My Vitamin C Secret Green Smoothie
Not only is this delicious smoothie bursting with over 100% of your daily requirement of vitamin C – you’d never know it was hiding a bunch of greens in there too! When I made it, it came out a wonderful deep red, thanks to just a touch of beetroot and a dash of pomegranate juice. A great way to load up on greens without drinking something, well, green! This is very low sugar for a smoothie as well, as it’s a good balance between fruit and veg.
Vitamin C Secret Green Smoothie
A delicious and nutrient-packed smoothie that bursts with over 100% of your daily requirement of vitamin C. This deep red smoothie hides a bunch of greens, making it a great way to load up on veggies without drinking something green. It's also low in sugar, striking a perfect balance between fruit and veg.
Servings: 2 Serves
Calories: 100kcal
Cost: $10
Equipment
- High-powered blender
Ingredients
- 200 ml water
- 50 ml pomegranate or acai juice
- 1 large handful fresh spinach
- 1 handful fresh blueberries
- ½ cucumber peeled and chopped
- ½ orange peeled
- ½ raw beetroot peeled and chopped
- Crushed ice for serving
Instructions
- Blend the Ingredients: Whizz together all ingredients in a high-powered blender until smooth.
- Serve: Serve over a touch of crushed ice & enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of pomegranate or acai juice based on your taste preference.
- For added creaminess, consider adding a small piece of avocado.
- This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Why This Smoothie Works So Well
One of the biggest challenges people face with smoothies is the sugar content. Many shop-bought options are loaded with fruit sugars and lack protein, fat, or fibre to balance them out. This Secret Green Smoothie stands out for its balance of nutrients. It’s designed to provide a substantial hit of vitamin C, with minimal sugar, and a powerful dose of greens – all while tasting great.
The Power of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system, collagen production, and antioxidant protection. This smoothie includes ingredients like pomegranate juice and beetroot, both naturally rich in vitamin C and other polyphenols. Regularly consuming foods rich in this vitamin supports your skin, joints, and cardiovascular system. For those following a Paleo diet, getting nutrients from whole food sources is key – and this smoothie delivers just that.
Hiding Greens the Delicious Way
Getting more leafy greens into your diet doesn’t have to mean eating endless salads. In fact, this smoothie is a stealthy way to pack in greens like spinach or kale. Because of the beetroot and pomegranate, you won’t even notice the green colour – or the earthy taste. If you’re trying to get kids (or picky adults) to eat more greens, this is a great way to do it without the fuss.
Optional Add-ins for Extra Nutrition
Depending on your preferences and dietary needs, there are plenty of optional extras you can add to this smoothie without impacting the flavour:
- Collagen peptides – great for skin, joints, and gut health
- Chia seeds – for added fibre and omega-3s
- Avocado – to boost healthy fat and make the smoothie creamier
- Ginger or turmeric – anti-inflammatory and great for digestion
- Lemon or lime juice – enhances the flavour and vitamin C even more
Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly
You can pre-portion your smoothie ingredients in freezer bags or containers to make your mornings easier. Just dump them into a blender with your chosen liquid (like coconut water or almond milk) and blend. The texture stays smooth, and the nutrient density is preserved.
Best Times to Enjoy This Smoothie
While it’s ideal first thing in the morning, this smoothie also makes a brilliant post-workout option. Its combination of nutrients helps replenish what you’ve lost while training and gives your cells a much-needed antioxidant boost. It’s also a perfect choice during flu season or any time your immune system needs extra support.
Making It Kid-Friendly
If you want to share this with younger family members, consider using a frozen banana or a few strawberries to make it a bit sweeter without relying on added sugars. A reusable smoothie pouch or fun straw can help get kids on board too!
What to Serve Alongside
Pair this smoothie with a boiled egg or some leftover roast chicken for a protein boost. You could also serve it with a few slices of avocado toast on a Paleo-friendly bread to make it a complete breakfast.
Tips for Getting the Smoothest Texture
Use a high-speed blender, and always blend the greens with your liquid first before adding the other ingredients. This helps break down any fibrous bits and creates a more pleasant texture. Adding the beetroot in small chunks also helps to avoid any grittiness.
