A blueberry pineapple smoothie is a type of beverage made by blending together blueberries, pineapple, and other ingredients such as yogurt, milk, ice, or honey. The resulting smoothie is a thick, creamy, and refreshing drink with a sweet-tart flavor.
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and fiber, while pineapples contain enzymes that aid digestion and boost the immune system. Together, they create a tasty and nutritious combination that is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or any time of the day.
1 Cup Pineapple
1 Cup Fresh Blueberries
1/2 Banana
1/2 Cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
1 Cup Ice
2 tsp Chia Seeds
1 Scoop Vanilla Whey Protein Powder
Start with the easy step and slice up your banana into smaller pieces.
Slicing your bananas before placing them in a blender can have several advantages. I find that having the bananas in smaller pieces can make it easier for the blender to blend them into a smooth consistency. This can be especially helpful if you’re blending other ingredients with the bananas, as it can reduce the chances of chunks or lumps in your final mixture. Additionally, slicing the bananas before blending can also make the blending process faster, as the blender won’t have to work as hard to break down the fruit.
Next is the more tedious part, but it isn’t too bad once you get the hang of it. Start by laying the pineapple on its side and use a sharp knife to remove the top and bottom of the fruit.
Then, cut the pineapple in half to get to the middle or the core of the pineapple, which is inedible and the main component of the fruit you’ll want to remove. The core of the pineapple is hard and fibrous because it is composed of tough, stringy tissue that provides structural support for the fruit as it grows. The core contains a high concentration of plant fibers called cellulose, which are important for maintaining the shape and stability of the pineapple.
While the flesh of the pineapple is soft and juicy, the core is much denser and less succulent due to its fibrous nature. This is why it is typically removed before the pineapple is eaten or used in recipes.
Cut a V-shaped notch at an angle into the flesh of the pineapple, following the angle of the core. Make sure to cut deep enough to remove the fibrous core without wasting too much of the juicy fruit. Then, simply remove the hard core, and cut in half one more time.
Once you’ve removed the core and split in half, cut one vertical line down the middle and slice multiple times horizontally to portion them into smaller pieces.
Lastly, turn the pineapple vertically and just cut down for all of the chunks to fall out.
Before combining everything into the blender, make sure to wash your blueberries. It is recommended to wash blueberries before consuming them to remove any dirt, debris, or pesticides that may be present on the surface of the fruit. Blueberries are typically grown in soil and can come into contact with various contaminants during the growing, harvesting, and transportation process.
Washing blueberries also helps to remove any natural waxy coating called bloom, which can give the fruit a slightly powdery or dusty appearance. While bloom is safe to consume, it can be unappetizing and may affect the texture of the fruit. Furthermore, washing blueberries can help to prolong their shelf life by removing any surface moisture that may cause them to spoil more quickly. By rinsing the berries and then gently patting them dry, you can help to prevent excess moisture from accumulating on the surface and causing them to become mushy or moldy.
Start by adding 1 cup of ice and 1 cup of blueberries to the blender. The blender I choose to get with is Ninja, I’ve always had one for as long as I can remember.
Ninja blenders are known for their powerful performance, which is one of the main reasons why they are considered a great blender. These blenders typically feature high-powered motors that range from 900 to 1500 watts, allowing them to blend even the toughest ingredients with ease. This means that you can use your Ninja blender to make everything from smoothies and juices to nut butters and soups without having to worry about the blender struggling to handle the task.
In addition to their powerful motors, Ninja blenders also come with sharp blades that are designed to crush, blend, and puree ingredients quickly and efficiently. Many models feature multiple blade options, including stacked blades, angled blades, and serrated blades, which allow you to customize the blender’s performance to suit your specific blending needs.
Ninja blenders are also known for their versatile design, which often includes multiple blending containers, including large pitchers, single-serve cups, and food processor bowls. This means that you can use your Ninja blender for a wide range of tasks, including blending large batches of smoothies, grinding nuts and seeds, and chopping vegetables for soups and stews.
Then, add your pineapple chunks.
Followed by your slices of banana.
Top your bananas with some chia seeds. If you aren’t familiar with the benefits of chia seeds, especially with something as simple as a smoothie…you’re missing out!
Chia seeds are an excellent addition to any smoothie due to their many health benefits. One of the main benefits of chia seeds is their high fiber content. With 11 grams of fiber per ounce, chia seeds are one of the best sources of fiber available. By adding chia seeds to your smoothies, you can increase your daily fiber intake and promote better digestion, blood sugar regulation, and feelings of fullness.
Another benefit of chia seeds is their high concentration of antioxidants. These powerful compounds help to protect your cells from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. Antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and support overall health and wellness.
Chia seeds are also a good source of protein, providing around 4 grams of protein per ounce. This makes them a great addition to post-workout smoothies or as a protein boost throughout the day.
Finally, chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain function, heart health, and inflammation control. With 5 grams of omega-3s per ounce, chia seeds are an excellent way to increase your daily intake of these important fatty acids.
Once you’ve added your chia seeds, throw in some vanilla whey protein powder. Aside from helping with the texture, the benefit of adding protein powder to your smoothie is that it can promote feelings of fullness and satiety. Protein is known to be more filling and satisfying than other nutrients, such as carbohydrates and fats. This can help to reduce cravings and prevent overeating, which may aid in weight management.
Protein powder is also a convenient and easy way to increase your daily protein intake, especially for individuals who struggle to consume enough protein through whole foods alone. Many protein powders come in a variety of flavors, making it easy to find one that you enjoy and that fits your dietary needs and preferences.
Lastly, add your unsweetened vanilla almond milk until it reaches the top of your ingredients.
Blend your blueberry pineapple smoothie and enjoy!
