I used to not be a smoothie person, but now most mornings involve "smoothie time." I find it to be a simple and comforting way to integrate antioxidants, immune boosters, fruit, and greens first thing in the morning. I always make sure to have a dark leafy green of some sort, usually spinach, to blend alongside the fruit. Whether you are packing your smoothie to drink on the go, or have the ability to sip and enjoy in the comfort of your home, here are my top 5 smoothie recipes to get your day started right!

The Crazy Monkey aka peanut butter, banana, cacao smoothie! Nothing beats this delicious combo of three of my favorite foods.

Cacao is somewhat of a confusing ingredient. Is it chocolate? Is it good for you? Is it raw? To help clarify things, here is the run down on cacao. Cacao is the purest form of chocolate and is usually found raw. The cacao bean grows in pods on the cacao tree in Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Following harvesting, cacao can be turned into nibs, butter, or powder.

When cacao is heated and processed, it turns into cocoa and is usually infused with other ingredients such as preservatives, sugar, milk, and food coloring. When purchasing cocoa powder or mixes, make sure to read the ingredients to avoid any unwanted ingredients. So what's the difference between cacao and chocolate? Chocolate is the combination of cacao or cocoa with sweeteners, milk, and possibly oil, nuts, dried fruit, and seeds. When purchasing a chocolate bar, opt for brands that use fair trade cacao beans and are at least 70% cacao. This means 70% of the bar is made of raw cacao and 30% is from other ingredients like sugar, milk, and/or nuts.

So why should you be consuming cacao? Cacao has many beneficial ingredients that can assist your body in a multitude of ways. Cacao is a great source of magnesium which promotes restful sleep and is crucial for more then 300 bodily functions, including those affecting the muscles, nervous system, bones, and heart. Cacao is also an antioxidant and reduces inflammation. Finally, cacao contains fiber which assists with satiety and promotes bowel regularity. In case you were looking for an excuse to nibble on some chocolate or munch on cacao nibs, go for it, just in moderation, of course.

the crazy monkey smoothie

Serves 2

1 1/2 medium sized frozen bananas
A handful of spinach
2 tablespoons peanut butter or sun butter
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon unsweetened raw cacao powder
2 teaspoons maca powder
1 cup coconut water
1 cup cashew milk
2 dates, pitted
2 tablespoons hemp seeds
1 tablespoon cinnamon (less if you are not such a cinnamon fan)
1/4 cup ice cubes

Blend all the ingredients together in a high speed blender and enjoy.

Protein and greens are essential smoothie components in my book, and I never like to go overboard on the fruit. I try my best to have a balance of plant-based superfoods, greens, and Vitamin C filled berries in most of my smoothies. I also like to integrate ginger and turmeric for extra immunity boosters. For sources of clean plant-based protein, fiber, and omega 3's, I lean on chia seeds, hemp seeds, and ground flaxseeds. All three varieties of seeds provide a mega nutritional boost without compromising the flavor of the smoothie. If you are looking for some tasty smoothie fuel or simply need some help resetting, then this turmeric blueberry chia smoothie is just for you!

turmeric blueberry chia smoothie time

serves 2

1 cup frozen organic blueberries
2 cups fresh organic spinach
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled
1 1/2 cups coconut water
1/2 cup ice
2 tablespoons almond or organic peanut butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
pinch of black pepper
1 tablespoon chia seeds
2 tablespoons hemp seeds

Blend all the ingredients together in a high speed blender. Top with cinnamon and additional seeds, if you wish.

Dark cherries are full of antioxidants, in particular anthocyanins, which lower inflammation and cholesterol and triglyceride levels. I like to add a bit of maca to my morning smoothies as well for a natural subtle energy boost. Maca is a root vegetable from Peru that is typically found in dried powdered form. It is considered to be an adaptogen, which strengthens the adrenal system and reduces your bodies response to stress. Since maca has an effect on the hormonal system, consider consulting with your health care practitioner if you have thyroid issues, difficulty sleeping, or are at risk for estrogenic cancers.

dark cherry maca smoothie

makes 2 smoothies

2 cups frozen organic dark cherries
1 1/2 cups raw coconut water
1 tablespoon or more ginger root, peeled and chopped
2 teaspoons maca powder
1 tablespoon flax seeds
1/4 cup plain or vegan yogurt
1 handful of baby spinach
Hemp seeds for garnish (optional)

Blend all the ingredients together in a high speed blender, pour into two glasses, and top with hemp seeds.

This smoothie is the ideal balance of plant-based protein, fiber, omega-3s, iron, and magnesium. It is immune boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant rich! Plant-based protein is found in the almond butter, almond milk, and flax and chia seeds. Strawberries provide fiber and immune boosting antioxidant-rich vitamin C. Spinach is loaded with non-heme iron as well as vitamin K, which is an important vitamin needed for blood clotting and bone health. Flax and chia provide additional fiber and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. And in case the smoothie wasn't loaded enough, I add in one of my all time favorite superfoods cacao!

strawberry cacao "milk" shake

Makes 2 smoothies

2 cups frozen strawberries
1 cup unsweetened almond or cashew milk
1/2 cup coconut water
1 handful spinach
1 tablespoon ground flax seeds
1 tablespoon chia seeds
2 tablespoons almond butter
1 tablespoon cacao powder
1 date, pitted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Blend all the ingredients together in a high speed blender. Distribute between two glasses and enjoy!

Although pineapple is by no means a local fruit, I love to indulge in this tropical delicacy - not only for its sweet and slightly tart taste, but also because of the range of nutritional benefits. Pineapples contain the enzyme bromelain, which is anti-inflammatory and can help to reduce swelling and muscle soreness. In addition to being rich in the antioxidant powerhouse Vitamin C, pineapples also have serotonin, which has mood-boosting powers.

This smoothie is also loaded with immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory ginger and turmeric, fiber filled greens, and protein from hemp seeds. Place all of your ingredients in the blender the night before, add ice in the AM, and blend up for a super quick and refreshing breakfast or anytime smoothie!