Let’s Talk Colour
One of the reasons this smoothie is so appealing is its vibrant red hue. Colour plays a big role in how appetising we find food, and that’s part of why this smoothie works so well. It looks beautiful, tastes great, and still delivers a serious dose of nutrients.
Understanding Natural Vitamin C Sources
While oranges get all the fame, many other fruits and vegetables offer higher vitamin C content – without the sugar spike. Think of ingredients like kale, broccoli, capsicum, parsley, and even kiwi fruit. In this smoothie, we’re leaning on pomegranate, beetroot, and leafy greens to deliver a more stable, wholefood-based vitamin C hit. These sources are less likely to cause a blood sugar crash, making them ideal for anyone following a low-glycaemic or Paleo lifestyle.
Supporting Immunity the Paleo Way
The Paleo approach focuses on whole foods, seasonal eating, and nutrient density – all of which support a strong immune system. This smoothie aligns perfectly, offering immune-supporting compounds not just from vitamin C, but from plant polyphenols, natural nitrates (from beetroot), and anti-inflammatory compounds. For those prone to colds or fatigue, adding this smoothie into your morning routine can provide that extra layer of defence.
Blending vs Juicing: Why It Matters
Unlike juicing, which strips fibre from fruits and vegetables, blending keeps the whole food intact. This matters, especially in a Paleo context, where fibre plays a key role in digestive health, satiety, and gut microbiome balance. The leafy greens in this smoothie provide insoluble fibre, which helps to keep things moving, while the fruit and beetroot contribute soluble fibre for feeding beneficial bacteria.
Smart Smoothie Upgrades
Want to customise this base smoothie recipe for your specific health goals? Here are a few tailored ideas:
- Energy boost: Add a teaspoon of maca powder or raw cacao for a natural lift
- Gut health: Try adding a splash of coconut kefir or a spoonful of sauerkraut juice
- Hormonal support: Add flaxseeds or sesame seeds, which are rich in lignans
- Detox support: Add fresh coriander to help bind heavy metals
How to Batch Prep for the Week
To make weekday mornings stress-free, prep your smoothie ingredients in jars or ziplock bags and freeze them. Combine your greens, chopped beetroot, and fruit in each bag. In the morning, simply pour into your blender with your chosen liquid and blend until smooth. Not only does this save time, but it helps reduce waste and makes it far more likely that you’ll actually stick to your healthy breakfast habit.
Vitamin C Absorption: Best Practices
To get the most out of the vitamin C in your smoothie, pair it with ingredients that help absorption. Fat-soluble compounds, like the healthy fats found in avocado or chia seeds, aid in the uptake of certain antioxidants. Additionally, the iron in leafy greens is absorbed more efficiently when eaten alongside vitamin C – so this smoothie is doing double duty.
What Makes This Smoothie Paleo?
Unlike commercial smoothies, which often include yoghurt, added sugar, or processed juice concentrates, this recipe sticks to whole, unprocessed ingredients. No dairy, no grains, no additives – just nutrient-rich produce, blended to perfection. The natural sweetness comes from fruit and beetroot, not syrups or juices, aligning with the principles of ancestral nutrition.
Other Creative Ways to Use the Base
This smoothie isn’t just for drinking! Pour it into:
- Popsicle moulds for a summer-friendly treat
- Ice cube trays to use in future smoothies or mix into water for flavour
- Chia pudding bases for a vibrant, fruity breakfast option
Stretch your ingredients further and reduce food waste by reimagining your smoothie in creative ways.
Boosting Your Child’s Nutrient Intake
Fussy eaters often miss out on vital nutrients – especially if they dislike vegetables. By presenting this smoothie in a fun cup or even adding a silly name like “Super Red Power Juice,” you’re more likely to get buy-in from kids. You might even involve them in the prep process, letting them choose a few ingredients to feel ownership of their healthy choice.
Seasonal Swaps to Keep Things Fresh
Depending on what's in season, try rotating your ingredients:
- Swap beetroot for carrot or roasted pumpkin
- Use raspberries or mango instead of pomegranate
- Try cos lettuce or baby spinach when kale isn’t available
Eating seasonally is a big part of the Paleo lifestyle – and often far cheaper too, especially here in Australia where produce cycles can vary widely between states.
