I’ve decided to take a different approach with this blog post, as usually I simply write about a topic related to thyroid health. But since many people who live a natural lifestyle drink smoothies, I figured I’d try to get the feedback of others regarding their favorite smoothie recipe. In addition, I encourage many of my patients to make their own smoothies, as I think it’s a healthy way to get some important nutrients, protein, etc. So what I’m going to do is provide a little bit of content, and then hope that I get at least a few comments from people who will share their smoothie recipe.
Before I list my favorite smoothie recipe, I want to talk about why you might want to drink smoothies (for those who don’t drink them). First of all, smoothies can be a very healthy meal or snack. I almost always have a smoothie each morning for breakfast, and then I will usually have another one a few hours after lunch. A second reason to have a smoothie is because they are a good way of “sneaking” in some protein. I like to add some whole food powder to my smoothies, although you can add some whey protein, or a rice-based protein powder. There are other types of protein powders as well. However, you need to be careful, as there are a lot of “protein powders” sold on the market which have artificial ingredients and other chemicals you don’t want to consume. A third reason why you might want to begin drinking smoothies is because they are pretty easy to make. Simply throw some fruit and/or vegetables into a blender, along with some purified water and/or organic almond milk, and then add some protein powder, and you’re good to go!
Some people are already familiar with my smoothie recipe, as I have listed it in my thyroid diet articles on my website. Sometimes I will add a raw organic egg to my smoothies, which disgusts some people, and then others will talk about how this will interfere with the absorption of biotin. For those who find this disgusting, most people don’t taste the egg when adding it to the smoothie. As for the effects this will have on biotin absorption, this seems to be the case when consuming a large amount of egg whites, but either way I don’t add a raw egg to my smoothie every time I have one, as I usually will do this three or four times a week around breakfast time. So it’s not as if I’m eating raw eggs throughout the day, but of course if you don’t care to add a raw egg then simply don’t do this.
With that being said, here is my favorite smoothie recipe:
1/4 cup of organic berries( blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, etc.)
Two cups of purified water
One scoop of a good quality protein powder. Some examples include Fit Food Vegan Complete from Xymogen or SP Complete from Standard Process
One plateful of organic green vegetables (I usually use spinach, arugula, and/or kale)
1/2 cup of organic carrots
One tablespoon of flax oil
Optional: one scoop of Amazing Grass Green Superfood
Optional: one raw organic egg yolk (three or four times each week)
I’m very satisfied with the taste of this smoothie, although if someone wants to make it a little bit sweeter they can either add half a banana to this, or they can substitute the two cups of purified water with 4 ounces of organic almond milk, along with 12 ounces of purified water. Obviously you can include an entire banana and/or more almond milk, but of course this will increase the sugar content, which will spike up your blood sugar levels, etc.
I’m sure some might wonder what type of blender is ideal for making smoothies. Although I’ve never tried a Vitamix, I have tried some of the other well known blenders, and to be honest I’m perfectly happy with a basic blender. Even though I make a couple of smoothies per day I can’t justify spending $500 on a blender, but I know others who have a Vitamix or something similar and are very happy with it. Some of the other well known blenders for smoothies include the Nutri Bullet, and the Ninja.
Okay then, now that I’ve shared my favorite smoothie recipe with you, I hope you will share your favorite recipe with me and everyone else. Who knows, after reading some of the different recipes I very well might make some modifications to mine! And if you have some feedback on blenders feel free to discuss this as well.
– I add half a cut of berries (Blueberries or raspberries, which ever is on sale or a mix of both)
– Add just enough water to cover and blend.
– Fill the blender with spinach until it touches the lid (I don’t pack it, I just toss it in there)
– Blend it all up.
– Add chia seeds (about 1 tblspn, I just dump some into the blender)
– At this point it all depends on which cup I’m using (if I’m taking it togo in my cup with straw I add more water until it’s thin enough to suck up in the straw. If it’s a certain time of month and I absolutely can’t live without something sweet. I add a whole banana and substitute half the berries for strawberries. or if I’ve been skimping on the veggies I’ll add a few pieces of frozen brocolli.
