Oh how I love a good smoothie. They are such a quick and easy way to get some good fuel into you.
Now I know we’re all familiar with all sorts of fruit smoothies, but have you ever considered adding herbs into the mix? I know this might sound a bit odd, but basil is a delicious compliment to the sweet berries.
Herbs are a staple in my kitchen. They add so much flavor and freshness, but the benefits don’t stop there, they also offer a potent boost of plant powered benefits. Basil is one of my all time favorites, as you may have noticed in my Tomato Avocado Bruschetta, Salmon with Sundried Tomato Aioli, or Mediterranean Chickpea and Quinoa Salad. I love that even if you don’t have a big outdoor space, you can still enjoy the bounty of an herb garden right in the comfort of your own apartment!
Basil contains volatile oils with estragole and eugenol that give it antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which may help provide relief for health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. It also contains almost 100% of our daily requirements of Vitamin K in just half of a cup. Vitamin K is best known for its role in helping blood clot, and is also important for supporting bone health.
So don’t be shy! Throw this leafy green into your next smoothie for flavor and health benefits that can’t be beat!
Tip: I find that having smoothie ideas on-hand helps for those busy weeks, so I created a list of 15+ healthy meal prep recipes for you here.
Print
Strawberry Basil Smoothie
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Description
This smoothie is summer in a cup! Strawberries and basil go hand in hand for a unique cold and creamy treat that you won’t be able to get enough of.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk
- 3/4 cup 0% plain Greek Yogurt
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup strawberries, frozen
- 1/4 cup basil
- ½ cup spinach
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Beverages, Snacks
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: North American
Keywords: easy, quick, breakfast
LIKE THIS RECIPE? SHARE IT WITH SOMEONE YOU KNOW WILL LOVE IT TOO!
![This might be controversial but let’s talk about sugar [AD].
As a dietitian it boggles my mind how much misinformation (and fear mongering) there is out there, especially when it comes to sugar. Let’s talk about 3 of the most common misunderstandings I hear.
❌ It’s not sugar addiction. ✔️It’s sugar *restriction*
Did you know that the majority of studies done on “food addiction” were actually conducted on subjects that were restricted or deprived from food. Why is this important? When we are deprived of food in general or something specific like sugar, our body’s natural response is to actually crave it more. It’s psychology 101.
❌ Sugar does not cause hyperactivity. ✔️It provides Energy
Sugar is simply carbohydrates broken down into their simplest form (aka the form we use for ENERGY!). Of the 3 macronutrients (carbs, fat & protein), carbs are broken down into energy the fastest which means you feel it quicker. So that burst of energy you’re getting after eating a piece of chocolate? It’s just your body doing its job.
❌ Sugar isn’t toxic. ✔️It’s food.
Okay this one drives me crazy. Saying something is toxic, is saying it’s poisonous. Sugar is a food that our bodies can digest and convert into energy. There are many forms of sugar and it is one source of fuel for our bodies. You don’t need to call poison control when you eat it, so stop saying it’s toxic.
Do you agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments below and follow @lindsaypleskot for more no BS nutrition talk.
#makefoodfeelgood](https://www.lindsaypleskot.com/wp-content/uploads/sb-instagram-feed-images/346822580_255519153657568_2366306558727283355_nfull.jpg)
Angie B says
This was so fresh! I wasn’t sure about basil, but now I know I’ll be adding this to my regular smoothie rotation. The combo of the basil with berries made this such a summery fresh taste!
★★★★★
Lindsay Pleskot says
So happy you enjoyed it Angie! I totally agree, fresh herbs are like summer in a cup! (also a great hack to brighten things up in winter!) thanks for sharing! And enjoy the smoothie!