The Keto Smoothies You Never Knew You Needed

The keto diet may require cutting out carbs to reach ketosis, but you don’t have to say goodbye to sweet treats like smoothies and shakes. There are actually a number of keto substitutes for the carb-heavy fruits and sweeteners typically found in smoothies.

When my sweet tooth attacks, here’s what I blend up for a refreshing burst of nutrients.

Chocolate Keto Smoothie

Ingredients

• ½ avocado
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1 cup almond milk or full-fat coconut milk
• 1 scoop Ancient Nutrition Chocolate Keto Protein
• 1 scoop Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein

Directions

1. Add contents into a high-powered blender, blending until well-combined.

Green Keto Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or full-fat coconut milk
• ½ cucumber
• ½ avocado
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon matcha
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 tablespoon plnt brand Chia Whole Seeds
• 1 scoop Ancient Nutrition Vanilla Keto Protein 

Directions

1. Add contents into a high-powered blender, blending until well-combined.

Why These Smoothies Work for Keto (and Ketosis!)

Each smoothie contains a unique blend of ingredients for a high-fat, low-carb drink. Both smoothies contain ½ avocado to replace the creaminess of the more traditional banana base, a keto protein powder to round out your keto macros, and an option of coconut or almond milk. Coconut milk contains a fat called lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that’s easily absorbed and used for energy in the body, making it a great choice for keto.

Note: The Green Keto Smoothie is an especially good option if you’re just starting out the ketogenic diet. It contains water-rich vegetables like spinach, celery and cucumber to help fight off the dehydration risk that comes with eliminating glucose stores and shedding extra water weight early on.

Dr. Josh Axe, D.N.M., D.C., C.N.S., is a doctor of natural medicine, clinical nutritionist, author, and member of The Vitamin Shoppe’s Wellness Council. Dr. Axe operates one of the world’s largest natural health websites, sharing healthy recipes, herbal remedies, nutrition and fitness advice, and information on essential oils and natural supplements. Dr. Axe founded one of the largest functional medicine clinics in the world, in Nashville, TN, and has served as a physician for many professional athletes.