Equipment For Healthy Smoothies
Having the right equipment is key to making healthy smoothies.
- The Vitamix personal series is great for making just one or two smoothies at a time
- So is the Magic Bullet or Nutri Bullet the only hang up here is that I find I have to replace these models once every couple years or so because the motor eventually burns out
- The Vitamix Ascent series is my fave though it’s self-cleaning so you aren’t left with a ton of mess and it’s perfect for if you’re prepping 3-4 smoothies at a time. It can tear through anything to make the smoothest smoothie, even ice!
You can of course get a mid-range blender too, really any blender will work. But if it takes 3 or more tries to get that smooth texture without all the lumps, it can be a frustrating experience.
See how often you’re going to be making smoothies and if it’s going to be a consistent thing for you, your best bet is to invest in a high-powered blender that can minimize the time you spend making healthy smoothies.
Savory Weight Loss Smoothies
A smoothie can be a lot of things: a pre- or post-workout boost, a cold and refreshing thirst quencher, a thick and creamy dessert, a perfectly balanced breakfast. But one thing most of us never think of when we think of smoothies: comfort food.
These recipes, from the book Zero Belly Smoothies, stake out a new territory in the smoothie landscape, a culinary point of departure into a taste realm you might not have considered. While these smoothies are still cold and refreshing, they’re going to taste more like a savory soup than a bright pick-me-up.
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop plant-based plain protein powder
- 3 ice cubes
- Water to blend
NUTRITION: 232 calories / 2 g fat / 28 g carbs / 3.5 g fiber / 10 g sugar / 26 g protein
Banana Date Smoothie With Ginger And Cardamom
The Spruce / Nyssa Tanner
Dates add a natural sweetness to smoothies that will provide the flavor you want without spiking your sugar levels. Combined with frozen banana, Greek yogurt, fresh ginger, and a pinch of cardamom, you have a healthy, dessert-worthy drink. If your dates are a little hard, simply soak them in warm water before using.
Also Check: How To Make A Raspberry Smoothie
Berry Flax Healthy Smoothie
Fiber works well to our digestive health for some reason. It helps to relieve constipation and improves digestion, which will further benefit your gut.
Berries, spinach, and flax seeds are a good source of fiber. You may use flax oil instead of the seeds by adding a little amount in the end. It has omega-3 content. The added peeled ginger root helps to settle the stomach. Put them together in a blender until the ingredients smoothen.
Add one and a half cups of dairy-free milk to serve a tastier and healthier smoothie. This prevents digestive problems such as lactose intolerant. It is safe to consume by all ages due to the nutritious ingredients added.
Healthy Superfood Smoothies To Jumpstart Your Day
16 Healthy Superfood Smoothies using all of the best superfoods like sea moss, hemp seeds, avocado, and more! Each smoothie is vegan and naturally sweetened with fruits and vegetables!
This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
If youve been following me on and , you know I have a smoothie obsession I am literally a smoothie aficionado! Almost every day I share my smoothie creations with everyone and love to see when people recreate them at home!
Recommended Reading: Hotels Near The Smoothie King Center
What Is A Correct Portion Size
The guidance for the majority of us is to limit our daily intake of smoothies and juices to one glass of 150ml. This contributes a maximum of one of our five-a-day.
For a child, a smoothie portion will depend on their age and activity levels. A useful tip is to only use the amount of food a child would eat if the food was offered to them whole, rather than blended.
Healthy Smoothie Recipes For Meal Prep
Did you know that you can actually assemble your smoothies ahead of time and either store in the freezer or refrigerator until ready to use? When I do this, I usually add all the ingredients, except for the liquid, into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for about 3 days and the freezer for up to 3 months.
I like to use glass mason jars for packing my smoothies because it doubles as a container to drink your smoothie out of, but you could also use freezer safe ziplock bags, or these cool reusable bags.