More Than Just a Smoothie
Think of this recipe not just as a drink, but as a simple, powerful tool in your health toolkit. It’s a low-effort, high-reward way to introduce variety, phytonutrients, and colour to your diet – without needing to cook. When mornings are rushed or your appetite is low, this smoothie can help you stay on track with your wellness goals.
Inspired to Try More?
If you love this smoothie, you might also enjoy experimenting with other vegetable-based blends. Think cucumber and mint, carrot and ginger, or even cauliflower and berry for a lower-carb option. The more vegetables you can sneak in without noticing, the more powerful your nutrition becomes – without sacrificing taste.
How do you sneak greens into your meals? Let me know in the comments – I'd love to hear your go-to tricks!
Final Thought
Don’t be afraid to experiment. The best thing about smoothies is how adaptable they are. You can swap the beetroot for carrot, use different greens, or even add herbs like mint or basil for a completely different profile. The core idea is to make vegetables delicious – and this recipe does exactly that.
Kombucha Recipe
Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that is full of good bacteria – so great for your digestive system. It's really easy to make too…
Ingredients: –
• 3 litres of distilled water
• 125g Sugar
• 4 tea bags (try Pekoe, Oolong, Black or Green)
• Kombucha mushroom (also known as a Scoby) – buy this dehydrated or find a friend who can give you some!
Kombucha Method: –
1. If your Scoby is dehydrated, rehydrate it (this may take some time)
2. Boil water and reduce to a simmer; add sugar and tea bags.
3. Steep the tea for a few minutes, remove the tea bags and leave the tea to cool to room temperature
4. Add to Scoby and cover the container (but make sure it isn't air tight)
5. Leave the mixture for five days to a month somewhere warm (not in direct sunight)
6. It's up to you when it's ready to drink! Either test for a pH of 2.6 – 4.0 with testing strips, or try it! The longer it brews for, the lower the sugar content.
7. You can use the film that has developed on top of the liquid to cultivate a new Scoby.
Why Kombucha Fits Perfectly in a Paleo Lifestyle
Kombucha has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. For those following a Paleo lifestyle, it offers a naturally fermented, gut-friendly beverage that not only supports digestion but is also free from preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and additives commonly found in commercial soft drinks. As a naturally effervescent drink, it provides a satisfying alternative to sugary carbonated beverages, without straying from Paleo principles.
The Gut Health Connection
One of the most important benefits of Kombucha is its positive impact on gut health. This fermented tea is teeming with probiotics — beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance in your digestive system. When your gut is functioning optimally, it supports nutrient absorption, immune health, and even mental clarity. For those transitioning into a Paleo diet, Kombucha can be a gentle way to encourage digestive resilience, particularly as your body adjusts to a different macronutrient profile and fewer processed foods.
Flavour Variations and Add-Ins
Once you’re comfortable brewing your basic Kombucha, the real fun begins with custom flavouring. During the second fermentation stage, you can add all sorts of Paleo-friendly flavourings:
- Fresh ginger and turmeric for an anti-inflammatory boost
- Berries such as raspberries, blueberries or strawberries for a fruity twist
- Lemon and lime slices for a citrusy zing
- Herbs like basil or mint for a refreshing finish
To do this, once your Kombucha has finished its initial fermentation, pour it into sealable bottles, add your flavourings, and ferment for another 2–4 days. Always be sure to burp the bottles daily to avoid excess pressure build-up.
Common Mistakes When Brewing Kombucha
Even though brewing Kombucha is simple, there are a few common mistakes worth avoiding:
- Using metal containers or utensils: Kombucha reacts poorly with metal, which can damage your Scoby and affect the flavour. Always use glass or BPA-free plastic.
- Adding the Scoby to hot tea: Ensure the tea is fully cooled to room temperature before introducing your Scoby. High temperatures can kill the beneficial cultures.
- Sealing the container airtight: Your brew needs air to ferment. Cover with a breathable cloth secured with a rubber band, not a lid.
- Not tasting as you go: Kombucha develops a more vinegar-like taste over time. Taste every few days to stop the fermentation at your preferred flavour balance.
