10 Smoothies For All-Day Energy (Slideshow)

This smoothie features an all-star cast of superfood sensations. Bananas are good sources of fiber, slow-burning carbohydrates to balance energy throughout the day, and heart-healthy sterols. They are surprisingly nutritious, containing vitamin B6, manganese, vitamin C, potassium, biotin, copper and pectins. They also contain fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) which are a source of food for the friendly bacteria in the human digestive system, and a well-functioning system keeps your energy in-balance.

Mulberries are a respectable source of antioxidants and polyphenols, not to mention vitamin A, B6, B12, C, E, K, riboflavin, folate, calcium and other nutrients that keep your body ticking.

Oats are an excellent source of B vitamins and magnesium. And both oats and cashews are loaded with protein and fiber which keeps your energy up and your digestive system in check. Cashews are also good source of antioxidants and dietary trace minerals such as manganese and copper.

Click here for our Mulberry, Lavender, and Kale Energizing Smoothie Recipe

Romaine is not the boring ingredient many salad naysayers make it out to be. It contains many vitamins and nutrients including folate, which plays a role in energy and mood regulation.

Honey is a source of complex carbohydrates, fructose, glucose, and small amounts of sucrose, vitamins and minerals.

Almonds are highly nutritious, containing vitamins and essential minerals. They are also a rich source of dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates, which help to sustain energy throughout the day.

Click here for our Banana, Almond Milk, and Matcha Energizing Smoothie Recipe

Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and ALA, protein and dietary fiber, calcium, phosphorus, and manganese. Walnuts contain protein, dietary fiber and essential amino acids. Both of these ingredients are slow-burning fuels.

Spinach is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which helps the body recover from physical or emotional stress and supports the adrenal glands, so even if your day if rough, you're going to make it through with some spinach.

Cacao is a good source of antioxidants, and theobromine, a stimulant similar to caffeine. It also may help promote the metabolism of sugar.

Click here for our Chocolate, Chia, and Banana Smoothie Recipe

Brazil nuts are actually the large seeds of the Brazil nut fruit. They are a good source of complex carbohydrates, protein, and omega-6 fatty acids. Guarana powder comes from the seeds of the plant and the average seed contains twice as much caffeine as a coffee bean, and also contains cardiac stimulants such as theobromine and polyphenols. Apples are a significant source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and complex carbohydrates.

Click here for the Forest Berries, Guarana, and Brazil Nut Smoothie Recipe

Ginger has earned a reputation as a powerful herbal remedy for a variety of health problems from poor circulation to impotence. A recent study from the University of Sydney has found that ginger is effective for managing high blood sugar levels, and it has a low glycemic index. Turmeric is recommended for the treatment of diseases and disorders from cancer to diabetes. It contains curcumin which is an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory, so if you suffer from aches and pains that slow you down during the day, these natural anti-inflammatories are your best friend. Chai tea is, of course, a source of caffeine.

Click here for the Banana-Turmeric Chai Smoothie Recipe

Pears are a significant source of dietary fiber and vitamin C, and since much of the fiber in the fiber in the pear is insoluble it makes an effective laxative, and nothing slows you down like a sluggish digestive system full of toxins.

Coconut milk is loaded with vitamins B, C, and E which boost the immune system and provide energy to cells. It's also a good source of minerals magnesium, potassium, phosphorous and iron, all of which regulate and support various systems including the heart, the nerves, and red blood cells that carry oxygen to the brain. It's also rich in antioxidants which help repair the body, eliminate toxins, and keep your energy soaring.

And as a note of interest, lemongrass oil has antifungal properties, and, amazingly, it is used to preserve manuscript collections at several institutions in India. If it can keep ancient manuscripts going, maybe it will keep you going too.

Click here for the Pear, Lemongrass, and Ginger Smoothie Recipe

Maca is reputed to boost energy but the mechanism of action is unknown. Raspberries are a source of vitamin C, complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, and they have a low glycemic index which means they won't spike your blood sugar and send you into a crash. Instead, they'll keep you steady and strong.

Click here for the Raspberry, Cacao, and Maca Smoothie Recipe

Mint leaves soothe the stomach and provide a fresh flavor, while hemp seeds contain substantial quantities of edible oils, proteins and the essential amino acids. Coconut water contains high levels of electrolytes, potassium, and other energizing vitamins and minerals. And all three are surging with antioxidants to keep you awake, healthy, and steadily recovering.

Click here for the Baby Banana, Mint, Coconut Water, and Hemp Smoothie

Limes are a wonderful source of vitamins C and E, and are known for keeping scurvy at bay for pirates long ago. Limes also charge your immune system, reduce inflammation, and aid in digestion, all of which are weigh-in on your energy levels.

Avocados have high concentrations of many B vitamins, as well as beta-carotene, magnesium, and vitamins E and K. These nutrients support and sustain your body as a whole, as well as your energy and metabolic functioning. Avocados are also rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, all of which are essential for keeping your energy levels even and sustained.

Click here for the Key Lime Pie Shake Recipe

Oranges are high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates, and low in cholesterol, sodium, and saturated fat, and have a low glycemic load. This means that oranges keep your blood sugar even and prevent those pesky peaks and troughs. Mangoes are also vitamin, mineral, and fiber-rich, and have a flood of life-renewing antioxidants. 

Click here for the Mango, Mandarin and Cayenne Smoothie Recipe