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?
