Do: Think Beyond Fruit
Using ingredients from many different food groups makes your smoothie a more comprehensive meal replacement option, giving you the vitamins and nutrients you need for a well-balanced diet.
“One easy way to boost a smoothie’s nutrition is to make sure there’s a good source of protein in there,” recommends Jenna Helwig, author of Smoothie-licious and Food Director at both Parents and Health magazines. “Often, if you’re blending only a non-dairy milk, ice, and fruit, the drink won’t have much staying power.”
To combat this, “Try to include at least one protein-rich food like cow’s milk, Greek yogurt, or a nut butter,” Helwig suggests.
Erin Levine, a nutritionist at Organic Traditions, adds: “There are lots of theories on smoothie formulas, but generally speaking, I stick to this combination: a liquid base, fruit, vegetables, protein, fat, and a super food or two. For example: 2 cups cashew milk, 1/2 frozen banana, a handful of spinach, a scoop of plant-based protein powder, 1/2 an avocado, 1/2 tsp maca, and 1/4 tsp ashwagandha.”
Not Adding Enough Protein
When you add protein, your green smoothie becomes more filling. It helps to get the balance between healthy carbohydrates right.
That is why I recommend you add some protein powder to your smoothie. However, if protein powder is not available, you can substitute it with natural ingredients. Leafy greens, goji berries and nuts have significant amounts of protein. So, if you choose to use them, protein powder is not needed.
I hope you found this blog post useful.
If you did, feel free to share it with those you care about
Recommended by The Smoothie Guy:
More Dairy Free Smoothie Liquids
While the above liquids are more popular, I like to get creative with my liquid bases. Here are a few more super fun + delicious options:
Kombucha Im not kidding! This is a great probiotic option, and the skys the limit on flavors.
Fresh squeezed juice While 100% juice has natural sugar, it is still a higher sugar option. So remember that when adding it to your smoothie.
Coffee This base works great in smoothies including cocoa or cacao, nut butter, vanilla, you name it. Need a caffeine free option? Just use strongly brewed decaf coffee to enjoy the flavor without the buzz.
As you can see, dairy milk is far from the only liquid base for smoothies. Dont be afraid to get creative mix + match any of these bases until you find your fav.
Also Check: Tomato Smoothie For Weight Loss
The Best Liquid Bases To Put In Your Smoothies
You may have made your smoothies many times and use dozens of varieties of fruits and vegetables, and this time you want to add some liquids to your smoothies.
Many of you probably add water or ice cubes to give some liquid consistency to your smoothies. There are a lot of options available when choosing the right liquid bases.
The choice of a liquid for making a smoothie can make or break your smoothie. It can determine the right harmony which exists between all ingredients when they come to a blend. More on that, a base can add more nutrition, flavor, and support creaminess.
So without further ado, here are the best liquids you can put in smoothies:
Contents Summary
Can You Make A Smoothie With Water Instead Of Milk
Yes! Water is a great way to add a little bit of liquid to your smoothies without the use of milk.
A great example of this is our Ginger Peach Detox Smoothie.
This smoothie uses just a cup of water in addition to high liquid fruits and vegetables including lemon, orange, apple, and cucumber.
Its important to note that you do not want to use a large amount of water in your smoothies or they can easily become too watery and lose flavor.
The best way that I have found is to combine high liquid fruits and vegetables with just enough water to blend.
This way you get a super thick and creamy smoothie without being watery.
It is also important to note here that you will need to use a high speed blender such as a vitamix or blendtec for best results and creamy smoothies.
Read Also: Green Smoothies For Weight Loss And Energy
Alternatives To Using Milk In Your Smoothies
So you want to become a smoothie person, but there is a four-letter word stopping you, and that word is milk. Or should we be saying lactose? When it comes to customer enquiries, one question always tops the list, and that question is- Do I have to make my Happy Way protein powder with milk? The short answer is no. The more complex answer will take you down a rabbit hole of equally delicious and healthy alternatives. Whether you are lactose intolerant, dont consume dairy for ethical reasons or you simply want to swap out your milk for a less calorie dense alternative, there are plenty of options on offer. So before you give up your Happy Way dream, get to know the liquid gold waiting to make its way into your smoothie recipes.
Breakfast Should Never Be Boring
Get more Spoon in your feed.
The best decision I’ve made to date has been asking for a Magic Bullet. My next door neighbors may not love the sound of my blender, but I’m convinced the only reason I haven’t developed a case of scurvy is because I make so many smoothies each week. Sure, you could eat all the ingredients in a smoothie separately and get the same benefits, but it’s just more fun when all the healthy things turn a fun color once blended together. Almond milk smoothie recipes are a favorite of mine. The dairy-free beverage has fewer calories and fat than regular milk, and it keeps in the fridge a lot longer.
