Starting the day most of us need a way to kick into gear. We resort to a cup of coffee, or two, or four. Then, halfway through our day we might need another kick to shift into a higher gear. Bring on the coffee! However, studies have shown that there is a such thing as ‘too much coffee’. Coffee-dependents are consuming far too much caffeine (even decaffeinated coffee contains caffeine), which has nasty side effects. How can we possibly maintain being productive, sound, and emotionally stable members of society and members of our households in a more healthy way and without crashing or melting down like a toddler?

Make one of these protein-packed smoothies whenever you need a boost. They’re loaded with nut and seed butters, yogurt, tofu, and more.

 

Almond-Date Smoothie

322 calories per serving

Combine in blender:

1 cup plain yogurt

1 cup apple cider or juice

1 cup ice

3 tablespoons almond butter

4 pitted dates

Serves 2

Avocado-Yogurt Smoothie

136 calories per serving

Combine in blender:

1 cup ice

1/2 peeled avocado

1/2 cup coconut water

1/4 cup plain yogurt

1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon honey

Serves 2

Blueberry-Yogurt Smoothie

227 calories per serving

Combine in blender:

3/4 cup fresh blueberries

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/2 cup ice

2 tablespoons orange juice

2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk

1 tablespoon honey

Serves 1

Sweet Kale-Sunflower Smoothie

149 calories per serving

Combine in blender:

1 cup stemmed and chopped kale leaves, steamed and cooled

1 cup coconut water

1 peeled, cored, and chopped sweet apple

1 tablespoon sunflower-seed butter

1 tablespoon honey

Serves 2

Pear, Oat, and Ginger Smoothie

266 calories per serving

Combine in blender:

2 1/2 peeled, cored, and chopped pears

1 3/4 cups milk

1 cup buttermilk

2/3 cup oats

1/3 cup ice cubes

2 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons almond butter

1 1/4 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of coarse salt

Serves 4

Mixed Berry-Tofu Smoothie

190 calories per serving

Combine in blender:

2 cups frozen mixed berries

1/2 cup silken tofu

1/2 cup orange juice

1 peeled banana

Serves 2

Get your own featured mason jar here!