When I’m feeling extra lazy (and very hungry), smoothies always come to mind.

I’m mean really, you just throw a bunch of random ish into a blender then chug.

Except not.

The ingredient combination you choose requires a little bit of thought… unless you don’t care about taste or texture. (My guess is that most people do care, at least a little.)

So first you have to briefly consider what type of liquid you want to use, so this thing is actually blendable and drinkable.

Almond milk is usually my first choice, although orange juice is definitely a tasty option, plus it adds a bit of natural sweetness.

Now you have to quickly ponder how on earth you’re going to make this beverage nice and creamy.

Yogurt! Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and deliciousness and calcium.

Next you must momentarily mull over how to get in some extra protein.

Greek yogurt is an excellent source, but how can you pass up the opportunity to add some irresistible nut butter magic?! Time for a big plop of peanut butter or almond butter.

Nice.

Last but not least, the fruit. (Because I usually prefer my veggies with a side of hummus.)

Bananas go with pretty much everything, and they are cheap. People tend to always have some laying around anyways. Now is your chance to use up the super ripe ones! (Speckled is good, black… not so much.) Extra ripe equals extra natural sweetness.

Score.

Of course there needs to be some frozen element involved, because this is supposed to be a refreshing smoothie and all.

Frozen berries to the rescue! Blueberries are my go-to, but strawberries sure are hard to pass up.

If you have frozen mango, by all means, use it! Just maybe stick to one or two frozen fruits, because you want to be able to taste each flavor.

P.S. I don’t use ice because it takes away from the creaminess and fruitiness. And the ice in my kitchen is reserved for cocktails 😉