While smoothies are definitely the kind of thing that you can — and I personally think that you should — consume year-round, there really is something about a cold homemade smoothie on a hot summer's day that is refreshing as all get out. Not to mention that they come with all sorts of benefits like they can help to prevent dehydration, curb food cravings and, if you make them from scratch, they are better for you than juice because you're getting more nutrients since you're consuming its pulp. Not to mention the fact that smoothies are mad convenient if you're looking for a filling snack when you're on the go.
Today, I'm going to share 10 smoothie recipes. All of these feature fruits that are ripe during the summer season. As a bonus, they are also fruits that can help you with very special health issues or concerns that you may have. By the way, it should go on record that the cool thing about smoothies is you can go the dairy or milk alternative route or not. Sometimes I like mine to be thick like a shake and so I'll add some Greek yogurt. Other times, fruit, honey, and crushed ice is all that I want.
No matter how you decide to customize your own smoothie, hopefully, these will inspire you to go to the store, pick up some fresh fruit and treat yourself ASAP. Because y'all, a smoothie in the summertime is always worth it.
1. A HYDRATER: Sunrise Apricot Strawberry Smoothie
Getty Images
Another name for apricots is Armenian plums which may explain their tiny size. While they may be small, apricots contain their fair share of nutrients including fiber, protein and vitamins A, C, and E. Other reasons why they're so good for you is they are helpful when it comes to keeping you regular and protecting your skin from free radicals. Since apricots also contain a good amount of water (like most fruits do), they're a hydrating treat. As far as strawberries go, they also are full of fiber, along with Vitamin C, folate, potassium and antioxidants. They also have plant compounds in them like ellagitannins and ellagic acid which can help to keep bacteria at bay. Oh, and since the particular recipe that I've included calls for honey too, you can also feel good about getting your "sweet tooth fix" in since honey is proven to be healthier for you than sugar (by a country mile, chile).
Get the recipe here: Sunrise Apricot Strawberry Smoothie
2. A SKIN TREATMENT: Tropical Mango Smoothie
Getty Images
Hands down, mangoes are personally one of my favorite fruits. I like their sweetness, their texture — pretty much everything. Good thing too because they've got just about every B vitamin that you could think of, along with fiber, copper, vitamins A and C and folate. Mangoes are super good for you because they are filled with polyphenols (plant compounds that serve as antioxidants). That's good to know because polyphenols can slow down the signs of aging. The fiber in them can assist with digestive health and, since Vitamin C helps our body to produce collagen, mangoes can be a smart way to help your skin (and hair) to thrive as well.
Get the recipe here: Tropical Mango Smoothie
3. A NATURAL ESTROGEN ADDITION: Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
Getty Images
I don't know about y'all but, to me, a bowl of fresh cherries while sitting outside at sunset is something that I'm pretty much always down for.
The people I know who are either going through menopause or are post-menopausal, I will oftentimes recommend that they snack on some cherries. Since they're in season during the summertime, they can really help with hot flashes on a whole 'nother level because they contain phytoestrogens (which is basically a plant form of estrogen).
Cherries are also a good source of fiber, protein and Vitamin C. They've also got a good amount of anti-inflammatory properties, which makes them great to snack on if you're looking to decrease muscular discomfort after a hard workout. As far as the raw cacao powder that this particular recipe calls for, the flavonoids in it can help to lower your blood pressure and risk for high cholesterol levels. Plus, this recipe includes protein powder which is a delightful way to get more protein into your system; especially if you are a vegetarian or vegan.
Get the recipe here: Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
4. AN ORAL HEALTH SURPRISE: Blackberry Banana Bliss Smoothie
Getty Images
Blackberries are awesome because they too are full of fiber and Vitamin C (a lot of fruits are). Since they also have Vitamin K and manganese in them, you can trust that blackberries are the kind of fruit that will support strong bones and strengthen your immunity. What a lot of people don't know about blackberries is they're also a fruit that contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that fight off the kind of bacteria that leads to oral decay. When you add bananas to this already amazing fruit, you can get even more fiber as well as potassium, manganese, copper, fiber, protein and vitamins B6 and C. All of these nutrients work together to lower your blood sugar levels, strengthen your heart, reduce muscle cramps, improve digestive health and even aid in weight loss.