Is Store-Bought Kombucha Paleo?
Not all Kombucha is created equal. While many store-bought varieties offer convenience, some contain added sugars, flavourings, or preservatives that aren’t ideal for a strict Paleo diet. Always read labels carefully — the best store-bought Kombucha contains only tea, sugar (which is consumed during fermentation), water, and natural flavourings or juices.
However, even when buying from reputable brands, brewing your own gives you the most control over ingredients, taste, and cost.
Can You Drink Too Much Kombucha?
While Kombucha is beneficial, moderation is key. Drinking too much can result in digestive upset, especially if your body isn’t used to fermented foods. For most people, around 100 to 250ml per day is a safe and beneficial amount. It’s also important to monitor your own tolerance, particularly if you’re new to fermented foods or have a sensitive stomach.
Storing Your Scoby Between Batches
If you’re taking a break between brews, don’t worry — your Scoby can be stored safely. Simply place it in a clean jar with a few cups of Kombucha from your last batch (called the starter liquid). Cover it with a breathable cloth and keep it at room temperature. This is often called a “Scoby hotel.” It can last for weeks or even months, as long as the liquid doesn’t evaporate too much or become contaminated.
Fermentation Safety Tips
Always inspect your brew for signs of contamination, such as fuzzy green, blue, or black mould. While strands or brown patches on your Scoby are normal, mould is not and the batch should be discarded if mould is present. Using clean hands and sanitised equipment for every batch is essential for keeping your brew safe and effective.
Beyond the Beverage: Other Uses for Kombucha
Once you’ve fallen in love with Kombucha, you might be interested to know it has uses beyond drinking. Some enthusiasts use well-aged Kombucha as a vinegar substitute in salad dressings or marinades. Others have experimented with Kombucha as a hair rinse or even a facial toner, though you should do your own research before trying topical uses.
Join the Fermentation Movement
Fermenting your own Kombucha is more than a recipe — it’s a rewarding and empowering process. It reconnects you with traditional food practices and allows you to take full ownership of your health. It’s also an enjoyable ritual and a great entry point if you’re looking to explore other fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi or coconut yoghurt.
If you're already brewing Kombucha or just getting started, share your experiences and favourite flavour combos in the comments below!
Have you tried Kombucha? I'd love to hear what you think of it – and if you make it in the same way I do?
Primal Smoothies
I've started to have smoothies some mornings when I'm in a particular rush, since they are so quick to make and can be packed with nutritionally dense Paleo foods. I'm also going to start making up a smoothie to take to the gym with me – that way I'll be able to have something in the post work-out window – I often miss this valuable time, in my return from the gym.
Today I tried a smoothie from Primal Toad's Toadally Primal Smoothies ebook, the “Clumsy Popeye”. I thought this one would be a good choice after an early morning gym session, as it is packed with antioxidants – and protein in the form of protein powder.
I put water, frozen blueberries, cashew butter, Chocolate Primal Fuel, spinach coconut milk & ice in my blender for a few minutes – and then served, with some shredded coconut on top. It doesn't get much easier than that! I thought the spinach taste might not be to my liking, but the main tastes were the chocolate, coconut and cashews – I really enjoyed it and will definitely be making this one again. There's a whole section on green smoothies, which I'm keen to try – it seems like a good way to get in lots of good nutrients.
Customising Your Paleo Smoothies
Once you’ve nailed a basic smoothie formula, the fun really begins. Paleo smoothies are incredibly versatile and can be tailored to suit your nutritional needs, taste preferences, or even your current goals — whether that’s fat loss, increased energy, or post-workout recovery. Unlike many store-bought smoothies, which are often packed with sugar and dairy, homemade versions give you total control over every ingredient.
Think of smoothies as a blank canvas: you’ve got your base, your greens, your fat, your protein, and optional extras like spices, superfoods, or fermented add-ins. You can mix and match depending on what you have available or what you’re craving that day.
Suggested Paleo Smoothie Components
Here’s a simple breakdown of smoothie building blocks to make your own delicious and nutrient-packed blend:
- Liquid base: Water, coconut water, almond milk, coconut milk (canned for richness), herbal tea, or even cooled bone broth for a savoury twist.