Don’t Miss: Apple Kiwi Kale Smoothie King
How To Make A Smoothie + 27 Simple Smoothie Recipes To Try
Im a believer that smoothies are the perfect meal or snack no matter what the weather. It is never too cold to have an awesome smoothie! Since smoothies are such a tasty way to pack in a meal on the go, I put on a big sweater and happily drink them even when the temps are frigid.
We originally published our first guide on smoothie making way back in 2015, and since then, millions of folks have visited this post and used our recipes to make the best ever smoothies! I consider these smoothies simple classics because they have great flavor, all the ingredients are easy to source , and they pack a nutritional punch that can nourish you nicely. These are the kinds of smoothies that I think everyone should know how to make, and chances are, youll find a favorite combo among these recipes. There really is no wrong way to make a smoothie, but I think these recipes are a great jumping-off point if the blender intimidates you.
How To Create The Perfect Nighttime Smoothie
A pre-bedtime smoothie should set you up for a good night’s sleep. “Since magnesium is a calming, stress-reducing nutrient, this is a great add for a nighttime smoothie,” says Scheller. Cacao powder is another rich source of magnesium and a great addition to a nighttime smoothie.
“If you’re looking for something less filling or an after-dinner treat, try a cacao hot chocolate,” suggests Scheller. Simply heat your favorite unsweetened, non-dairy milklike oat or almondover your stovetop and mix in 1-2 tbsp of cacao powder. Sweeten with a little honey or maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Also Check: Cost To Open A Smoothie King Franchise
Caramel Apple Overnight Oatmeal Smoothie
This vegan, gluten-free breakfast smoothie is perfect for cold mornings when youre craving a fall treat. Dont worry: Theres no caramel in this recipe. Instead, this blogger subs in dates to add natural sweetness, along with antioxidants, fiber, and minerals. Rolled oats also pack fiber and protein, while apples and cinnamon give that undeniably heartwarming taste. This dreamy mixture sits in the fridge overnight, saving you so much time in the mornings.
What Not To Add To Healthy Smoothies
There really aren’t too many things you shouldn’t be adding to smoothies, but I can say with confidence that sugar and ice are the biggest no-nos in my book.
First up, ice will totally water down your smoothies if you don’t drink them right away and you need a super high-powered blender to get a smoother consistency.
Second, you can get sweeter smoothies with natural ingredients don’t add calories or reduce the healthiness by adding sugar!
Read Also: What Is The Best Protein Powder To Put In Smoothies
Banana Almond Protein Smoothie
Creamy almond butter offers healthy fats, while coconut water helps restore electrolytes after a tough workout. Greek yogurt and a scoop of whey keep the protein content high.
In a blender, add 1/2 cup coconut water, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 3 Tbsp. almond butter, 1 scoop whey protein powder, 1 Tbsp. hemp seeds, 1 frozen banana, 1 cup ice. Process until smooth, serves 2.
Nutrition : 329 calories, 17 g fat, 21 g protein, 26 g carbs , 15 g sugars
Are Smoothies Good For Weight Loss
Smoothies are often touted as a diet food and a way to detox the body. But when it comes to the idea of a detox, most experts agree that smoothies arent the solution and that the human body has its own resources to cleanse itself naturally. Theres also no solid scientific evidence to suggest the idea of a detox for overall health or well-being.
As for weight loss, instead of focusing on dieting and what foods might be a part of that diet its best to consider all of the behaviors that support a healthy body, says Andrews. Drinking smoothies could fit as one of those weight-loss behaviors, along with eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of physical activity, ensuring adequate sleep, building social connections and practicing stress management. But its not the only part of the puzzle.
You May Like: How Much Sugar Is In A Mcdonald’s Smoothie
Add In Ideas To Make Your Smoothie Even Healthier
- Chia Seeds High in protein, antioxidants, omega-3, fiber, magnesium and potassium.
