I’ve been asked recently how I make smoothies. I have a base that I use for almost all of my smoothies:

• 1/2 cup liquid (Water, various kinds of milk, coconut water, cider, juice)
• 2 heaping tablespoons of plain yogurt (Whatever ends up on the spoon when I scoop it out)
• a handful of nuts or seeds for protein as I hate the texture and taste of protein powders
• Fiber powder
• Most smoothies don’t need any extra sweetness, but if I make an extra citrusy one I may put in some honey, Stevia, dates, or banana.

Then I add a variety of fruits and vegetables. My favorite vegetables are spinach, swiss chard, avocado, beets, and carrots. All but the carrots are frozen. I get garden greens to harvest from my garden, avocado from the store and freeze canned beets.

During the summer, I cut and freeze fruits from the local farms. I have bags of peaches, blueberries, and strawberries. I’ve already finished my raspberries. I didn’t get many this year. And then I freeze fresh fruit from the store like grapes, bananas and pineapple. Sometimes I’ll splurge on dragonfruit or other specialty fruit from the freezer section.

I also put fresh fruits and vegetables in. As it’s winter here at the moment I have lots of citrus and pear smoothies.

Then I will usually add something extra like chia seeds (I put in right before mixing), flax seed, or goji berries. Whatever I have to provide an extra nutritional boost.

I like adding flavors as well, so vanilla, almond, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, chili, mint, and on special occasions chocolate.

I make my smoothies at night, so in the morning I only have to place it on my smoothie maker and mix.

Right before I blend my smoothie, I add Collagen powder. Also chia seeds if I am using them, as both of these thicken a smoothie if you let it sit over night.

What are your favorite smoothies?