As a firm believer in the power of smoothies to combat the college cereal rut, I’ve rounded up 15 of my favorite almond milk smoothie recipes that are a bright spot on even the dreariest Monday morning. As a rule of thumb, I’ve tried to stick with some basic smoothie ingredients, because I know the struggle of having only half a mini fridge to stash your supplies in. Any other fun “extra” ingredients are totally up to you and how your bank account is feeling.
Also Check: Celery Spinach Smoothie Weight Loss
Water In Smoothies Really
Yes, it is true you can have an excellent smoothie experience with water. Whenever we think of smoothies, it comes with yogurt, almond milk, coconut water or at least milk. It is impossible for us to imagine this beverage with water.
However, if you know how to make a smoothie with water and fruit, you can have all the health benefits with taste. The water itself is refreshing. When you add it in your fruits and veggies blends, the beverage becomes refreshing too.
Moreover, water maximizes nutrition intake. It helps to dissolve all the goodness of smoothies so that your body can absorb it. If you are thinking of losing weight, take water-based smoothies. It will only cut your plump without cutting down nourishment.
Let us look at the 5 reasons that will make you add water in your next smoothie fest.
How To Make A Smoothie: The Only Guide You Need In 2021
If you want to learn how to make delicious and highly nutritious smoothies, youve come to the right place.
Whether youve never made a smoothie before and need step-by-step instructions, or you want to take your smoothie making skills to the next level, everything you need to know is outlined below.
Ive made thousands of delicious, creamy smoothies over the years and have turned it into sort of an art form. The good news is anybody can learn how to make smoothies as I have. Once you get the basics down, youll be creating smoothies like a master in no time.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know to make the smoothie recipes on Healthy Smoothie HQ, recipes you find elsewhere, and better yet, new recipes you dream up on your own.
You May Like: Raw Sugar The Moisture Smoothie
Ingredients That You Should Never Add To Your Smoothie
How can a smoothie be unhealthy? Well, a green smoothie will be healthy as long as you only use natural wholefoods. Though, they can quickly turn into junk food.
So, let me first set the record straight about a few unhealthy ingredients that I have spotted in some smoothie recipes which I found on the other blogs.
If you have made any of these mistakes when it comes to blending your smoothie, it is not too late to change your recipe.
For Added Antioxidants Drink
Now you may be thinking, what? But this is not a typo. Maple water is in fact one of the fastest growing drink alternatives on the market. So what is making this drink so popular? Despite the sweet flavour, it has no added sugar and provides plenty of added benefits. Aside from being low in calories, it is packed full of prebiotics, electrolytes, amino acids and antioxidants. So not only does maple water promote gut-health, it will also replenish your electrolyte stores and will help keep you hydrated during those longer gym sessions. It also packs a punch when it comes to fighting free radicals by offering a serious dose of manganese.
Where do we sign up?
You May Like: Is Smoothie King Good For Weight Loss
How To Make The Best Banana Smoothie
My basic smoothie recipe calls for four simple ingredients:
Banana I use one banana to make one large or two smaller smoothies. For the best tasting smoothie, use a ripe banana. For the creamiest banana smoothie, use frozen banana slices. Ive shared how I freeze bananas for smoothies below.
Half an orange When I have oranges in the house, I love adding them to my morning smoothie. It adds extra vitamin C and tropical flavor. If you dont have oranges on hand, dont worry, you can substitute other fruits like mango, pineapple, and berries.
Plain or Greek yogurt I dont always add yogurt to my smoothies, but when I do have it in the fridge, adding a spoonful ensures a protein-packed and creamy smoothie. For a smoothie without yogurt, add a little extra fruit or include veggies like spinach or kale.
Water or milk To help the ingredients blend, I like adding a splash of liquid to the blender. For a smoothie without milk, use water. It still tastes amazing. For more creaminess add milk .
To make the smoothie, I add everything into a blender and then blend until smooth. For an icy cold smoothie, throw in a handful of ice or use frozen fruits.
We have more easy smoothie recipes! Try our 5-minute strawberry smoothie or this easy blueberry smoothie.
Is A Smoothie Better With Milk Or Water
More liquid in smoothies will make it runnier. It is up to you how you want it. However, the extra fluid can make blending difficult for your normal blender. Milk will add extra taste, but it has some drawbacks too.
Milk is full of fat. Despite its nutrient contents, it will pile up extra plump on your body. If you want to have a more refreshing experience, go for water. You will keep yourself healthy and hydrated.
Recommended Reading: Good Smoothie Recipes For Kids
Orange Mango Ginger Smoothie
This smoothie recipe has loads of flavor from fresh ginger and ground turmeric, along with the mango, orange, cucumber, and celery. Since its light on protein, you may want to consider this a snack or experiment with your protein of choice.
Strawberry cheesecake? Yes, please! This decadent smoothie has just 5 good-for-you ingredients to get your day off to a great start.
Dairy Free Smoothie Recipes
The best green smoothie ever New to smoothies? Then def give this one a blend first! Tropical + perfectly sweet.
