Protein powders come in all shapes and sizes – you’ve got to find what works for you. If you’re going with whey protein, be sure it’s coming from grass-fed animals and processed responsibly. Most people find goat protein more easily digestible. We’re huge fans of hemp protein powder which is full of essential fatty acids. And SunWarrior is great for vegans with it’s full profile of amino acids.

TCM Picks: Nutiva Chocolate Hemp Protein Powder and Sunwarrior Vanilla Protein Powder

Remember, it’s not just about chia seeds, it’s about creating chia gel: before adding your tiny seeds to your smoothie, stir them in a little liquid. Let them gel up and add that to your smoothie. The real trick with these tiny power-packed suckers is in the soaking process and it only take a few minutes. Learn the fine print on chia here. 

TCM Pick: Nutiva Organic Black Chia Seeds

Mushrooms in your smoothie? Absolutely. Reishi mushrooms are incredible for immunity and adaptogenic, meaning they help to bring your body into balance no matter how you’re feeling. A powerful superfood for longevity and a sense of well-being.

TCM Pick: Sun Potion Reishi Powder

Maca provides an instant stamina boost, perfect for everything from that early morning gym trip to fighting chronic fatigue. In addition, maca can help balance stress within the body, aid in reproductive function (it can have a sex-drive boosting effect, watch out!) and increase fertility. You can read more about maca here.

TCM Pick: Navitas Naturals Organic Maca Powder

Not only does adding half of an avocado to your smoothie provide you with essential fats (and protein) to make your skin glow, feed your brain, and turbo-charge fat burn (yes, you should eat fat to burn fat) – it adds a creaminess to smoothies that makes them seem way more sinful than they actually are.

Last year, we introduced you to what’s maybe the most non-traditional smoothie ingredient of them all: gelatin. Gelatin is essentially derived from collagen, which is essential to creating and maintaining healthy, supple joints, skin and other connective tissue. Collagen declines as we age, but can be supplemented and yield fantastic results – throw a little of this non-vegan pantry staple of ours into a smoothie and we swear you won’t taste the difference. 

TCM Pick: Great Lakes Beef Gelatin

Coconut butter or manna is another perfect addition for smoothies. The fats help bind all the greens and powders and the world class fats in coconut will fill you up and deeply nourish you. Be sure to find coconut butter that is raw and natural, the body processes it best this way and it’s most nutritious in that natural state. 

TCM Pick: Nutiva Coconut Manna

Even if your protein powder is chocolate flavored, is there ever any harm in adding more chocolate? We don’t think so. Up the anty on your magnesium intake, get a little energy spike, and add depth of flavor with rich cacao powder – no sugar, no fillers, no nothin’ added. It will also help to keep less healthy cravings at bay! 

TCM Pick: Nativas Naturals Organic Cacao Powder

Add probiotics to your smoothie! This probiotic powder by Sunbiotics is so easy to use and the addition of yacon (a pre-biotic) and mesquite (to balance blood sugar) are bonuses too. Smoothies are especially easy to digest, but with all these powerful ingredients, we like to make sure our body is absorbing everything – this powder helps.  

TCM Pick: Sunbiotics Potent Probiotics with Organic Prebiotics Powder Vanilla 

There’s nothing on the market like Pressed Juicery’s date and vanilla-laced almond milk – rich, organic and cold-pressed. It’s a little thicker than most almond milks – combined with a bit of ice this stuff creates the perfect smoothie texture with a bit of healthy fats, minerals and more protein.

TCM Pick: Pressed Juicery Vanilla Almond

Last, but certainly not least, make your smoothies a vehicle for a good handful of fresh, bright greens. Kale, spinach and romaine are all nutrient-dense choices that won’t mess too much with your flavor profile. They may take up a lot of room in your blender, but, trust us, the cacao, coconut and other flavors will definitely take the lead once everything’s blended.

TCM Pick: Spinach, romaine, kale – when we’re lazy, a good old bottle of Pressed Juicery Greens 1

Deep red and purple berries are power-packed superfoods – as we all know. Keeping a freezer full of them is the perfect way to keep your intake up without a lot of hassle. Use the frozen fruit instead of ice to add flavor and a little chill. 

TCM Picks: Sambazon acai packs

Bananas are a smoothie staple for a reason. They’re so rich in vitamins and minerals and help keep us calm. Not a fan of bananas but want a bit more sweetness to your smoothie? Try frozen pineapple instead. Pineapple contains bromelain, a naturally occurring digestive enzyme that doubles as an anti-inflammatory – fitness pros even say that it helps reduce muscle soreness.