- Hemp Hearts High in protein, omega-3 and 6
- Flax Meal High in fiber, omega-3 and lignans
- Oats High in soluble fiber, iron, antioxidants. Also great for lowering cholesterol and low in fat.
- Almonds High in antioxidants and vitamin E. Can help lower harmful cholesterol.
- Spiralina Powder High in vitamin A and a natural source of chlorophyll.
- Matcha High in EGCG which is thought to promote heart health, brain health and weight loss. Also calms the mind and relaxes the body, among many other things.
- Turmeric High in anti-inflammatory properties. Also, increases antioxidant capacity of your body. Can be used fresh or in powder form.
- Ginger High in anti-inflammatory properties. Aids with nausea and upset stomach. Can be used fresh or in powder form.
Free Green Smoothie Online Class
Green Smoothie Detox.drop a whole dress size in one montheat on the go natural ingredientssimple and quick to makedelicious
Get all the goodness from the ocean in this Loch Ness Monster Smoothie and find out about the amazing health benefits of Spirulina.
This Creamy Citrus Fat Burner Smoothie will rev up your metabolism and melt away pounds. This weight loss smoothie is not only healthy but tastes amazing!
Don’t Miss: Do You Put Milk In Smoothies
Orange Strawberry Squash Smoothie
This two-serving sipper is a delicious way to help you reach your daily fruit and veggie requirements. Like many smoothies, you could blend it into a drink or a smoothie bowl. If you want to make more of a meal out of it, add protein-rich enhancers, like protein powder or Greek yogurt.
This smoothie bowl packs 27 g of protein to power you through a long morning. Plus, wild blueberries are packed with antioxidants and fiber.
If a non-dairy smoothie is more your style, this one, with plant-based protein powder, makes a delicious and filling meal.
Cottage cheese provides the protein in this layered drink. Its made parfait-style so the smoothie and cottage cheese are kept separateperfect for days when you want to dig in with a spoon.
List Of Healthy Superfoods:
- Kale insanely low in calories, powerful anti-oxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, and helpful for arthritis and autoimmune diseases
- Spinach the beauty of spinach lies in how easy it is to disguise the taste. Its mild tasting yet packed with vitamins, has anti-cancerous properties, and is one of the healthiest foods on the planet
- Blueberries – one of the highest antioxidant capacities of all fruit which helps to combat free radicals in your body
- Strawberries – just one serving provides more vitamin c than an orange while being low in natural sugars
- Greek Yogurt – double the protein and half the carbs as regular yogurt
- Cucumber since its 95% water, its an incredible detoxifier and helps with liver and kidney function
- Lemon one of the most important items to stock in your kitchen as its a highly effective cleansing agent and cuts through the bitterness of greens
- Banana an essential in smoothies as it adds creaminess, a touch of sweetness, and helps you feel full longer plus, its rich in potassium and fiber and gives you natural energy
- Turmeric – anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties
- Ginger – aids in digestion and supports the immune system
- Chia + Flaxseeds – rich is Omega-3 and fiber benefits
If you are looking to add fruit and vegetable JUICE recipes to your diet as well, .
For extra detoxification benefits, a lemon turmeric flush first thing in the morning will do the trick. This isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s super simple.
Don’t Miss: Where Can I Buy A Smoothie
Here Are Some Of My Favorite Things To Add To Smoothies For An Energy Boost:
GREENS Spinach, kale, and lettuce can all be used in a smoothie. Ive tried them all spinach is the easiest to use so if youre new to smoothies, start with this. Next, try kale! Make sure to remove the stem of kale before adding it to the blender. Try lettuce last you can definitely taste the lettuce in a smoothie, but I actually quite like it! I tend to alternate between these three to give my body more variety.
AVOCADO Add 1/4 or 1/2 of a ripe avocado to your smoothie and it will create the most beautiful creamy consistency. Avocados are a great source of healthy fats which provide our bodies with longer lasting energy.