Fat burning smoothie Deliciously designed to kick that metabolism into high gear.
Meal replacement smoothie Dairy free smoothies are the healthiest fast food, and this fun creation is no exception!
Weight gain smoothie Tastes like Dole Whip, yet uses 100% whole food, plant based ingredients.
Smoothie for bloating Cut down on belly bloat, gas, and cramping with natural ingredients.
Smoothie for clear skin Fuel your body with foods that leave you glowing.
Anti-inflammatory smoothie Calm inflammation quickly with this great smoothie.
Pre-workout smoothie If youre looking to make the most of your workout, then start it with this dairy free smoothie.
Iron-rich smoothie bowl Ive struggled with iron deficiency for years, until I discovered foods that help boost it naturally.
Cherry açaí smoothie The perfect afternoon pick-me-up smoothie.
Mango smoothie Refreshingly simple , sip this smoothie poolside and soak in the goodness.
Cinnamon date smoothie Breakfast time, dessert time, or anytime with this decadent dairy free smoothie recipe.
The ultimate dairy free smoothie- Try this fruit fusion smoothie recipe below for a smoothie so creamy youll swear theres dairy in it!
You May Like: Raw Juice And Smoothie Bar
How To Make A Smoothie Without Milk
It might surprise you when I say that more often than not, I make my smoothies without milk.
Sure, sometimes I make fruit based smoothies with milk and yogurt, but oftentimes I do not use milk at all in my smoothies, and sometimes no liquid either!
This guide will help you find out which flavors work best in a smoothie so that you can make delicious smoothies without milk at home!
How To Make A Smoothie: The Simple And Perfect Home Recipe
Like smoothies? It’s a delicious drink that’s easy to make and adds fruitand vegetables to your diet! Don’t spend $7 on something you can make at homewith whatever ingredients you have on hand in your kitchen! This is the perfectquick and healthy breakfast option to give you energy all day long. Throweverything together and take it on-the-go. Or put things out for the kids afterschool hours.
This basic perfect smoothie recipe provides a great base for you to addprotein and fiber, as well as whatever flavors you like. We’ve tested thisrecipe and explain the physics of how it works so you’ll get something thatblends perfectly every time.
Five simple steps make the perfect smoothie recipe:
You can throw everything in a cheap blender and get pretty goodresults, but you’ll get the best and most consistent results by following thistemplate. Why? Physics!
Don’t Miss: Best Blender To Crush Ice And Make Smoothies
What Blender Is Best For Smoothies
There are many blenders you can use for making smoothies, but I personally own the Vitamix 780 and think it is simply the best. I get smooth, consistent results every single time which is exactly what I want for all my smoothies! You can buy your own Vitamix 780 HERE.
This smoothie was so delicious, my 2 year old decided to get into the action!
She insisted on having some, with a straw, and an orange slice on the side.
And then she decided to rearrange my set up to add her own smoothie into the photos. Hahaha
Oh man this little girl keeps me on my toes!
Ok, are you ready for this delicious orange smoothie recipe? Alright, here we go
Of course, you can modify the ingredients if you like. The great thing about smoothies is that you can use what you have and modify them to your preference.
But this smoothie is so incredibly delicious that you really do need to try it just like the recipe.
Black/red Grapes Vs White/green Grapes
The darker colored skins of red and black grapes are colored due to higher levels of antioxidants . This means that a lot of the beneficial effects found in grapes are more potent if you choose the darker colored ones.
A study looked into this and also found that red grapes showed a cholesterol-lowering effect that isnt seen as potently in green grapes.
That being said, lighter colored, green grapes are still packed full of vitamins and fiber. If you love green grapes then dont let this fact stop you enjoying them!
Recommended Reading: How To Make A Great Smoothie With Frozen Fruit
Can You Put Grapes In A Smoothie
September 26, 2020 by Mia Young
Smoothies are life. If I had to choose between giving up the internet or giving away my Vitamix for one week I know which one would win! Theres not much that could separate me from my morning smoothie and no one has been brave enough to try!
I thought I was some sort of an expert where it comes to smoothie combinations. Ive been there, done that with almost every fruit and veggie combination. Ive blitzed up magical concoctions, almost award-winning delicacies that deserve pride of place in any smoothie cookbook.
I really thought I had exhausted all the best combinations that smoothie making has to offer until I realized I had made a grave error.
I was sitting on my veranda one summer evening, sipping a glass of chardonnay. As the sun gleamed through the glass a thought crossed my mind of how great it would be if I could add wine to my morning smoothie. As I was smiling at this ridiculous idea I realized something.
Grapes!
I have never tried grapes in a smoothie and I wasnt even sure if you could put grapes in a smoothie!?
After a good bit of digging, it turns out grapes make a great addition to smoothies. Theyre packed full of vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fiber. They are good for hydration and add a lovely sweetness to all smoothie recipes.
Read on to find out more about why grapes are such a healthy and delicious choice.
In This Article