Looking for a simple yet satisfying smoothie recipe, packed with a ton of beauty benefits? Well, you’re in luck! Today I’m sharing the recipe for my Lean and Clean Blueberry Acai Smoothie, that you’re sure to love.
The stars of this recipe are a powerful antioxidant duo – blueberries and acai berries. These two fruits boast bold purple and blue hues, and are just as good for you as they are beautiful to look at! Yes, your smoothie routine is about to get an upgrade ;)
The Very Merry Blueberry
One word comes to mind whenever I think of blueberries: antioxidant. Antioxidants are compounds that fight free-radicals, and help your body to stop and prevent cell damage and inflammation.
Antioxidant Defense
Free-radicals have been linked to aging, cell damage, wrinkles, inflammation and disease. So, if your goal is to stay healthy and beautiful inside and out, antioxidants should be a key part of your diet.
On the outside the vibrant blue color of these berries is due to an antioxidant called anthocyanin. When eaten, this compound helps strengthen your eyes and vision, and supports beautiful skin!
Additionally, blueberries contain a special group of antioxidants that are called carotenoids and flavonoids. Brimming with these powerful antioxidants, the berries work to destroy potentially aging free-radicals in a mighty way.
Fiber & Vitamins
These delightful berries are high in fiber, which provides roughage to the digestive tract. Because blueberries are a natural source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, they help promote ongoing cleansing. As a result, this helps to keep us lean, clean and healthy!
Furthermore, research has found that blueberries are also are super rich in vitamin C, for beautiful skin and bright eyes. Blueberries also contain vitamins A, B, C and E; copper, iron, selenium, zinc and phosphorus! They’re all-around packed with beauty-building nutrients!
Acai: The Ultimate Beauty Food
Oh boy, I could talk all day about the benefits of acai berries! This gorgeous Amazonian fruit provides powerful detoxification to the body, is super high in antioxidants, and is chock-full of fiber and minerals.
In fact, acai berries contain nearly twice the antioxidant amount of blueberries. Not to mention, acai berries are also naturally sugar-free!
Super Berries
Just take a peek at some of the amazing benefits in acai berries:
- Packed with superfood nutrition and antioxidants (anthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamins A, C and E)
- Provides healthy omegas and vital nutrients
- Contains the perfect combination of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats (linoleic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid)
- Provides trace minerals and essential nutrients (like iron, calcium, copper and zinc)
- Has powerful detoxification capacities in the human body
- Gives you glowing skin and shiny hair
- Alleviates digestive problems like bloating and constipation
Cleanse and Reset
It’s no wonder I named this a “lean” and “clean” blueberry acai smoothie. The fiber content of these little berries acts as a natural colon cleanser, helping to alleviate constipation and clear out our guts. In essence, this prevents foods from fermenting in the intestines, which leads to dreaded symptoms like bloating, constipation, and gas.
Want to learn more about acai? Check out my podcast episode dedicated to this little fruit!
Side note: If you’re wondering where to find acai for your smoothie, just check out the frozen section of your local grocery store. My favorite brand is the Sambazon Unsweetened Acai Smoothie Packets—made from organic, fair-trade acai, wild-harvested from the heart of the Amazon! (They come in individual frozen packets, which make for effortless smoothie prep.)
So, I hope you enjoy trying out my Lean and Clean Blueberry Acai Smoothie! Let me know if you try out the recipe and how you feel sipping on this lovely beauty drink :)
Lean and Clean Blueberry Acai Smoothie Recipe
Lean and Clean Blueberry Acai Smoothie
Lean and Clean Blueberry Acai Smoothie Author: Kimberly Snyder Serves: 1
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 package of frozen acai
- ½ cup blueberries
- 1 ripe banana peeled
- 2 handfuls of kale
- 1 Tbs. maca powder
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into Vitamix.
- Blend ingredients together until smooth, and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was on Instagram!
Happy blending, beauties!
Does it make a difference If you use almond milk instead of coconut and can you use anything else instead of macha like maybe veggie greens
Hi Alexandra – thanks for checking this recipe out and for your great questions. Yes, you can absolutely use almond milk and veggie greens. It’s all about listening to your bodies needs and making the adjustments whenever you need to. Let us know what you think and sending you lots of love! ;)
I live in New Brunswick on the east coast of canada and have gone all over in search of the acai packs but they just aren’t carried around here, they are used in a few of your smoothies and I just dont know what to do in place of them!
I’ve even gone right to the grocer but haven’t been able to get any, so far the closest I can find is a 5 hour drive including crossing an international border… any suggestions?
Hi Beauty! You could always look into ordering acai packets online or even look for acai powder on Amazon, which could make a good substitute if you can’t find the puree. Good luck! xx
What brand of maca powder would you recommend using for this smoothie?
Hi Beauty! I like the Navitas Organics brand for maca powder, which can be found on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Navitas-Naturals-Organic-Powder-Ounce/dp/B00KAVWV8I/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1464908151&sr=8-1&keywords=navitas%2Bmaca&linkCode=sl1&tag=jfraa-20&linkId=fcfbe23379fc764b7d078bc0f37f1ada&th=1. As long as the powder is organic and you understand the ingredients listed, it should be great! Happy hunting ;) xx
What brand of coconut milk do you use?
I always try to get an organic brand of coconut milk! Happy blending, Beauty!
Any ideas to replace bananas in smoothies? Bananas can be very constipating. Thanks!
You could always skip the bananas altogether or substitute another fruit like mango. Sending you lots of love!
Thank you!!
Hi darling have started drinking this n feeling fab
Thank you so much
Enjoying your Podcasts too
Thank you
Love Sev ????????????????
Hi Sev! So glad to hear you’re enjoying the smoothie and feeling great! Sending you lots of love!
Can I drink this in place of the GGS? Sometimes I get tired of the GGS and want something different.
Thanks!!
Hi Beauty! I recommend a regular routine that includes GGS, because of the high fiber and micronutrient content. However, this smoothie could be a great replacement when you want to change things up, or you could enjoy this at another time of day. Listening to your body is key! Sending you lots of love. xx
Hi! I was wondering what you think about Bilberry instead of- or in addition to blueberry?I’ve been hearing a lot about it but would love your opinion.
Hi Beauty! I don’t have much experience with consuming bilberry for health benefits, although I know it contains many antioxidants and vitamin C – both of which can be helpful to prevent disease and lower inflammation. If you have any specific concerns about bilberries, I encourage you to contact your health care physician, as every body is different :) Sending you lots of love xx