– I also try to buy fresh berries when they go on sale and freeze them. I like a thicker smoothie when I’m not taking it togo.
Thanks! I’m always looking for new smoothie ideas. Here is my staple:
– 3/4 cup vanilla coconut milk
– 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
– teaspoon flax seed oil
– tablespoon chia seeds
– about 1/2 a serving (one scoop or less) of chocolate protein powder
– 1 cup frozen berries (mixed or one type)
Looking forward to additional recipes! And pointers on how to make my recipe more nutritious!
I’m not sure if I have a favorite smoothie recipe, but my best tip is that when I embarked on including spinach and kale greens into my smoothie, I liked how the addition of green apple really complemented and perked the flavor when using greens.
I evaluated blenders about a year ago, also could not justify the price of the top of the line ones, and have been quite happy with my $30 Oster 12 speed purchased from a discount store.
I put one cup of unsweetened almond milk into the blender without about 1/3 to 1/2 a cup of any frozen fruit plus one ripe banana. Then add three tablespoons of unsweetened hemp protein powder and blend. It’s good and gives you over half your daily requirement of fiber.
I toss into my blender 1 cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk, 1 scoop MRM Rich Vanilla whey protein powder, 1 tsp psyllium, 1 raw egg (occasionally), about 3/4 c frozen berries or peaches, and maybe a dash of cinnamon. It’s delicious and quite filling!
I start with either 1 cup water or kombucha or almond coconut milk, then add alot of greens(sometimes they are frozen greens from my garden), blend. then add fruit (berries, banana, apple)whatever I have on hand. Then I throw in hemp seeds or chia seeds, maybe even some nuts, and definitely fresh lemon juice frozen in cubes, and a slice of ginger (gives it some kick), and hey, & why not some kelp.
My favorite right now is “Orange Crush SMoothie” it consists of:
1/2 c OJ
1 box of Harverst Bay cocnut water
1/2 cup frozen Mango
2 TBL Nutribiotic Rice Protein
1 TBL ground Flax
4 oz carrots
2 TBL Erythritol(zero calorie sweetner)
Blend all up and drink.
I have two that I like:
-1 cup pineapple juice
-1/2 cup frozen pineapple
-2-3 tbsp coconut creme
-1 banana (optional)
protein powder, flax seed, powdered herbs, or whatever else
-1 cup coconut water
-2-3 tbsp coconut creme
-kale, spinach, carrots, cucumber, celery, chlorella and spirulina powder
(I don’t measure the veggies, just toss them in)
My favorite afternoon splurge smoothie in summertime is:
1 orange – 3/4 of the rind removed, 1/4 on the rind left on
1 cup frozen pineapples
1 cup almond milk
1 scoop RAW protein powder – Dairy Free (Garden of Life)
Water & ice to acheive desired consistency
Blend until smooth. Taste just like an Orange Julius. Great in popsicles for the kids!
I have had a Vitamix blender for a little over a year now. I can truely say having a commercial grade blender has helped me eat a more whole foods diet. I make my own salad dressings, soups, sorbets for the kids, after school smoothies, sauces for chicken, For instance, here’s one of my family’s favorite gravy recipes:
In a 425 degree oven, roast a few carrots, celery chunks, onion pieces, garlic cloves, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme and one small potato cut up on a cookie sheet tossed in olive oil. When the veggies are soft and browned transfer them into the blender. Add a little water or broth and puree to a gravy consistency. Add sea salt, pepper & a tbsp of redwine and serve over chicken or veggies instead of processed BBQ sauces, ketsup and ranch dressings.
Having a good horse power blender is great. Costco usually has Vitamix blenders for $375. Don’t forget to look on Craigslist too. Definitely an investment, but well worth it especially if you use it daily.
I am wondering if the spinach/kale etc.( goiterginics) are allowed if I have hashi? I thought they had to be steamed?
The ‘Nutri Bullet’ is AMAZING and it is not expensive. It was only $100 at target. The difference is amazing! It brakes the nutrients in such way that our bodies are able to absorb everything.
