Hemp milk is a great alternative to dairy, says Koff, as dairy products can contribute to skin irritation in some people. This easy, tasty smoothie recipe was created by Manitoba Harvest, a hemp foods company. But you can use any non-dairy milk alternative.
Blend
1/2 cup hemp milk
1/2 cup coconut milk or coconut water
1 to 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder (preferably Manitoba Harvest Organic Vanilla)
1 pear, peeled and cored
Handful of spinach or kale
A splash of coconut extract (for more coconut flavor).
1 cup ice
Photo 7/16
Berry Blast
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson Angela Ginn created this healthy smoothie, which aims to protect your skin from harmful pollutants with the help of antioxidants. "The omega 3 fatty acids (present in the flaxseed) add a protective layer to the skin to help keep the harmful toxins out," Ginn says. "Beautiful skin starts from the inside."
Blend
1 cup almond milk
2 scoops of hemp powder
1 cup frozen mixed berries
1/2 fresh spinach
1 tablespoon of grounded flaxseed
1/2 banana
Add ice as desired
Photo 8/16
Strawberry-Banana Smoothie
Created by registered dietitian and chef, Sara Haas, this healthy smoothie is all about fighting the signs of aging. The strawberries within the anti-aging elixir contain vitamin C, a natural collagen builder. "Collagen is the structural component of our skin and helps keep our skin smooth and supple," Haas says. "Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant that protects against and helps repair our skin from damage done by ultra violet light and free radicals."
Blend
4 ounces Greek yogurt
1/4 cup milk (or milk alternative)
1 tablespoon ground flax seed
1/2 cup frozen strawberries, about 5-6
1/2 medium, ripe banana
Photo 9/16
Tropical Fruit Smoothie with Coconut Water
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
Photo 10/16
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
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.
