11 Super Food Smoothies For Fall

The colder weather and shorter days of fall may have you hankering for big mugs of coffee and toasty comfort food, but starting the day with heavy carbs and sugar is no way to start a successful season. A delicious, nutrient-packed smoothie, by contrast, can kick-start your metabolism, make you feel energetic all day long, and take care of the eternal question of what to have for breakfast.

11 Super Food Smoothies for Fall (Slideshow)

Whether you want to enjoy a morning blended beverage or want a pick-me-up in the afternoon, make sure your drink is brimming with fresh, antioxidant-rich ingredients like avocado, berries, and spinach. Your body needs nutrients like vitamins B, C, and K, as well as potassium and fiber, found in fresh produce including pomegranates, mangoes, and bananas. Add in as many tasty fruits and vegetables as you want. Pumpkin, a fall favorite, is a great choice too; it looks pretty, tastes terrific, and has the superfood qualities that your body craves, like calcium and vitamin A.

Convinced that smoothies are just overpriced treats you have to wait in line for at Jamba Juice? Think again! You can create your own delectable drink at home. If you've never made a smoothie before, check out our easy how-to guide, which shows you everything you need to know about creating the perfect smoothie. You'll learn the basics like the importance of using clean, chopped fruits and vegetables; whether you need to use frozen fruit or ice; when to use low or high speeds on the blender; and when to add in seeds for an extra healthy boost.

Mix and match ingredients or try a new one every day. From colorful berries to sweet coconut, rich avocado to delicious cherries, you have your pick of amazing fruit and vegetable choices thanks to farmers markets and society's growing obsession with fresh food.

Now that you're out of excuses for eschewing the smoothie, grab your blender, and prepare to whip up one of these eleven tasty concoctions. What's your favorite smoothie ingredient? 

Avocado

Go green! Load up on the green goodness of avocados, as seen in this green bliss power smoothie recipe, with tasty ingredients like almond milk, avocado, and pear.

Banana

These yellow superfoods have potassium, vitamin C, folate, fiber, magnesium, and many other good-for-you nutrients. Boost your diet with a tasty banana drink like this peanut butter, banana, and oat smoothie.