Get the recipe here: Blackberry Banana Bliss Smoothie
5. A BRAIN BOOSTER: Raspberry Lime Smoothie
Getty Images
While we're on the topic of berries, let's touch on raspberries for just a moment. To tell you the truth, it's kinda hard to find another fruit that has as much fiber in it as they do. Raspberries are also a good source of protein, vitamins C and K, manganese, antioxidants, and they also have vitamins B and E, iron, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus in them (crazy, right?). If you're looking for the kind of fruit that will slow down the production of cancer cells, raspberries have got your back. And, because they also contain anti-inflammatory properties, some health professionals say that raspberries can make arthritis much easier to deal with.
What I personally find to be dope is they are one of the fruits that can help to reduce oxidative stress. This is a bonus because that is the type of stress that ultimately leads to cognitive dysfunction. Add some limes into the mix and the amount of Vitamin C and antioxidants that are in them is pretty much off the charts! Also, since both help to increase immunity and the production of collagen while also helping to detoxify your system, why wouldn't you try a raspberry lime smoothie before the summer season ends?
Get the recipe here: Raspberry Lime Smoothie
6. A HEART AND KIDNEY HEALTH DELIGHT: Triple Melon Smoothie
Getty Images
It makes perfect sense that melons like cantaloupe and honeydew would be in season during the summer months when you stop to think about how light and refreshing both of them are. Cantaloupe's got vitamins A and C, folate, potassium, fiber and antioxidants. Honeydew contains fiber, protein, Vitamin C and potassium. Due to the high water content of both melons, they are super hydrating. The Vitamin C in both will help to fight off free radicals. And since both fruits are a good source of potassium, you can trust that every time you make a fresh triple melon smoothie (the third melon is watermelon and we already covered that), you'll be doing your part to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes as well as prevent kidney stones.
Get the recipe here: Triple Melon Smoothie
7. A WEIGHT LOSS SNACK: Honey Plum Smoothie
Getty Images
I'm pretty sure that most of us know that prunes are nothing more than dried plums. Since a lot of us eat those in order to "stay regular", it's a given that plums are high in fiber. They also contain a fair amount of vitamins A, C, K, antioxidants and potassium. Because plums are low in calories and a good source of fiber, and staying regular can help to deplete your body of toxins that may be stored in your gut, that's what makes this particular smoothie good for weight loss (if you drink them in moderation because plums also contain a quite a bit of natural sugar [i.e., fructose]).
They're also cool because they can help to stabilize your blood sugar levels, promote bone health, lower your blood pressure and destroy the cells that can lead to breast cancer. Yep. Plums are certainly all that. Honey? It always does a body good because it's rich in antioxidants, can improve your cholesterol levels and, since it also has anti-inflammatory properties in it, honey can help to prevent you from getting heart disease or an autoimmune disorder up the road.
Get the recipe here: Honey Plum Smoothie
8. AN APHRODISIAC: Rosé & Watermelon Smoothie
Getty Images
Watermelon on a hot summer's day? There's not too much that tops it. The reason why it made the smoothie list is, honestly, watermelon deserves an article of its own when it comes to all of the health benefits that it provides. Watermelon is made up of over 90 percent water, which makes it an ultimate way to hydrate yourself. It has a good supply of vitamins A and C. It's got a plant compound in it called Cucurbitacin E which contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. All of this works together to help to keep your heart strong, bodily inflammation down and muscle soreness from bothering you too much.
What I really like about watermelon is it's also considered to be a natural aphrodisiac. The lycopene (a type of carotenoid) in it is great when it comes to maintaining prostate health. Also, since watermelon contains the amino acid called citrulline and it is good at relaxing blood vessels, including in the genitalia region, this fruit is nicknamed "natural Viagra" because it is able to help to intensify orgasms.
And y'all, the good feelings will only increase with the help of some Rosè red wine and sprigs of mint (which are both in this smoothie recipe) since wine is an aphrodisiac and mint helps your breath to smell nice and fresh.
