats, fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. That said, there are a surprising number of low-calorie foods that can keep you full. Continue reading to learn more about them. 

Berries

Low-calorie and low-carb alert, people! Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries  contain beneficial antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that benefit overall health. One cup of blueberries, for example, contains 86 calories but offers 3.6 grams (g) of fiber. Fiber, in addition to protein, has a big impact on your hunger and appetite. Berries contain a lot of pectin, a type of dietary fiber that has proven to slow stomach emptying and increase feelings of fullness in both human and animal studies. One study found that a 65-calorie afternoon snack of berries decreased total caloric intake later in the day compared to a 65-calorie snack of gummy candies. 

Air-Popped Popcorn

Before we tell you why you can have your popcorn and eat it too, please understand the difference between air-popped popcorn and buttered, movie theater popcorn. The popcorn you buy in packages that says “movie theater butter” on the label is not what we are referring to. Air-popped popcorn means that the kernels pop with heat and air, no oil or butter. You can put some kernels in a silicone bowl, cover the bowl, and microwave until they pop! Due to the high-fiber content, air-popped popcorn is one of the most filling, low-calorie snacks on this list. With only 31 calories in a cup, popcorn boasts 1.2 g of dietary fiber. In addition to slowing the digestive process to promote feelings of fullness, fiber also helps to stabilize blood sugar. Studies have found that popcorn can help enhance feelings of fullness more than other snack foods. 

Leafy Greens

On average, a one-cup serving of leafy greens contains anywhere from five to nine calories. This number will change if the greens are cooked or not, but the range we just specified applies to raw greens. That means you can consume a large serving of leafy greens without ingesting a lot of calories. Most leafy greens provide high amounts of folate, magnesium, iron, protein, and vitamins C, K, and A. You can enjoy large salads, add leafy greens to smoothies, or incorporate them into soups. 

Chia Seeds

Hailed as an incredible superfood, chia seeds offer a lot of protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. A one-ounce serving of chia seeds provides 138 calories, 4.7 g of protein, and 9.8 g of fiber. The soluble fiber in chia seeds absorbs liquid and swells in the stomach to create feelings of fullness. This can be observed if you mix chia seeds with liquid to make chia pudding. The seeds absorb the liquid to create a tapioca pudding-like texture. Some researchers observed that chia seeds can absorb 15 times their weight in water. They move slowly through the digestive tract to keep you full. 

Oats

A wonderful whole grain that is low in calories and high in protein and fiber, two nutrients that promote feelings of fullness. A half-cup serving of dry oats exhibits 154 calories, but the same cup packs 4 g of fiber and 5 g of protein. One study involving 48 adults found that eating oatmeal increased feelings of fullness and reduced hunger and caloric intake at the next meal. Another small study linked instant and old-fashioned oats to improved appetite control over a four-hour period. 

Legumes

Due to the high protein and fiber content, legumes such as peas, lentils, and beans can be very filling. One cup of cooked lentils provides 230 calories, in addition to 15.6 g and 18 g of protein. Several studies found that legumes have a powerful effect on hunger and appetite. A small study involving 43 young adults found that a high protein meal with beans, and peas increased feelings of fullness. The meal also reduced appetite and hunger more than a high protein meal with veal and pork. A review of nine other studies concluded that people felt 31% fuller after eating pulses, a type of legume, when compared to high-carb meals consisting of bread and pasta.

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Don’t want to make a smoothie on the raw vegan diet? There are other options, like chia pudding, that change up raw vegan breakfast game. Not to mention, chia pudding is an incredibly filling dish that is highly versatile. Given that blackberries are in season during summer, we decided to make this recipe with fresh blackberries. If you don’t have access to fresh blackberries, feel free to use frozen blackberries, so long as they are free of added sugars and preservatives. We just recommend that you thaw them prior to blending with the other ingredients.

One ingredient that will catch your palate by surprise is the freshly grated ginger. It’s a little kick that beautifully complements the sweet and tart blackberries. If you have an aversion to ginger, for some strange reason, feel free to omit it from the recipe. It is highly beneficial for the body, though, offering lots of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. All of those active compounds work to enhance immune function, but the blackberries also contain beneficial antioxidants that aid immunity. The choice is yours, regarding ginger.

