Show Yourself Some Love with a Berry Beet Smoothie

Pink Valentine’s hearts, pink candies, pink… smoothies? Yes! Meet my new morning favorite: This brilliantly pink berry beet smoothie. Over the years, I’ve learned that breakfast is non-negotiable for me in the morning, if I don’t have some combination of those essential fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals, well… it’s not pretty. I don’t always have time to cook something on the stove, but toss some fruits, veggies, and almond milk in a blender and the result is pure magic, a glass full of goodness, ready in under a minute.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I wanted to create a vibrant pink morning smoothie that’s as nutritious to drink as it is beautiful to look at. The finished product is just that: a smoothie packed with vitamins and minerals, with a gorgeous color and just a touch of naturally-occurring sweetness. Pure perfection. Read on for the recipe and to learn about the benefits of the ingredients:
Beet Smoothie

Beet Smoothie

Berry Beet Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 cup frozen red berries (I used strawberries and raspberries)

1/4 cup thinly sliced raw beet

1/2 – 1 banana

1 tbs flax seed

1 tbs almond butter

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

8 oz. unsweetened almond milk

Optional: 2 tbs hemp protein powder, a handful of washed kale with stems removed, 1/2 tsp coconut oil, unsweetened toasted coconut for topping

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend in high for 30 seconds, or until well-incorporated. If it’s too thick, add more almond milk or some water. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy!

Beet Smoothie

Benefits: 

Beets: High in vitamins and minerals, beets are incredibly nutritious, with high levels of vitamins A, B, and C, and potent levels of potassium, magnesium, fiber and iron (to name just a few). Beets also work to purify the blood and cleanse the liver, making them an excellent detox food. Because they’re low in calories, but high in naturally-occurring sugars, beets are a great source of energy in the morning since their sugars are released slowly (as opposed to processed sugar, which hits your bloodstream fast and furious).

Banana: Bananas boast high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin in the brain, helping to keep you calm, relaxed, and feeling happy. Like beets, bananas are also high in potassium and help to prevent and relieve leg cramps before and after exercise.

Ground flax seed: Flax seeds are packed with Omega-3’s (the good fats), lignans (antioxidants), and fiber, but to get those powerful nutrients into your system, you’ve gotta grind them up. Ground flax is also a great source of protein.

Red berries: Raspberries are packed with antioxidants like vitamin C, are lower in sugar, and are one of the highest fiber-containing foods — 20% fiber per total weight. Strawberries are also an incredible source of vitamin C and antioxidants, however they are at the top of the ‘Dirty Dozen‘, so be sure to purchase organic if you can.

Almond butter: Almond butter offers some nutritional advantages over peanut butter, with high vitamin E content, an essential antioxidant which protects your DNA from harmful free radicals, magnesium, and iron. Added to a smoothie, almond butter provides your body with essential fat to go with the protein provided by the flax seeds.

Beet Smoothie

+ Do you have a favorite unexpected smoothie combination? Please share!

More healthy recipes you’ll love from the BLDG 25 blog

Follow FPJulie on Twitter and Instagram

5 1 vote
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
14 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
rae
9 years ago

Wow this smoothie looks absolutely delicious and the photography is beautiful.

Rae | love from berlin

9 years ago

Amazing! I need to buy a magic bullet pronto – I loved the one my old roommates had. Such a fabulous way to love yourself this Valentine’s day!

Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com

9 years ago

Thank you! I’ve been looking for a way to add beets to my smoothies without having to first juice them.
Trying this recipe tomorrow morning :)

http://www.spruceandgunn.com

9 years ago

Cannot wait to try this tomorrow morning! I can never seem to mask the beet flavour but this looks like it might do the trick!

http://www.thatscoralynn.com

Jen
9 years ago

Looks like yam.
Lovely recipe!

http://www.safran-bolu.com

9 years ago

Wow! What a pretty smoothie. With beets I’d worry about it staining your teeth right after, but it sounds delicious. May be worth it. :)

9 years ago

Looks delicious! I like the suggestion of a little coconut oil. Going to try soon!

http://janiceborgesphotography.blogspot.com/

9 years ago

this sounds amazing! I love berry smoothies and these are great!

http://StorybookApothecary.com ♥ stop by and chat!

9 years ago

This looks and sounds amazing, I can not wait to try it!

xx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes

9 years ago

it’s so pretty…..

Hanna
9 years ago

I made this for breakfast and am in love. It is deeeeelicious, nutritious and is super easy to make! I used freshly harvested beets and tossed a handful of beet greens into the mix instead of kale – beet greens have a similar taste to kale and are packed with Vitamin K and Fiber – totally recommended. I also used unsweetened Good Karma’s Unsweetened Flax Milk + Protein instead of almond milk. This creamy, plant-based milk alternative provides a healthy dose of Omega 3’s and is low in calories. Try it out! Thanks for sharing this awesome recipe, lady :)

Sam
8 years ago

Where are those measuring spoons from?! Can’t wait to try this!

Anonymous
5 years ago

Wow it is delicious! I just didn’t have raspberries but it’s still really good. Thanks for sharing.