SEEDS You can add hemp seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds. Theyre all high in protein and healthy fats. I tend to buy all three from Costco to use in my smoothies. I store each bag in my freezer to preserve freshness.
PROTEIN POWDER Im a big fan of Iron Vegan Sprouted Protein Powder. It contains 17 grams of plant protein from brown rice, amaranth, quinoa, millet and pumpkin seeds. Other protein powders have left me feeling bloated before, which is why I prefer a sprouted plant-based protein powder. Im sure there are other brands available, but this is the one that I personally love and use every day.
NUT BUTTER Adding 1 Tbsp of nut butter or seed butter to your smoothies will add more healthy fats. Choose a nut butter with little additives and no added sugar.
Tropical Raspberry Avocado Smoothie
Like soft tofu, avocado blends really well into smoothies, adding a lot of creaminess but not an overwhelming taste. Avocados are also a natural source of fiber and healthy fats, which may help reduce cardiovascular disease risk in some people.
Raspberries are another source of anthocyanins, and coconut water provides a slightly tropical flavor without a lot of sugar.
Adding yogurt to smoothies is a great way to boost their protein content and creaminess.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 1/2 cup regular or nondairy yogurt
Blend together until smooth. If youre looking for a thicker consistency, add a few ice cubes before blending.
Don’t Miss: Smoothies That Make You Lose Weight Fast
How To Make Healthy Smoothies
Making healthy smoothies is a much simpler process than you would imagine, and this post will show you how to make 7 different kinds of healthy smoothies that you’re going to love!
I think many people have misconceptions about what healthy smoothies really are. I know when I was younger, I thought that healthy smoothies were the ones you got at Booster Juice. Sadly, I would order a large smoothie from there or Starbucks after a night of partying and think I was replenishing my body with healthy food. Little did I know these smoothies were often filled with sugary frozen yogurt and can contain up to 460 calories .
To make genuinely healthy smoothies, you have to be careful with the ingredients you use. This post will educate you on how to choose the highest-quality ingredients to ensure that you’re getting the nutritional benefits you should be getting with fruit-filled smoothies.
As long as you stock your freezer with frozen fruit and keep a few handy base ingredients on hand in the fridge each week, smoothie making is super easy and nutritious.
How Can I Make My Smoothie Healthier
The smoothie recipes below are plain, but if you want to expand your smoothie horizons, go for it! Toss in chia seeds or protein powder or hemp seeds or flax or whatever else makes your heart happy. If you have a standard set of mix-ins you like, you can even freeze them into booster packsgreat for really quick and easy smoothies!
Also Check: Smoothie King Center Seat Map
Green Weight Loss Smoothies
Popping into a juice bar for a cold cup of extruded kale juice may be all the rage, but when it comes to both nutritional impact and weight-loss power, juices can’t hold a candle to smoothies.
- First, most commercial juices use apple juice, which is a high-sugar, low-nutrient base.
- Second, juicing strips all the natural fiber out of produce: the rough stuff is what makes it good.
- And third, juices lack fat and protein without these crucial elements, you’re getting no fat-burning, metabolism-boosting benefits.
Next time you want to drink your veggies, blend up one of these seriously nutritious recipes from the book Zero Belly Smoothies.
All recipes make one serving.
Best Blender For Smoothies
First things first, lets talk about the blender situation. I know there are hundreds of blenders on the market and it can be very daunting to find the right one for you. One thing I have learned with the handful of blenders that Ive owned is that quality matters. Usually, quality and price coincide and its totally true.
Ive found that the more expensive and higher quality blender I have, the more success I have with what I am makingespecially smoothies. The most recent and BEST blender I have ever had is a Vitamix.
We have the Vitamix 5200and it runs you about $430 on Amazon. I do not have a single bad thing to say about this beast. Its super powerful, easy to clean, and it makes making smoothies along with other things a breeze. I can tell you right now that this is the best blender I have ever owned and theres no turning back.
Recommended Reading: Where To Buy Spirulina For Smoothies