Do you have a favorite juice or smoothie combo? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Blending convenience, versatility and nutrition, there’s a smoothie recipe to satisfy almost anyone. Experiment and find your favorite! Chef Babette Davis, fitness enthusiast and co-owner of vegan restaurant Stuff I Eat in Inglewood, California told Sisters, “I have… fun with smoothies.” They may be one secret to why she positively radiates vibrant health at age 73. Her athletic physique and boundless energy (running stairs, doing pushups!) demonstrate the positive impact of her lifestyle choices, which include plant-based eating. Chef Babette knows her way around wholesome ingredients, so we asked her to share two of her favorite smoothie recipes, below.
Discuss food choices with a health care provider. If you’re smart and intentional about what you put in that blender, you’ll get the most potential benefits from smoothies in the most delicious way. Here's why:
Nutrient-Dense: Smoothies allow you to pack in a variety of nutrients from fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients—without cooking. They're an efficient way to get vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health.
Fiber Boost: Many smoothie ingredients, like pineapple, apples, bananas, berries, spinach, and flaxseeds, are rich in dietary fiber. Fiber helps with digestion, keeps you full, and supports healthy weight management.
Hydration: Smoothies often contain water-rich fruits and vegetables, contributing to hydration. Proper hydration is essential for overall well-being, especially as we age.
Protein: Including protein sources like Greek yogurt (not a vegan ingredient) or plant-based protein powder in your smoothies helps maintain muscle mass. As we get older, preserving muscle becomes crucial for metabolism and weight management, according to The Whole Body Reset: Your Weight-Loss Plan for a Flat Belly, Optimum Health, and a Body You’ll Love at Midlife and Beyond .
Related:
Babette Davis, 73, Shares Her Secrets for Flat Abs—No Crunches Needed
#Fitnessgoals! Babette Davis Reveals How She Stays Snatched at 72
Smoothie recipes from Chef Babette
Combine these ingredients in a blender or food processor. Number of servings vary.
Green Apple Delight
Editor's note: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing inflammation and easing joint pain. Cilantro is rich in antioxidants, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, according to a review in journal Molecules. People tend to love it or hate it, and that may be linked to genetics, according to Cleveland Clinic. If you’re not a fan, try another green.
Ingredients:
- 3 bunches of cilantro (or to taste)
- 6 to 8 green apple slices
- lemon or lime juice (to taste)
- fresh ginger (to taste)
- ½ pineapple, frozen
Tropical Delight
Editor’s note: Bananas are rich in potassium, which supports heart health and muscle function. They also provide dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting fullness. Spinach is packed with vitamins (A, C, K), folate, and iron, which contributes to healthy blood and energy levels. While apple juice contains natural sugars for a hint of sweetness, moderation is key.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened apple juice
- 1 cup frozen banana
- 2 cups frozen mixed fruit
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon plant-based protein powder
Do you have a favorite juice or smoothie combo? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
