In today’s fast-paced world, it can be difficult to come up with a meal plan that includes all of the nutrients our body needs. This is where smoothies come in – they’re quick and easy to make, and they can be customized to include healthful ingredients that you need. Smoothies are generally made with fresh fruit and vegetables which contain antioxidants, fiber, vitamins A, C, E along with potassium and folate. While you can put pretty much whatever you want in a smoothie, there are some do’s and don’ts t keep in mind in order to get the most out of it.
1. Get The Right Equipment
A great tool to have in your kitchen is a good juicer, which will ensure that you’re getting all of the nutrients out of your fruits and vegetables. There are plenty of different options out there, so it’s a good idea to look at the reviews on juicers being used for smoothies in order to find the one that’s just right for you. When picking out a juicer for yourself, you want to consider how powerful it is, how easy it is to clean and how much space it’s going to take up. When you choose a juicer, make sure it has removable pieces that are dishwasher-safe so that you can ensure that they’re sanitary when being put back into your appliance. If you like putting ice into your smoothies, you’ll need a stronger juicer that is able to cut through it in order to get the texture you want. A juicer-blender combo might be a good idea since it can give you more control when it comes to the texture you want to achieve, and it tends to be more versatile than regular juicers.
2. Use Superfoods
Superfoods unsurprisingly contains large amounts of nutrients that are beneficial to your health, and they can be a great addition to your smoothie. They are especially great if you’re trying to lose weight since they pack a lot of healthy components in a small amount – which means you can consume fewer calories and still get all the nutrients you need for a healthy diet. One of the most popular superfoods is acai berries which have been known to help lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure and keep you hydrated. Other examples of superfoods include kale, quinoa, and chia seeds. You can find these ingredients in the health food section of your grocery store or a health & wellness store. If you don’t have time to go to a physical store, many companies sell acai powder online, which you can use for your smoothie.
3. Use Dairy Alternatives
Some people simply add water or ice to their smoothie, and that’s perfectly fine. However, a great way to add more flavor while still making your smoothie healthy and without adding too many calories is to use dairy alternatives. For example, almond milk offers a lot of health benefits because it contains vitamins A, B12, and E. It also contains potassium which can help reduce blood pressure, as well as magnesium that helps keep your bones healthy. Ass an added bonus, it can add a lot of flavor to your smoothie – almond milk is quite popular, but there are plenty of other dairy alternatives you can use instead. Other great dairy alternatives include soy milk, coconut milk, flaxseed milk, and rice milk which are all beneficial to your health.
4. Make It Tasty
Another way to make sure that your smoothie stays flavorful without adding too many calories or sugar is by using strong flavors like ginger, and cayenne pepper. These spices have unique flavors that can really help improve your smoothie, and you don’t need to add much in order to get the desired taste. The reason why you want to avoid sugar is not only because of the large amounts of calories it adds to your smoothies but because it can cause different health issues. If you want something fruity, adding blueberries or strawberries will go a long way because they contain antioxidants that are beneficial for overall health, while still giving your drink great flavor. If you have a sweet tooth, a banana will not only improve the texture of your smoothie but will also add natural sugar that acts as a sweetener. Adding some cinnamon can also help enhance the flavor of your smoothie if you’re trying to avoid sugar.
5. Don’t Drink It With Breakfast
A lot of people like to sip their smoothie with or after breakfast. However, depending on what you add to it, most smoothies contain enough calories and nutrients to replace a meal. If you like having it with breakfast, you want to avoid bulking it up with avocado, nut butter, chia seeds, and other fatty foods since they all contain a lot of calories. On the other hand, if your smoothie is your breakfast, then feel free to add healthy ingredients that are high in calories since it will be okay if that’s the entire meal. Adding nuts, chia seeds, and other fibrous ingredients is a good way to ensure you’ll feel full until lunchtime.
6. Don’t Use Too Many Boosters
While superfoods are great, you don’t want to go overboard with them. Keeping track of the nutrients you intake is a great way to know what you need and how much. Most smoothies have a lot of vitamins, but if you’re using too many boosters that are high in vitamins, then it can be dangerous for your health since vitamin toxicity might occur. Some superfoods like turmeric also act as blood thinners, which may increase the chances of developing bruising and bleeding. When it comes to ingredients that are high in proteins, such as chia seeds and hemp seeds, they’re great for adding flavor but if you add too much then you might experience some side effects such as bloating and gas.
Smoothies are an essential part of every healthy diet, however, it’s important to remember what you put in them. There are plenty of ingredients that provide your body with the nutrients it needs, so feel free to experiment. Just make sure you keep in mind the six do’s and don’ts of making a smoothie – they’re easy to follow and will help you stay healthy.
