Smashing Smoothies

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Looking for a post-holiday healthy pick-me-up? Consider a smoothie packed with immune-boosting antioxidants, fiber and nutrients. For optimal benefits, choose drinks that derive their sweetness factor from raw whole fruits and vegetables versus sugar-laden ice cream. Fortunately, from kale to kiwis, there’s no shortage of nourishing flavor combinations to choose from including a fantastic selection at local Oceanside eateries.

Banana Dang

The charming family-run Banana Dang coffee shop on South Coast Hwy 101 offers seven tantalizing soymilk smoothies including the sweet and creamy Dang Berry made with strawberry, banana and apple juice. For added energy, boost with whey, bee, chia, hemp or flax. Almond milk can be substituted upon request. Banana Dang also offers coffee and tea drinks made with organic milk along with appetizing pastries. On the more substantial side, try one of their comforting “Happy Toasts” like the Nutty Banana: a thick slice of local artisan bread topped with smooth peanut butter, honey and banana. Although small, Banana Dang has a welcoming, playful vibe with colorful artwork on the walls and board games on the tables making it a true Oceanside original.

Cream of the Crop

On the South side of town, Cream of the Crop is a bustling natural food market specializing in organic local produce. Their full service deli and juice bar serves up a variety of nutritious drinks, salads and sandwiches. The menu includes eight varieties of smoothies made with organic apple juice and banana. Choose from the simple Date to the complex Power House, a nutrition-packed concoction of mixed berries, banana, kale, coconut water and spinach. Add wholesome zing with protein powder, vitamin C, bee pollen, spirulina, dates or maca powder. Don’t miss the impressive variety of gluten-free goodies, local products and vitamins filling the aisles at this iconic Oceanside market.

Swami’s Cafe

For a great smoothie option at a popular downtown restaurant, check out Swami’s Oceanside on the corner of Mission Ave and N Coast Hwy 101. Swami’s prepares a wide range of juice, non-fat yogurt or ice cream based smoothies at their cavernous, family-friendly establishment with indoor/outdoor seating. Interesting flavors include the Piping Papaya, Pitaya or P.B. Coffee (peanut butter and coffee). Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the café’s extensive food menu focuses on fresh fare and plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.