Like many, I can drink cappuccinos all day long (and well into the night). Unfortunately, caffeine doesn’t go all that great when it’s coupled with my anxiety.
I limit myself to one regular and one decaf cappuccino a day and if I really need something beyond that I make a smoothie and pop in a single ice cube (OK, sometimes two) made of out of decaf La Colombe Coffee (I use Souper Cubes’ MyMilk for this).
Turns out all this anxiety about cutting back on coffee to prevent anxiety (ironic, huh?), could be avoided because, according to nutritionist Mia Rigden, MS, chef and author of The Well Journal and the forthcoming Foodwise (Simon & Schuster, Jan. 2023) and online course ‘Meal Prep Made Easy,’ there are a bunch of smoothie options that are just as energizing as coffee – without the caffeine.
Here’s a look at smoothies to power you through your day – without a drop of caffeine.
Mango Ginger Smoothie
“I made this low sugar version of the smoothie I always get at this cute coffee shop in Kauai. It will forever feel like a tropical vacation for me. It’s full of fiber, protein and healthy fats – an energizing combination.” -Mia Rigden
Serves 1
- 1 1/2 cup non-dairy milk
- 1/4 cup frozen mango
- 1/4 avocado
- 1 handful of spinach
- 1-inch nub fresh ginger
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
Add all the ingredients to a high speed blender.
Cucumber Banana Smoothie 
“The cucumber is surprisingly satisfying in this recipe. It adds a lot of texture and freshness to the smoothie, which will power you through your day with the combination of fiber and protein.” -Mia Rigden
Serves 1
- 1 scoop vanilla protein
- 1 handful spinach
- ½ Persian cucumber
- 1/4 frozen banana
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 ½ cups non-dairy milk
Add all the ingredients to a high speed blender.
Strawberries and Cream Smoothie
“This energizing smoothie feels like a strawberry milkshake, but without all the sugar and the diary.” -Mia Rigden
Serves 1
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- ¼ cup frozen strawberries
- ¼ cup frozen cauliflower rice
- ¼ avocado, frozen or fresh
- 1 ½ cups non-dairy milk
Add all the ingredients to a high speed blender.
Mighty Green Smoothie
“This is one of my go-tos for a healthy, delicious smoothie that provides more sustained energy to help you get the most out of your day. Avocado has fiber as well as good for you fats that may help increase energy and make fat-soluble nutrients more available to the body. Adding spinach adds iron, magnesium and potassium to the smoothie. Iron helps transport oxygen around the body, which is needed for energy production. Magnesium plays a vital role in energy production and together with potassium is important for nerve and muscle function. Shakeology provides an abundance of vitamins, nutrients, digestive enzymes and adaptogens to supply your mind and body with healthy energy. This smoothie is fast, delicious and packed with nutrients to give you energy to help power your day.” –Autumn Calabrese, super trainer at Beachbody and nutrition expert
Serves 1
- 8 oz unsweetened coconut milk beverage
- 1 small banana, cut into chunks, frozen
- 1/4 avocado
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- 1 scoop Vanilla Plant-Based Vegan Shakeology
Add all the ingredients to a high speed blender.
