We're big fans of smoothies. They're a great way to add a boost to your nutrition, get in extra calories if you need them, or can be used as a meal replacement if you're counting calories.

Personally, I make one every morning for my family. I know everyone's getting some solid nutrition to start the day out, and it's of course a good way to get some healthy nutrients into the kids.

I also like to have a smoothie as both my pre- and post-exercise meal. Because they're liquid, smoothies are easy to digest before a workout (I don't like having soid food in my stomach before a run or ride, but need some kind of energy), and after a workout, they go down a lot easier than solid food as I usually don't have a big appetite but need to get some calories back in my body.

So here it us, our Awesome Power Smoothie Recipe:

1. Start with a good blender. "Magic Bullet" is inexpensive, but it won't last you long. "VitaMix" is the Rolls Royce of blenders, costing you $$$, but will last for years...

2. Pick A Fruit

Add about a cup; you can get bags of frozen fruit from the grocery or use fresh berries, bananas, pineapple, mango, apples, etc. Personally I like a frozen mix of blueberries, strawberries and mangos.

3. Pick A Veggie

Add a handful of baby greens, spinach, or kale. You won't even taste it, and it's a great way to hide greens in a drink!

4. Pick A Liquid

5. Pick A Healthy Fat

6. Pick A Protein Powder

-You want to add about 25 grams per serving.

-Try our yummy vegan protein powder; they're a great addition because they also contain a multi-vitamin/mineral, fruit and vegetable extracts, fiber and probioitics. They're available in Chocolate, Vanilla or Chai flavors. (I use vanilla with fruits, chocholate with more nut butter, and chai with a bit of espresso....good stuff!)

7. Add A Powdered Green and Red Supplement

Greens First and Greens First Berryprovide extra amounts of plant nutrients if you're diet is a bit low in veggies. They also enhance the flavor of the smoothie. I add 1/2 scoop of the Berry and 1/2 scoop of the Green to  my smoothies.

Try this recipe out and see how you feel. My bet is you'll have tons of better energy, and fewer cravings for stuff you probably shouldn't eat...  Remember, there's no rules with recipes, so mix it up and try different things that work for you.