Get the recipe here: Rosé & Watermelon Smoothie
9. AN ALLERGY RELIEVER: Peach Blueberry Oatmeal Smoothie
Getty Images
It's my personal opinion that a peach or blueberry-flavored anything is pretty close to being divine. The fact that both of them are uber healthy is literally the icing on the cake. Peaches are good for you because they have protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E, K and some potassium in them. Plus, they're known for protecting your skin from damaging UV rays, boosting your immunity and also decreasing toxin levels in your system. However, what I truly dig about peaches is they can help to provide relief of allergy-related symptoms. That's because they contain properties that help to block the production of histamines which trigger things like sneezing and itchiness.
Blueberries are cool because they are an impressive source of vitamins C, K and manganese. They've got quite a bit of fiber in them too. Consuming these berries on a consistent basis can reduce DNA damage to your cells, help to lower your blood pressure and even help to fight and prevent urinary tract infections. Plus, since this particular recipe calls for oats, you'll be sure to get even more fiber, along with an unbelievable amount of manganese and a good amount of phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc; this is really great since introducing oats to children at a young age can decrease their chances for developing asthma as they age.
Get the recipe here: Peach Blueberry Oatmeal Smoothie
10. AN AMENIA PREVENTER: Boozy Frozen Lemonade
Getty Images
Although lemons and limes are technically considered to be in season year-round, maybe it's just me, but they seem to be bigger during the summer months. Anyway, let's close this smoothie shout-out piece with a lemon smoothie that is sure to be a good time, thanks to the 2/3 cups of vodka that's in the recipe (for the record, vodka is able to increase blood circulation, lower cholesterol levels and reduce stress levels). Lemons are good for you because they're a great source of Vitamin C, they aid in the digestive process and, because they make it easier for your body to absorb the iron that comes from other foods that you eat, that makes this fruit something that can help to keep you from being anemic as well. So, if you're like me and you happen to like the taste of sour things, a boozy frozen lemonade could be the perfect way to end a hot summer's day. Enjoy!
Get the recipe here: Boozy Frozen Lemonade
Join our xoTribe, an exclusive community dedicated to YOU and your stories and all things xoNecole. Be a part of a growing community of women from all over the world who come together to uplift, inspire, and inform each other on all things related to the glow up.
Featured image by Getty Images
- 10 Best Breakfast Foods For Healthy Skin & Hair - xoNecole ... ›
- JJ Smith Smoothie Cleanse, Lizzo - xoNecole: Women's Interest ... ›
- 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse Review - xoNecole: Women's ... ›
- 10 2021 Summer Food Trends To Watch - xoNecole: Lifestyle, Culture, Love, Wellness ›
- 8 Quick And Easy Breakfast Ideas To Avoid Skipping Breakfast - xoNecole ›
RELATED
It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
However, to my surprise, I received an email that read: “It’s with great excitement that we announce your film, Super High: A Period Piece, has been selected for the 24th Anchorage International Film Festival.” After looking at the flight distance from Atlanta to Anchorage—a solid 10 hours one way— I’d decided this would be one I wouldn’t attend.
That was until there was a follow-up email that shared that the festival was sponsoring two excursions for filmmakers: A Northern Lights Tour and A Glacier Hike.
With that, I knew I had to make the trip to the 49th state! I flew Delta, which offered the shortest layovers—just 50 minutes each way. For a more comfortable flight on the longer legs that were about six hours between my layover city and Anchorage, I upgraded to first class with an in-app discount for $256 (the regular price of a first-class ticket runs about $2,100), which was so worth it for additional space and service for the six-hour trek.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
"So What’s Alaska Like? Did You Have To Wear a Snowsuit? What’s the Food Like?"
These are among the major questions I’ve gotten. Anchorage reminds me less of a bustling major city and more of a small town with an easygoing feel. When I arrived, they’d just had snow a few days before, so it was cold, and the streets were slick. So, I was so happy I’d invested in a pair of snow boots. For my first few days, the locals said it was warm. Warm to them being 20s at night and mid-30s during the day.
However, by the time I left, fresh snow was on the ground, and temps were well into the single digits—and it felt like it. Oh, the sun doesn’t rise until 10:30 a.m., and it sets around 4 p.m. That was among the most challenging things to experience because I felt like I never really woke up. So, between the lack of sun and the four-hour time difference, I felt tired the whole time I was there.
