Timing is everything when it comes to enjoying fresh fruit. From soft, grainy apples to skinless, soggy pears, there's nothing less appealing to me than a terrible taste and texture in my mouth--and I know I'm not alone. This is particularly true when it comes to bruised, overly spotted, and smelly overripe bananas which seem to go bad faster than any other fruit. Luckily, bananas are one of the easiest fruits to use up since they can be frozen for later and be added as a delicious, lower calorie sweetener to many recipes.
While I love banana bread, banana muffins, banana cakes and other treats, having sugary sweets in my home at all times is not top of my list of healthy eating habits. Fortunately, using them in healthy and refreshing smoothies does the trick! The overripe and soft consistency of a fresh banana and the gooey consistency of a frozen one is completely undetectable once it's blended together with a concoction of other delicious ingredients. Just add it to your favorite smoothie recipes and enjoy them instantly or take them conveniently on-the-go in a reusable jar, lid and straw combination. Here are 5 healthy recipes I love to get you started:
1. Chocolate Protein Smoothie
Chocolate for breakfast? Yes! This smoothie has all you need to get your day jump-started with quinoa, cocoa powder and that nutrient-dense banana. 
Get the Chocolate Protein Smoothie recipe from My Whole Food Life
2. Piñut Butter Colada Smoothie
If you like piña coladas...then you'll love this tropical inspired smoothie that includes pineapple and peanut butter along with your overripe banana. Ditch the plastic straws and try stainless steel straws instead to make your smoothie routine more eco-friendly and plastic free!
Get the Piñut Butter Colada Smoothie recipe from Wild Mint Shop
3. Cherry Coconut Smoothie
Give yourself an excuse to buy some fresh or frozen cherries for this recipe. Along with being delicious and sweet, cherries contain many health benefits. 
Get this Cherry Coconut Smoothie recipe from Sophie Uliano
4. Green Monster Smoothie
Get your greens with this spinach-packed smoothie. The banana, orange juice, and other flavors overpower the spinach taste, so it's a sneaky way to get kids to enjoy their veggies. 
Get the Green Monster Smoothie recipe from Kristine's Kitchen
5. Chai-Infused Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
An even healthier way to enjoy chai tea! This smoothie makes for a great dessert or midday treat that won't send you on a guilt trip.
Get this Chai-Infused Pumpkin Pie Smoothie recipe from Andrew Olson