If you love having your smoothies in the morning but sometimes find it time-consuming to put them together every day, this post is for you!

If you’ve ever wondered if it’s possible to meal prep a smoothie, the answer is YES. If you also want those smoothies to be healthy, then we’ve got you covered there as well.

• Healthy AND hassle-free – check!
• Protein-packed AND micronutrient-rich – double check!

How to “Roll Your Own” smoothies. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating and prepping your own smoothies.

Let’s start from the top.

What do I use for a storage container?

There are many options. Here are two primary ways: Glass jars and plastic freezer bags.

Those who are plastic conscious and looking for eco-friendly options may opt for a mason jar or a glass jar with a lid (tight-fitting is best). Tip: Check your local thrift shop for budget-friendly mason jars.

Plastic freezer bags are another option. Plastic bags have the benefit of being lighter, easier to store in the freezer and occupy less freezer space. You can also write your ingredients directly on the bag with a sharpie if you are planning to store them for longer periods of time. Tip: you may want to write what is in the pack and what needs to be added, especially if sharing with others in the household.

What do I add, and what order of ingredients is best?

You might be wondering what freezes well and what doesn’t. Generally speaking, most smoothie ingredients can be added to your jar or bag for freezing – except for fluids and protein powder (if using).

The order: Dry, then everything else.

Add dry ingredients first. This includes, but is not limited to, nuts/seeds & spice such as:

• Flax seeds and/or chia seeds
• Spices like cinnamon, turmeric, ginger
• Cocoa powder (unsweetened)

So, add all of your dry ingredients to the bottom of your jar or bag.

Next, add fresh or frozen produce, such as:

• Frozen berries
• Avocado
• Spinach or other green leafy vegetables
• Riced cauliflower (store-bought or home-made)

Two of Bella’s favorites smoothie recipes to try today!

Recipe 1: Coconut & mixed berry smoothie in a glass jar

This one is simple and low sugar because of the mixed berries.

Ingredients: flax seeds, shredded coconut flakes, spinach, mixed berries, water or milk/milk alternatives, protein powder (whey or vegan).

Instructions:

• Add 1 tbsp ground flaxseed to the bottom of your jar
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut flakes
• 1 oz spinach (or other dark leafy greens – packed with micronutrients)
• 1 cup of mixed berries on the top

Freeze until ready to consume. Tip: Before adding to the blender, add your liquid. This will help it come out.

When you’re ready to consume your delicious coconut & mixed berry smoothie:

• Remove the lid and pour in 1 cup of water or milk or your favorite milk alternative (ie unsweetened almond or coconut milk)
• Add 1 scoop of ML super protein powder (vanilla works well in this recipe)
• Blend blend blend 🙂

If you don’t like or tolerate whey protein and/or prefer plant-based protein powders, check out this blog for other options.

Next up: Bella’s Special in a plastic freezer bag

Recipe 2: The Bella Special

This is a favorite of Bella’s at the moment. Apparently, it tastes like chocolate frosting because of the taste and texture! I’m a big texture person, but she had me at chocolate. Let us know which of the two recipes is your favorite in the comments below.

This one is also low carb/keto-friendly because it’s high in healthy fats and veggie-based!

Ingredients: Chia seeds, cocoa powder, spinach, avocado, riced cauliflower, water or milk/milk alternatives, protein powder (whey or vegan).

Instructions:

• Add 1 tbsp Chia seeds to the bottom of your jar
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 oz fresh or frozen spinach (or other dark leafy greens – all packed with varying micronutrients)
• 1/2 avocado
• According to Bella, the “secret weapon” is a 1/2 cup riced cauliflower because it makes it thick and creamy

Push out all the air in the bag, then seal it and freeze until ready to consume.

When you’re ready to consume your delicious chocolate frosting tasting Bella special (that’s a mouthful):

• Remove the lid and pour 1 cup of water or milk or your favorite milk alternative (ie. your favorite unsweetened nut milk)
• Scoop out anything stuck on the bottom (seeds will likely stick)
• Add 1 scoop of ML super protein powder (chocolate works well in this recipe)
• Blend blend blend 🙂

Again, depending on your dietary preferences, you might want to check out this blog for tips on choosing a plant-based protein powder.

And there you have it, folks! A step-by-step process to meal prepping healthy and hassle-free protein smoothies.

If you’re a visual learner, check out this video to watch Nutritionist Bella Grace walk you through how to prep these high-protein and micronutrient-packed smoothies.

Don’t forget to let us know which of the two recipes is your favorite in the comments below.

Photo by Sara Cervera on Unsplash