Raw Smoothie Delights

Directions for all of these raw food smoothies: Bring all ingredients down to a reasonable size, remove all pits and inedible hulls, then toss them in the blender and take it for a spin! Each recipe should serve one; adjust proportions as necessary for more people, or hungrier people. Raw juices may be acquired from your local natural foods store, but I prefer to make them at home in a juicer -- there's something very delectable about fresh juice.

1. The Pure Fruit Basics

1 cup raw orange juice, one fresh banana, 1/2 cup strawberries (or the berries of your choice) and half a peeled mango, plus some crushed ice if you're so inclined.

This one is simple, user-friendly, and loaded with fresh fruit carbohydrates for immediate energy. You can also substitute peach for mango.

2. The Immune Rocket

1/2 cup raw carrot juice, 1/2 cup raw apple juice, one fresh banana, 1 cup spinach, and the kicker ingredients: garlic and ginger.

Now, there are two ways to get the garlic and ginger into your smoothie. The way I recommend, should you happen to have a juicer handy, is to push one clove of garlic and a segment of fresh ginger about the size of a marble into your juicer with the apple and carrots. The other way is to simply blend them up with the rest. If blending, I recommend cutting the green shoot out of the center of the garlic clove first, and peeling the ginger.

Garlic offers immune protection and improves heart health, while ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory and adds a delicious spice.

3. The Avo-Lution

1/2 cup raw apple juice, one fresh banana, one fresh small avocado, 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice, 1/2 cup crushed ice.

The avocado smoothie may sound odd, but it's a traditional treat in Southeast Asia, and your first exposure will win you over. It can be a delicious, creamy light meal in a glass. If you have access to raw coconut milk, or want to cheat, you can replace the apple juice with coconut milk.

4. The Almond Builder

1 cup raw almond milk, or 1 cup raw apple juice if almond milk is unavailable. For a non-vegan (and higher-protein) variation, use 1 cup raw milk. 2-3 tablespoons raw almond butter, 1/3 cup pitted dates, 1/2 cup fresh blueberries.

Almond butter is very high protein for raw vegan food -- this is a great smoothie for after the gym!

5. The Salad Days

1/2 cup raw tomato juice, 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes, 1 cup greens of your choice, 1/2 cup chopped cucumber, 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice, 1/2 cup crushed ice.

You can add garlic and ginger, as per the directions in the Immune Rocket, for a little extra kick! Chopped red pepper also makes a good alternate addition to this smoothie.

6. The Wicked Cool

1 cup raw milk (vegans can replace this with nut milks), 2-3 tablespoons raw cashew butter, one banana, 1 tablespoon raw honey, 1/2 cup crushed ice, a pinch of grated vanilla bean.

The idea is to create a tasty treat much like ice cream!