Recently I noticed that I had kind of fallen away from one of my most nourishing practices: my smoothie habit. In the winter months I lean toward warming foods. The mere thought of a smoothie brings goosebumps. That’s when my steam pot finds its way to the stovetop and pretty much stays there all winter. I steam (and eat) a large batch of dark leafy greens just about every day. And, if you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m the only one in this household eating them. Hubby prefers white-on-white.

Summer has arrived and I’m back to smoothies. Why? Because I can’t think of a better way to flood my body with nutrients and more vegetables than I could possibly eat during the course of a day.

Did I mention skin?

With this kind of hydrating nourishment each day I don’t need expensive creams, potions, serums and facials. Good skin is largely an inside out endeavor.

Note: Be sure that everything you add to your smoothie is organic and fresh. Frozen fruit is a great addition because it adds to the cool and creamy texture we’re after in a smoothie but be sure to use fresh greens and vegetables.  And, for those of you who are wondering if you need to add protein powder to your smoothies, I believe your smoothie will be far more nourishing without it. You can read more about that right here.

Here are a few of my favorites.

I call this one “anything goes” because truly? Anything goes when your garden is producing fresh herbs and greens.

Anything Goes Smoothie

Romaine lettuce (lots)
fresh basil
fresh mint
frozen cherries
frozen banana (optional, be sure to peel and slice banana before you freeze it)
1 tablespoon coconut oil or 1/2 avocado (think healthy fat for skin and for satiety)
1 or more tablespoons cacao powder
filtered water

Blend ingredients in high speed blender with enough filtered water to to get things moving. Add more filtered water (or ice) to get the consistency you love.

What I love about this smoothie is that it has very little sugar and LOTS of healthy fat.

Dr. Hyman’s Green Breakfast Smoothie

1 small organic lemon (quartered, washed and unpeeled)
1 small avocado (peeled and pitted)
2 stalks celery
2 cups spinach
1 heaping handful fresh parsley
1 cucumber
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
pinch sea salt
filtered water

Place ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve desired consistency.

This one is “pucker worthy” so you kind of have to LOVE grapefruit.

Citrus Smoothie

1 grapefruit, quartered and peeled
2 lemons, outer peel cut away
2 limes, outer peel cut away
2 cucumbers, peeled
1 heaping handful parsley or cilantro (or both!) stems and all
1 heaping handful fresh sunflower sprouts, if available
1 bunch (or more) kale, chard, collards, spinach, watercress or any combination of dark leafy greens 
filtered water

In a high speed blender, combine the grapefruit, lemons, limes and cucumber. Add the herbs, sprouts, and greens one handful at a time, adding as much water as you need to get the consistency you like.

Store whatever you don’t consume in a tightly sealed glass jar and refrigerate. Stores beautifully for up to two days.

Even when the fridge is bare, I always have the ingredients for this one.

Chocolate Cherry Smoothie

1 to 1 1/2 cups Brazil nut milk (any nut milk, coconut milk, or rice milk will do)
1 cup frozen cherries
1 tablespoon almond butter (or other nut/seed butter)
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1-2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
1 teaspoon ground flax seed or chia seed (your choice)
1 banana (sliced and frozen)

Blend all ingredients together in high speed blender. 

Sometimes I add more nut milk or a few ice cubes to adjust for the consistency I prefer. This makes two servings so you can save some for the next day!

Blueberry Bliss


2 cups homemade Brazil nut milk (any creamy nut milk or coconut milk will do!)
2 tablespoons white chia seed (any chia seed will do)
1 to 2 cups frozen blueberries
½ teaspoon cinnamon (more to taste!)
fresh mint for garnish

Blend ingredients in high speed blender and add some ice for a crunchier texture. Garnish with fresh mint.

This one just moved to the top of my summer smoothie list. If you are having trouble getting your little
ones to eat some colorful veggies, this is your ticket!

Watermelon Smoothie

2 or more cups watermelon
1 large cucumber
1/2 to 1 cup red cabbage (or, to taste)
juice of one freshly squeezed lime

Blend ingredients in high speed blender and add some ice for a crunchier texture.

Creamy Strawberry Cherry Delight

2 cups unsweetened organic coconut milk or Brazil nut milk (Any nut milk will do!)
1 avocado, peeled and pitted
1 cup strawberries
1 cup frozen cherries
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Blend the coconut milk and avocado until smooth. Add the strawberries, frozen cherries, and cinnamon and blend until the smoothie is thick and creamy. Enjoy!