Whether it be in a cup or bowl, smoothies are a delicious, natural and simple way for your body to gain all the nutrients it needs. However, when you’re tossing ingredients into your blender, we recommend you skip the dairy products – the saturated fat found in milk and yoghurt does not make them the healthiest additions to a smoothie bowl. The good news is, dairy is not essential for a good smoothie; there are many healthier, delicious, plant-based alternatives. Here are three of our favourite dairy-free smoothies for you to try!
1. Carrot-Ginger Citrus Smoothie
Ingredients: 1 orange, 1 thin slice of lemon (with skin), 2 medium-sized carrots (chopped), 1 banana sliced (or frozen bananas if you like it more creamy and chilled), 3cm ginger (with skin), 3tbsp of hemp seeds (or small handful of nuts), 1tsp ground turmeric, 235g water.
This quick and easy dairy-free smoothie is bound to be your new breakfast favourite! It uses a combination of nutrient-dense ingredients to help boost your immunity. The refreshing citrus and crunchy carrots provide a healthy dosage of antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin C and beta carotene. These help to keep your skin, eyes and lungs healthy. By incorporating some of the super spice Turmeric, you are helping lower your blood sugar and strengthen your digestive health. Additionally, adding some ginger to your smoothie can help alleviate any muscle pain and soreness you may be experiencing, as well as lower your cholesterol and fight possible infections.
2. Almond, Maca & Cinnamon Smoothie
Ingredients: 2tbsp almond butter, 2tbsp ground flax seeds, 1-2tsp maca powder, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, 1tsp vanilla extract, 360ml dairy-free milk of your choice, 10 ice cubes, 2 pitted medjool dates.
Not only does this smoothie taste like a scrumptious cinnamon cookie, it is also filled with ingredients that help to balance your hormones. Cinnamon is the hero of this recipe. The delicious spice contains a natural chemical called cinnamaldehyde which, according to studies, increases progesterone and decreases testosterone in women. By incorporating more of the spice into your smoothies, you may help to stabilise these hormones, potentially helping with fertility, menstrual cycles and more. Cinnamon may be a star of this smoothie, but we can’t forget the flax seeds. These super seeds are an estrogenic adaptogen – helping with menopause and post-menopause and reducing your risk of estrogenic cancers. Adding them to your smoothie will also help to reduce inflammation and maintain your cardiovascular health. While it may be tempting to add some dairy, opting for almond butter and plant-based milk significantly cuts down the fat content of the smoothie, meaning you can enjoy this cookie-esque treat guilt-free!
3. Chocolate Banana Protein Smoothie
Ingredients: 1 frozen peeled banana, 3tbsp hemp seeds, ½ cup of water, 1½ tbsp cocoa powder, ½ tsp vanilla extract, ¼ tsp ground cinnamon, 3-4 ice cubes (optional), 2 handfuls of spinach (optional).
With no added sugar, this smoothie is naturally sweet. The frozen banana will give it a creamy (no milk) milkshake texture, while helping lower your blood pressure through its potassium content. This chocolate delight also contains high levels of Vitamin B6, which may improve your moods, brain health and haemoglobin production, as well as prevent clogged arteries, and reduce heart disease. Pair it with hemp seeds, for over 10 grams of protein per serving, and this shake is the ultimate dairy- and guilt-free post-workout snack!
With the right choice of ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious smoothie without any ‘dairy guilt’. Simply toss the ingredients in a blender and consume right away, or refrigerate the smoothie for an on-the-go treat!
It’s never too late to start taking care of yourself, and these smoothies are a great way to start. Follow us on Instagram for more healthy and nutritious snack ideas!
