If you want glowing skin (and a tropical getaway in a cup), this healthy smoothie is for you. According to Haas, dehydration is a major player in skin dullness, and the secret to flawless skin is keeping it nice and hydrated. "This smoothie hydrates in two ways," Haas says. "First, with the coconut water, and then with all of that water that's naturally present in the fruit. Hydration never tasted so good!" You got that right.
Blend
4 ounces Greek yogurt
1/4 cup coconut water
1/2 cup frozen, diced mango
1/2 cup frozen, diced pineapple
1/2 medium, ripe banana
Optional add-in: 1/4 cup packed shredded carrot
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Chocolate-Cherry Smoothie
Who doesn't love a healthy smoothie that involves chocolate? Another concoction created by Haas, this smoothie fights fine lines and boosts your skin's glow. According to Haas, the flavonoids in the dark chocolate are natural antioxidants that help to make skin smoother and softer and help protect you against sunburn and UV damage. "They also increase blood flow to the skin, providing a natural, rosy glow," Haas says. "Be sure to look for at least 70 percent cacao to get the most skin benefits, though." You'll never feel bad about eating chocolate again. You're welcome.
Blend
4 ounces Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1/4 cup milk (or milk alternative)
1/2 cup frozen, sweet cherries
1/2 medium, ripe banana
1/2 cup packed spinach
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Green Tea Cooler
Created by Mary Kennedy, M.S., a nutrition and wellness professional who works for Stonyfield Farm, this healthy smoothie combines two powerful skin foods: organic yogurt and green tea. The yogurt is loaded with live active cultures that provide the gut with beneficial bacteria, which helps digestion (the better your digestive tract runs, the better your skin will look); mint and honey also help fend off "bad" bacteria, and the green tea is loaded with anti-aging antioxidants.
Blend
1 cup Stonyfield organic fat-free key lime yogurt
1 cup prepared green tea, cooled
1/2 cup loosely packed mint, chopped
Juice and zest of 2 limes
1 teaspoon honey
2 cups ice cubes
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Sour Apple Smoothie
This smoothie, also created by Kennedy, uses flaxseed oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial for skin health, says Koff.
Blend
1 Granny Smith apple, cored and chopped
1 banana
1 cup orange juice
1 cup Oikos Organic Vanilla Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup Stonyfield organic fat-free milk
1 tablespoon flaxseed oil
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Sweet & Salty Chai Lassi
Billy Brigtsen, a chef in New York City, created this smoothie recipe using skin-healing spices.
Blend
3 green cardamom pods, crushed
3 black peppercorns
3 cloves
1 whole allspice berry
1/2 tablespoon grated ginger
1 cup water
Directions:
Place the above ingredients in a small pot and simmer for a few minutes, until the water is reduced to 1/4 cup. Cool, then blend with:
16 ounces Green Valley Organics kefir
4 tablespoon maple syrup
Sick of hearing what you can't drink if you want perfect skin?
Coffee. Booze. Soda. Even fruit juice is a no-no. What's a thirsty gal to do? The answer: Healthy smoothies.
You can sip your way to a clear complexion (and bonus -- a slimmer waistline) with delicious and healthy smoothies that are good for your skin.
Ashley Koff, R.D., a celebrity dietitian and author of "Mom Energy," says every woman can benefit from firing up the ol' blender for healthy smoothie recipes. "Smoothies are a great way to get all of the nutrients you need for beautiful skin in just one drink," says Koff. "Even better, since they're so easy to make and take with you, they can replace the junky, highly-processed fast food that's so bad for your skin."
That's why we asked Koff and six other experts to create 15 healthy smoothie recipes that would satisfy our blend ambition.
The nutritious combinations of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and good-for-you fats in these healthy smoothies are especially good for your skin, says Koff. "They are packed with essential fatty acids, which calm puffiness and redness. They're loaded with antioxidants, which keep wrinkles and sagging to a minimum. And many of the ingredients here are also alkalizing, which helps the body release skin-irritating toxins."
Are you frantically dusting off your blender yet? Yeah, us too. Discover all the best healthy smoothie recipes here.