Favorite smoothie to throw into my Vitamix is:
1 Large handful of organic spinach, swiiss chard or kale….whatever I have on hand
2 organic carrots
1 banana
1/2 of avocado
1 cup of mixed berries
1 lg. scoop of plain greek yogurt
1 heaping Tbsp. raw wheat germ
2 tsp. kale powder
almond milk (unsweetened – plain)
touch of honey or pure maple syrup
sprinkle of nutmeg
My favorite basic smoothie: (I make this for 2 people)
1 organic orange, 1 organic banana, 6 organic strawberries
1-1.5 c. water with a splash of orange or orange-mango juice for taste
1 Tbs. Chia seeds +/or Flaxseeds
2 Tbs. some type of protein or greens powder. (I like BioInnovations Active Adult Multi-Vit/Mineral/protein blend or Greens powder)
Loosely fill rest of blender pitcher with either kale, chard or spinach, so it’s about 50-50 mix of fruit to greens.
I like freezing small chunks of ginger, lemons, bananas and tumeric, and keep them in large freezer bags. I always make sure I have frozen blueberries, and when I boil beets, I keep the juice in the fridge. They’re really handy when making smoothies. My favorite smoothie as a meal replacement consists all of the above plus 70% hemp protein powder or nutribiotic rice protein, 1/2 avocado, carrot, spinach or chard or both. Sometimes I’ll add frozen peas to the mix. Really satisfying. My morning shake is…
1/2 c blueberries
1 apple (usually Fuji or red delicious)
1 tbsp cacao nibs
1 tbsp goji berries
cinnamon
2 tbsp each flax and chia seeds ground up
1 tsp chlorella and spirulina
3 tbsps Nutribiotic rice protein
1/3 c coconut milk
I was also wondering about the spinach/kale with hasimotos?
1 cup berries (I usually use blueberries)
1 cup water
2 tablespoons of Pea Protein Powder
1 cup spinach
Splash of coconut milk
1 tablespoon of psyllium husks
Makes for a great breakfast smoothie, has protein, fibre and fruit and veg. Also perfect for those with hypothyroid like myself.
One of my favorite smoothies:
All organic ingredients.
2 Cups or more of mixed frozen berries.
1/4 Aloe Vera.
1 Avocado
1 TBSP. each Chia and Flax seeds.
1 Cup unsweetened Coconut milk.
Up to 1 stalk celery.
1 Kale leaf red or green.
Pure as possible Stevia to taste.
Enjoy!
My favorite smoothie, which now became also my 18 month old son’s :)takes a while to prepare:
soak/sprout for min 24 hrs flax seed in proportion as follows: 1/3 flax seed, 1/3 non-chlorine water and 1/3 buttermilk, plain yogurt or any other plain, ideally organic sour milk;
I put a cup or two of it in the blender, add more plain yogurt,
thin it with good water and grind/blend till smooth;
add 2 to 3 bananas, an apple, lots of raisins, some dried pitted prunes, a touch of bee pollen and sometimes a touch of good, raw honey;
some other seasonal fruits if available;
optional half of an avocado and sometimes for an interesting addition to taste some raw tahini and blend the full blender till the electric motor gets pretty hot
This mix keeps us both, because my fiance who is the reason I am on this site doesn’t do this unfortunately, going and going and going
I have been drinking green smoothie for the past 2 years since i started intermittent fasting. It is my breakfast and dinner everyday except sundays when I eat rice.
My basic smoothie recipe includes the following
– 400ml kefir
– 3 pieces small banana (we have a variety that is not too sweet)
– piece of small cucumber
– a slice of pineapple (3 times a week)
– a piece of fresh turmeric (alternate with pineapple)
– a bowl of lettuce, chinese brocolli and pak choy
– 2 raw organic eggs (mornings)
Included in my meal is a piece of pork, beef or fish.
This makes almost a litter of smoothie sufficient for one meal.
I am using a ninja master blender.
I am now as fit as ever. At 53 years of age, my bp is maintained at 120/80 and normal blood sugar. I exercise and lift weights regularly.
