If you struggle with eating vegetables, or just don’t like them, a smoothie is the perfect opportunity to disguise them while still reaping the benefits. (For Spectrum Health Beat)
If you struggle with eating enough fruits and veggies, a smoothie is the perfect opportunity to disguise them while still reaping the benefits. (For Spectrum Health Beat)

If you struggle with eating anything for breakfast or lunch, these quick and easy smoothie recipes will help kickstart your metabolism for the day.

They are also great for replacing energy stores in your muscles after exercise.

The recipe combinations below, which include vegetables, may make you think, “Eww…I’m not sure I want to blend those together.”

The sweetness in the fruits, however, will help make these pleasing to the palate, naturally.

Fruits and vegetables provide us with energy, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The accompanying plain Greek yogurt has lower sugars and is a great protein source.

Start with the following base ingredients of 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt and two ice cubes. Then, try the combinations below or switch up the ingredients based on your preferences.

Try adding a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa powder or ground ginger for added flavor and benefits. Squeeze in a little fresh lime or lemon to brighten up the flavors. Blend and pour 1 cup for yourself and 1 cup for someone else to share in the benefits.

Watermelon

  • ½ cup seedless watermelon chunks
  • ½ small to medium peeled orange
  • ½ cup finely chopped red cabbage

Blueberry banana

  • ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • ½ small to medium banana (choose one without the brown spots for lower sugars)
  • 2 sliced beets

Raspberry kiwi

  • ½ cup fresh or frozen raspberries
  • ½ cup kiwi
  • ½ cup fresh kale

Strawberry peach

  • ½ cup fresh or frozen strawberries
  • ½ cup fresh or frozen peach slices
  • 6 baby carrots

Blackberry pear

  • ½ cup fresh blackberries
  • ½ small to medium pear, sliced
  • ½ cup canned pumpkin

Apple cranberry

  • ½ small to medium apple, sliced
  • ¼ cup cranberries
  • ½ cup cauliflower

Cherry

  • 1 small to medium plum (without the pit)
  • ½ cup dark cherries
  • ½ cup fresh spinach leaves