One last thing to note: you do not have to use homemade almond milk if you do not enjoy almond milk. You can make your own cashew milk, pecan milk, walnut milk, or even sunflower seed milk if you prefer those varieties. Just make sure that you do not use store bought nut or seed milks for the chia pudding. Most store bought varieties contain added sugars, thickening agents, and preservatives.

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Ready for a delightful breakfast, fellow kitchen adventurers? Get ready to grab your breakfast and go when you prepare this peach chia pudding. It’s like summer in a jar! If you know anything about our recipes, you know that we like to make them as user friendly as possible. They should not feel like a challenge because healthy eating doesn’t have to be that way. You can create nutrient-dense meals in a matter of minutes with a few simple ingredients. Such is the case for this chia pudding, which can double as a healthy breakfast or dessert. You can even enjoy it as a pre- or post-workout snack.

The thick chia pudding is bursting with peach goodness. Since peaches are in season during the summer months, we like to use them whenever possible. In-season peaches are typically juicier and more flavorful, offering a lovely natural sweetness that steals the show in this recipe. Depending on the sweetness level of the peach you use in this recipe, you may or may not need the grade A maple syrup. Try it without the maple syrup at first and then add it if you desire a sweeter flavor from your chia pudding. Pour the mixture into two jars and refrigerate overnight. Doing so gives the chia pudding enough time to set.

Unlike other chia pudding recipes, this one requires you to make the chia pudding base before incorporating the chia seeds. Once you blend together the base ingredients, incorporate the chia seeds. Make sure you take your time with blending because you want it to be silky smooth (just like a smoothie) prior to adding the chia seeds. Want a little texture in your chia pudding? Leave the base slightly chunky with peach bits. That will also help it maintain fruity essence!

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This is potentially the quickest and easiest jam you’re ever going to make. You don’t have to simmer fruit and sugar for a while until it thickens into a sugary, jammy spread. You also don’t need added sugars or pectin to yield the consistency that is common in most jams. Another reason you don’t need pectin is because dried fruit only contains 22% water, so there is no need for a thickener. This raw apricot jam has incredible depth of flavor and made entirely from dried fruit, a touch of maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt.

Since dried fruit contains less water than fresh fruit, you want to rehydrate it prior to making the jam. By rehydrating the dried fruit, you make it softer and easier to blend. Just soak in a bowl of warm water for a few hours and be sure to discard the soaking water. The reason we decided to use dried apricots is because they, much like figs, cherries, and plums, are juicier dried fruits. Just make sure that you purchase dried apricots that are free of sulfites, added sugars, and preservatives. Those dried apricots tend to be brown in color, so your jam may not be the most picturesque orange hue you’re dreaming of, but it is chemical-free and healthier.

Just like fresh fruit jam, dried fruit jam is very versatile. Use it instead of jelly on a classic PB&J sandwich, spread it on crepes, or use it as a topping for your yogurt bowl. It should be noted that all of those suggestions are acceptable to enjoy if you are not cleansing. Should you want to enjoy this while cleansing, you can use it as a topping for banana or cashew pudding, chia pudding, or on raw vegan ice cream.

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Do you need an indulgent breakfast that tastes like one of the most beloved desserts of all time? This nourishing key lime pie chia pudding is all that and more! Very simple to prepare and bursting with zesty, bright flavor, this chia pudding delivers maximum satisfaction. It’s an ideal meal for novice and experienced chefs alike. It has a creamy texture and vibrant lime flavor. Feel free to blitz some almonds or cashews to use as a crunchy topping that acts like a crust.

Key limes offer vital antioxidants that can promote cellular health and boost immune function. The real nutrients come from the chia seeds in this pudding, though. The nutrients that chia seeds provide may support strong bones, regulate blood sugar, and promote heart health. Historically, the Aztec and Mayan civilizations incorporated chia seeds into their diets. They also used the seeds for religious rituals, cosmetics, and medicinal purposes. These seeds were viewed as highly nutritious, a belief that is currently backed by scientific research.

The specific antioxidants in chia seeds include caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and kaempferol. All of these antioxidants may offer protective effects for the heart and liver. Chlorogenic acid, for example, may help lower blood pressure, while caffeic acid exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies even indicate that they may have anticancer potential, but more research is still necessary. If these examples are not enough to enjoy this chia pudding, we don’t know what will convince you!

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