Here is my 5 Steps to Making the Perfect Smoothie. As a personal trainer and health coach my clients are always asking me for ways to shed extra pounds and to look and feel healthier. My go to tip is replace one meal a day with a superfoods shake. This has changed my life:

I can make breakfast in under 5 minutes. Plus, I can drink my smoothie on my way to work or once I get there. For someone who has a 6am client everyday, getting out of the house quickly is huge. I know at least one meal a day is healthy and easy.

STEP 1: BASE

My favorite is base is almond milk. Well actually, unsweetened vanilla almond milk. Coconut milk is an amazing way to sneak in some electrolytes. I also add a few ice cubes to every smoothie.

8-10oz of liquid:

Unsweetened Nut Milk (almond, cashew, hazelnut)Coconut WaterCoffee (amazing withe Cafe Latte Protein Powder)Water

STEP 2: PROTEIN POWDER

I always use Organifi in my smoothies!! WHY?? Because Organifi is:

HIGH PROTEIN 100% Organic, Plant-Based With No Soy or Whey

DIGESTION Complete Multivitamin + Digestive Enzymes

CONTROL CRAVINGS Eating Healthier = Improved Weight Loss

Protein is made up of amino acids, the body’s primary building blocks. Muscles, bones, skin, internal organs—and much more—are all made of amino acids. What’s more, we’re in a constant state of breaking all these things down and rebuilding them. Long story short, we’re made of protein and therefore we need to consume it to stay healthy.

STEP 3: GREENS

I love adding in extra veggies, although your superfood smoothie is already jam-packed with all the nutrients you need. But, more veggies is never a bad thing- right? Cucumber is a great way to extra liquid to your smoothie with minimal calories. Below are a few of my favs!

1 Serving:

Spinach

Cucumber

Kale

Swiss Chard

STEP 4: FRUIT

Fruit is a great way to create the perfect smoothie taste. I love using 1/2 banana with Chocolate and Cafe Latte protein powder and berries are my go to with Vanilla protein powder. Stay away from canned, dried, and sweetened fruit (they contain extra sugar).

1 Serving:

Strawberries

Apples

Kiwi

Mango

Blackberries

Blueberries

Banana

Pineapple

Raspberries

STEP 5: FATS

Adding healthy fats to your smoothie will help to keep you feeling full. I love adding shredded coconut to the top of my Vanilla Blueberry Smoothie. Almond butter is so good in the Chocolate Banana Smoothie.

1 Serving:

Shredded Coconut

Flaxseed

Chia

Seed

Nuts

Seed Butters

OPTIONAL BOOST & OTHER

Boosts are a fun way to add even more nutrients and flavor to your smoothie. I pretty much add cinnamon to every smoothie, well actually to anything I can think of. Ginger is great for reducing nausea, pain, and inflammation.

1 Serving:

Ground spices: (cinnamon is my favorite)

Ginger

Dates

I would LOVE to see your favorite Smoothie!! Tag @ashleylanelifestyle and @Studiolifted on Instagram to be featured.