As for food, I didn’t explore a ton because I was so cold. But I found two gems! First was Whiskey and Ramen. If you enjoy ramen and exceptional service, this is a must-visit. I’d make a trip back just for their Wagyu ramen and their special take on an old fashion!
And, for coffee, I thoroughly enjoyed That Feeling Co. The coffee was great, and being surrounded by plants helped to perk up my spirits.
The Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the most popular places to see the Northern Lights, so I was very excited to know that Alaska also gets to see the Aurora Borealis light show. Typically, many people visit Fairbanks to see them, but there are tours offered in Anchorage too! When prepping for the late-night tour, we’d heard that the night we were heading out to see the lights, the cloud coverage likely meant we wouldn’t be able to see them. Bummer. I know. So, we could sit the tour out or still try. But, in my mind, I was like, why would I come all the way to Alaska not to try?
So, at about 9:30 p.m., we piled into vans and headed out to chase the Northern Lights. We traveled about an hour and a half from Anchorage, and when we stepped out of the van, it was cold and pitch black. And unfortunately, after a couple of hours in the cold, those clouds in the sky never parted for us. I know that when we see the posts of people who do get to see Mother Nature do her thing, we don’t have all of the context of the science, which is Aurora Borealis.
Sometimes, the weather just doesn’t do what we earthlings would like, which can lead to disappointment. However, our guide did give a recommendation. When you book a trip to see the lights, give yourself four to five days to see them. Don’t bank on one day because, at the end of the day, this is science.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Now, On to the Glacier!
Just six hours after returning from the Northern Lights tour, we were up for the glacier tour because they were back-to-back! I was exhausted and so excited. If someone had told me I’d hike on a glacier, I would have given them a mean side-eye. I mean, where on earth does one climb a glacier? Let me share a few destinations with you, just in case you want to plan an icy adventure: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Chile, Argentina, and Alaska.
Aside from the fact the Matanuska Glacier is 22,000 years old, it’s the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States—27 miles long and four miles wide, making it one of the easier ones to see IRL. As a girlie with generalized anxiety disorder, I get anxious about doing this kind of thing because I know that to see these world wonders is usually a mountainous trek.
This one was two hours long, one-way, up snow-capped, windy, mountainous terrain. However, my therapist always reminds me to push myself to do what scares me (as long as it’s for a reason, of course). I held my breath for the journey there and back! And white-knuckled it from time to time, too.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Once we got there, we were surrounded by fresh, fluffy snow, and it was COLD! In the negative cold. I was thankful, I’d over-prepared. If you even go on a glacier tour, I recommend a few things: Balaclava, heavy-weight gloves, cashmere socks, snow boots, and lots of layers.
Here’s what I wore. My first layer was Ann Taylor leggings and a Wolford Turtleneck. Then, I layered a cashmere turtleneck and cashmere joggers. A COACH down vest, which I’d recommend anyone own just for winter, in general, because it’s SO warm! For my feet, I wore Ann Taylor cashmere socks (I love these because they’re affordable and so warm) and Adidas Adifom Superstar Winter Boot and topped all of that with a Brandon Blackwood ankle-length parka. I know BB is known for his accessories, but the brand’s outwear is truly amazing and worth the investment. After two hours on the ice, I felt great!
If you’re open to adventure travel, I highly recommend putting a glacier tour on your list of things to do. There are a few reasons. First, standing on an ice age-old massive piece of glacier was my 2024 version of touching some grass. I was reminded that I’m a speck on this spinning rock and need to spend more time grounded in that fact as I move through the world. I looked to the sky and thought of how proud my ancestors would be, even though I know they’d be telling me to get my butt home and off a dog on a glacier!
Secondly, I gained an ever-large appreciation for Mother Nature as I learned that glaciers are the world's largest reservoir of freshwater, containing around 69% of the world's freshwater. Again, another fact that helped me gain perspective. Lastly, it’s just fun and stunningly beautiful!
After this, I’m looking forward to my next cold-weather adventure! Iceland and Argentina are at the top of the list!
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image courtesy of Bianca Lambert