- Fruit: Frozen berries, banana (preferably green-tipped), mango, kiwi, or pineapple in moderation. Berries are lower in sugar and higher in antioxidants, making them a Paleo favourite.
- Vegetables: Spinach, kale, cucumber, zucchini, celery, or even cooked pumpkin or beetroot. Greens are great raw, while root veggies often benefit from being pre-steamed or roasted.
- Protein: Collagen peptides, egg yolks (if you're comfortable using raw), grass-fed beef protein powder, or leftover shredded meat (yes, really!).
- Healthy fats: Avocado, nut butter, coconut cream, chia seeds, flaxseeds, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
- Flavour and texture boosters: Raw cacao powder, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract, fresh herbs (mint or basil), and shredded coconut.
Balancing each of these elements ensures your smoothie keeps you satisfied, supports your blood sugar levels, and provides steady energy throughout the morning or post-gym session.
Five Delicious Paleo Smoothie Ideas
If you're after inspiration, try these simple blends — all Paleo, all quick to make, and all packed with flavour:
1. Tropical Greens Smoothie
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ cup mango chunks
- 1 handful of spinach
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Juice of half a lime
Blend until smooth. Add a few ice cubes for an extra chilled treat.
2. Post-Workout Chocolate Recovery
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 scoop chocolate collagen or Paleo-friendly protein powder
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- ½ frozen banana
- 1 teaspoon raw cacao powder
Top with shaved dark chocolate (85% or higher) for a decadent finish.
3. Creamy Avocado Mint
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ avocado
- 5–6 fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cucumber, peeled and chopped
- ½ green apple
This refreshing blend is perfect for warm mornings or after a sauna session.
4. Berry Gut-Healing Blend
- 1 cup water or herbal tea
- ½ cup frozen mixed berries
- 1 scoop grass-fed collagen peptides
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Great for digestion and anti-inflammatory support.
5. Cinnamon Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup cooked pumpkin
- ½ frozen banana
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon + pinch nutmeg
This one is warming, comforting, and ideal for cooler mornings.
Should You Add Supplements to Smoothies?
One of the advantages of smoothies is their ability to deliver targeted nutrients. This can be especially useful if you’re recovering from intense training, trying to boost your immunity, or struggling with gut issues. Consider including:
- Collagen or gelatin: Great for joint health, skin elasticity, and gut repair.
- Magnesium powder: Supports relaxation, sleep, and recovery — especially useful post-exercise.
- Spirulina or chlorella: Algae powders that offer a rich source of micronutrients and detoxification support.
- Probiotic capsules: You can break these open and add the contents to support gut flora.
- Functional mushrooms: Like lion’s mane for focus or reishi for calm — just ensure they’re from a clean, reputable source.
Of course, always be cautious with dosages and observe how your body reacts — especially when trying new supplements. Sometimes less is more.
Batching Smoothies in Advance
If you're regularly on the go, pre-batching your smoothie ingredients into freezer bags or glass jars can be a game-changer. Simply portion out all your dry and frozen components into containers, then in the morning, tip them into the blender with your chosen liquid. This reduces mess and prep time, making it easier to stay consistent with your healthy habits.
Tips for Blending Success
- Always blend your greens and liquid first before adding frozen fruit or harder ingredients — this gives a smoother consistency.
- If you find your smoothie separates quickly, try adding a teaspoon of chia seeds or avocado for natural emulsification.
- Use glass jars with lids to take smoothies with you. They’re eco-friendly and don’t absorb smells like plastic.
Reclaiming the Convenience of Real Food
Smoothies are a brilliant example of how Paleo doesn’t have to mean complicated. With the right ingredients, you can have a nutrient-packed meal ready in under five minutes — ideal for busy mornings, post-workout refuelling, or those times when your fridge looks uninspiring. By blending real, whole food ingredients, you get all the convenience of a shake, without the downsides of processed powders or bottled drinks filled with additives.
So next time you’re short on time, don’t skip your nutrition. Fire up the blender, get creative, and enjoy the simplicity of real food — in a glass.
Do you often have smoothies? Are they something you have as a meal, or as a post workout recovery drink?
