Summer came in hot this year – literally!! Okay, that was super lame, but it really did start hitting the 90s mid-May, which is pretty early for that intense heat. I have found that I am a “temperature person” when it comes to eating. You know how some people are picky eaters when it comes to taste, and sometimes texture? Well, I am kinda picky when it comes to temperature. I like soups really hot, and yogurt and ice cream really cold. But salads can’t be too cold, then I feel like they lose their flavor. I like those closer to room temperature.

But the temperature outside also really affects what kinds of foods I crave. I realize this isn’t very unique, but it really does make an impact on what I choose to order and eat. I love a cool, crisp white wine in the summer, and a warming red in the winter. I could eat soups and warm beans every day when it’s cold, but give me all the smoothies and salads in the summer.

Which leads me to this post. I got a Blendtec in the winter from my wonderful boyfriend who buys me kitchen things for birthdays and holidays instead of jewelry because he gets me. But it was just too cold for smoothies back in December. I made one every now and then, but I just wasn’t craving them. But now I am fully into smoothies for breakfast. I feel like I finally have a good formula down for creating the perfect texture (not too watery, but enough liquid to blend). And packed with nutrition and filling ingredients to keep me going until after noon.

Now here’s the thing. I like the taste, texture, and nutrition of this smoothie, and it works in my particular blender. But I have learned that smoothies are truly an art form. You can’t just throw some shit in a Vitamix and call it a day. No mam. That’s not how it works. Let’s go over these points

Taste

Of course, this is important. Find a good tasting protein powder you like, and that’s half the battle. Also, never EVER put arugula in a smoothie. Just trust me on this one. Adding fruit is essential here too. We all need a little natural sweetness to make a smoothie enjoyable.

Texture

I like a thick smoothie. Don’t give me a watery smoothie that is basically a melted popsicle. No. The key to a thick smoothie is using the least amount of liquid possible to blend. Frozen fruits and vegetables also create a thicker smoothie than fresh. Finally, bananas, avocado, and nut butter help create a creamy, thick texture. Yum.

Nutrition

Smoothies can be loaded with calories and you may not even know it. Acai bowls, I’m looking at your sugar-laden self. Adding too much nut butter, fruit, sweeteners (agave, honey, etc), and protein powder can quickly add your smoothie calorie count to well over 600 calories, and that’s probably way more than you need. Unless you’re an Arnold Schwarzenegger protege. I want a smoothie that is balanced in macronutrients, not full of sugar, filled with health-promoting foods, and will keep me full for more than an hour. Is that really so much to ask?

Here’s the secret formula to making that happen: protein + fat + fiber + greens + Superfoods. I’m sharing my tried and true favs, but there are tons of other varieties and brands out there. I just got a bunch of beet powder in the mail, so who knows! Maybe it will make its way into my rotation of regular smoothie add-ins. For now, here are my top picks:

• Proteins: Now Foods Pea Protein Powder, 365 Vanilla Whey protein, Collagen Peptides, Bob’s Red Mill Vanilla Protein Booster
• Fats: almond butter, peanut butter, coconut butter, MCT oil, avocado
• Fiber: chia seeds, flaxseeds, acacia fiber
• Greens: spinach (remember, stay away from arugula!), kale
• Superfoods: cinnamon, maca powder, matcha. acai powder, spirulina, turmeric, greens powder

Blender

I own a Blentec at home. It’s a bit cheaper than a Vitamix, but I think it requires a little more liquid than a Vitamix to fully blend. But it still does an amazing job. I can also make soups and purees with it. And it creates a super smooth texture. No lumps or unblended chunks, like my Ninja sometimes left. Which was unfortunate because no one wants a chunk of spinach or cauliflower in their smoothie. We’re trying to hide those sneaky little veggies!

Passionate smoothie blog post over. Here is the recipe.