Thank you everyone for sharing your smoothie recipes! I figured that a few people with hypothyroidism/Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis would have questions about including goitrogenic foods such as kale, spinach, etc. A few years ago I was opposed to people with hypothyroid conditions eating such foods because I was taught by other natural healthcare professionals about how they can inhibit thyroid activity. I really need to write an updated article on this, as there really is no solid research studies I’m aware of which prove that such foods eaten in “normal” amounts will inhibit thyroid acitivity. The key word is “normal”, as I’m not suggesting that it’s fine to eat large amounts of broccoli, kale, spinach, etc. But in most people with hypothyroid conditions, having a couple of servings of raw goitrogenic foods on a daily basis won’t cause a problem. If someone is still concerned then of course they can avoid these foods. But let’s remember that we’re talking about very healthy foods, and many people are already on very restrictive diets by avoiding gluten, dairy, and other foods.
my recipe is similar to a lot of those except I can get raw milk cheaply. I make yogurt out of it and use that as the base for my smoothie. I’m concerned about getting calcium since my somewhat mild and so far untreated hyperthyroid condition seems to be causing osteopenia.
Organic unsweetened coconut milk
Hand full of frozen organic or wild blueberries
Stevia to taste
Super greens powder
Organic protein powder
Yes, and I’m wondering if a drop or so of lugol’s solution (6mg/drop), or something similar would help off-set the goitrogenic effects. It would be nice if someone has done research on this but I may have to do a n=1 study on this, myself and repeat my iodine challenge test that I did last month.
I started in May 2012 to drink every morning my anti-inflammation smoothie. It helped me a lot.
– 1 cup of fresh water
– one big piece of fresh aloe vera
– 20 Goji berries, best soaked
– a big spoon of a good honey
– juice of half a lemon
– a big spoon of bee pollen
– 10 drops of propolis
– a little amount of tumeric
– 1 banana
This has all together a nice taste, you always can add more fruits like apples, berries, orange juice etc. My bloodtest results improved a lot in a short time! I invented this smoothie myself when i was on a point where I thought I never will have a normal life again – and it did miracles to me. Aloe Very is very anti-inlammatory, rich in B-Vitamins and contains nealy all amino acids. Try it!
1/2c Kefir
1/2c organic berries (whatever is in the house)
1/4c organic carrots
1 organic celery stalk
1 kiwi
1tsp Organic powdered spirulina
1tblsp chia seeds
1/2c cold filtered water
This is my staple 3 times a week
Love my Ninja kitchen system pulse does same thing as the bullet for smoothies but also is a blender/food processor etc for the same price as the nutribullet.
I am struggling with weight gain due to becoming a non-smoker 6 months ago plus only having a partial thryoid. I am trying to find a good blend of protein and fats for a smoothie. This is one I came up with yesterday and it’s pretty tastie!
2 C. baby romaine
handful of rasberries
handful of red grapes
1 avacado
20 almonds
Also, I use my Braun immersible blender to make; they are the same consistency as the nutra-bullet smoothies.
I thought you may be interested in what not to include in your smoothie – it was a BIG lesson to me. You can watch the interview with me on You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KO1pef1vdhg
Here is my favorite smoothie.
I usually alternate the fruit but I drink this for breakfast 4-5 times a week.
1 Cup of Unsweetened Almond Milk
1 Banana
Vanilla Protein Powder
Flax
Bunch of Organic Spinach
Fruit (Either, mango, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries – all organic)
Sometimes a tablespoon of almond butter
So i have a question… I have been told by a couple of healthcare practitioners to add a big scoop of Coconut OIL to my smoothie… I am told that “healthy FATS” when metabolized correctly are a source of energy, also it feeds the endocrine system… IS This True?
I also lost 20 pounds with a subacute thyroiditis. I am working on gaining weight. I have gained my weight back, and am finally working with a good natural endocrinologist. I forgot to ask his opinion on Coconut Oil.
What is your opinion on Coconut Oil added to smoothie??
Jason,
I do agree that coconut oil is one of the healthier fats, although I still wouldn’t consume too much. So to answer your question, I think it’s fine to add some coconut oil to your smoothies.
today’s: spinach, peach, 1/2 banana, 2 ice cubes, water in the nutribullet- yum!
all-time fav: kale, mango, avocado