Originally published in Spoke+Blossom.

These smoothies begin with a cup of milk or two generous scoops of yogurt, a sturdy base for so many kinds of whizzed goodness. A splash of water loosens even the most reluctant blenders – I’m looking at you, almonds! – and a few cubes of ice, added after it’s all smooth, keeps the temperature chill. More honey? Okay. Less banana? Yep. Adjust these smoothies to suit your taste buds and hunger level. Unlike juices, smoothies offer the whole goodness of the produce without sacrificing fiber. Pour your creation into a bowl and add a handful of granola or chopped nuts for a fuller meal with a satisfying crunch.

In a glass or a bowl, these smoothies satisfy with only a few ingredients and minimal effort.

Brekkie Basic

Almond milk + Oats + Honey + Cinnamon

Make it a bowl with toasted walnuts and sliced banana.

Green Giant

Yogurt + Banana + Two handfuls of mixed baby greens, spinach or kale
+ Ground flax seeds

Make it a bowl with avocado slices and crisped brown rice cereal.

Morning Rainbow

Milk + Frozen blueberries + Strawberries, fresh or frozen + Spinach

Make it a bowl with a handful of nutty granola.

Nordic Treat

Yogurt + Almonds + Frozen cherries + Cacao powder

Make it a bowl with a dollop of nut-butter and a sprinkle of coconut flakes.

Bright Morning

Yogurt + Raspberries, fresh or frozen + Lime juice

Make it a bowl with frozen blueberries, chia and a spoonful of nut butter.

Freelance writer in the mornings, graphic designer by night, Christine Emming bakes nearly as often as she writes. (Making use of a double English degree requires carbs.) Reach her at cemming.com.