How To Make Smoothies Sweeter
Now, I know you’re probably wondering how the heck you make your smoothies sweeter then!
We all have varying levels of taste when it comes to sweetness. For me personally, as I’ve incorporated less sugar into my diet over time, I’ve gotten used to things tasting less sweet.
Bananas are great natural sweeteners and they are often more than enough when you’re making a smoothie.
Here are some other sweetener ideas below:
- applesauce
- dates
- Avocado
Feel Prepared Banana Coconut Overnight Oats
Solluna’s Feel Prepared Banana Coconut Overnight Oats is nutrient-dense, quick, and easyno cooking required. “Oats are a high-nutrient plant food with a full spectrum of nutrition,” Snyder notes. “I like to think of them as a humble staple that belongs in everyone’s house.” To make, stir 1/3 cup of coconut milk, 1/3 cup of rolled oats, 1 tablespoon of coconut nectar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, and one sliced banana in a jar and cover to refrigerate overnight.
Why Dont I Feel Full After Having Smoothies
We all want to feel full after we have a meal, right? When you eat food, nerve receptors inside the stomach sense when the stomach is full. These receptors then send signals to the brain, which the brain interprets as a sensation of fullness .
Smoothies are a powerhouse for your body. They deliver essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber in a compact form thats easy to digest. But you may not feel full after having one. One reason is that fiber takes time to process, and it may take a few minutes to feel full. Not to worry, smoothies are satiating over the long term so be sure to keep drinking them!
Another reason you dont feel full after having a smoothie is that sometimes, the volume of the liquid and the food that your smoothie contains isnt enough volume for the necessary stretch in the stomach to signal satisfaction in the stomach receptors, which leaves you hungry again soon after drinking one.
Also Check: Energy Boosting Smoothies For Breakfast
Can Smoothies Be Filling
Roughage isn’t the only thing that can help your smoothie’s staying power. To make an actually-filling smoothie, you need protein, too. … One of the easiest ways to add protein to your smoothies is to include a spoonful of your favorite nut butter: peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butterwhatever kind you’re craving.
Here Are Some Examples Of Extras:
Fat: 1/4 avocado, 1 tbsp nut butter, 2 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp chia seeds, pumpkin or flaxseeds, 1/4 cup coconut milk.
Carbs: 1/3 cup oats, 1 piece of fruit, 1 cup of berries or 1/2 banana, a cup of milk, 1/2 cup of yoghurt.
Protein: A handful of nuts, a cup of milk, 1/2 cup of yoghurt, a scoop of protein powder , 50g silken tofu, 2 tbsp hemp seeds .
Ideally, you want one of each group to get a balanced meal but thats up to you. Were all so different.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter And Banana Shake
Youd never guess that a cup of spinach is hiding in this delicious chocolate and peanut butter shake.BLEND THIS:12 oz water, milk, or yogurt2 scoops chocolate flavored protein powder1 banana2 tbsp of natural peanut butter1 tbsp cacao nibs or dark cocoa powder585 calories, 59 g protein, 22 g fat, 38 g carbs, 8 g fiber
Your Choice Fresh Fruit
If youd like more fruit and sweetness than berries, go for bananas, apples, kiwis, and pears. Avoid adding too many fruits, however, so you can maintain healthy blood sugar levels. A good ratio to remember is three cups of greens to one cup of fruit.
Now, lets talk about what NOT to use in your green smoothies..
Read Also: How To Make Homemade Smoothies With Fresh Fruit
Healthy Smoothie Recipes That Are Fast And Filling
Craving a glass of cool, creamy, and nutritious goodness? Time to get out the blender and some healthy smoothie recipes.
Smoothies are a tasty and convenient way to whip up a nourishing snack, sweet treat, or even a legit meal. Smoothies are a nice, easily digestible way to get some good nutrition in you if you dont have much of an appetite when you wake up, which is something a lot of people struggle with, Rachael Hartley, R.D., certified intuitive eating counselor and owner of Rachael Hartley Nutrition, tells SELF. Theyre also a pretty handy option for the many of us experiencing cooking burnout right now.
While just the basics should do it for a light snack or dessert, a smoothie meant to be a bigger snack or meal calls for a few more ingredients if its going to be truly satisfying, Hartley says. Fruit is rich in naturally occurring sugar and fiber, but youll want to add some protein and fat to your carbs for a more balanced and filling meal, Hartley says. Dairy or soy milk and Greek yogurt are great sources of protein , Hartley says, while nut butter adds creaminess and fat, plus a smidge of protein and fiber. A couple of other examples of great add-ins are avocado and oats .
We rounded up a bunch of creative, delectable, nutrition-packed smoothie recipes. Smoothies are pretty adaptable, Hartley says, so feel free to add or swap ingredients, or adjust the liquid ratio to your liking. Here are 31 healthy smoothie recipes so you can get blending.
What Makes These 9 Green Smoothie Recipes More Satisfying Than Your Average Blended Beverage Healthy Fats You Can Make A Healthy Green Smoothie With Just Fruits And Greens But Adding A Little Fat Can Make The Smoothie More Nutritious And Keep You Energized Till Lunchtime
Ok so I know I rave about healthy fats , but to be completely honest it took me a long time to actually eat fats. Yes, Id heard about all the benefits of healthy fats great skin, hair, nails, heart health, energy and weight loss but even a year ago I was still stuck in the 1900s, scared to death of healthy fats!
I mean, it only seemed logical that if I ate fat I would increase my body fat percentage. Does this scenario sound familiar? If so, I challenge to ask, is your 1,200 calorie diet really working for you anyway?
It wasnt for me. So I slowly started adding these healthy fats nutrition experts were raving about 1/4 of an avocado here, 1 tbsp of coconut and flax oil there, and well lets be honest you never had to convince me to eat nuts or nut butters. As a result, not only did I feel like binging on bags of trail mix less, but I had more energy. Why? Because fat is a macronutrient that provides your body with immediate energy. And we all can use some more of that, am I right?
One of my favorite ways to add healthy fats to my diet is by adding it to my morning does of greens, in the form of smoothie. Green smoothies can get a bad rap for tickling hunger or tasting a little too green. So Ive rounded up 9 green smoothie combinations that actually fill you up !
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Vegan French Toast With Berries
Classic Sunday breakfast, but with a healthy twist. For the French toast mixture, smash a banana and stir in soy milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. Dip your bread on each side and pan fry. Top with a handful of fresh strawberries and blueberries. Each slice contains about 110 calories, 4.4 grams of protein, and about 1 gram of fat, depending on your bread selection.
Create A Pumpkin Spice Green Smoothie Recipe
This one is quick and easy: just add pumpkin spice into your favorite green smoothie recipe! Some healthy greens include:
- Spinach
What are microgreens? These are miniature versions of green leafy vegetables harvested as soon as their cotyledon or embryonic leaf appears.
Blend them all together with a cup of ice cubes and flavor it with unsweetened almond milk. If you want to make pumpkin protein smoothies, add your favorite vegan protein powder.
Watch Marzia Prince make a nutritious fall pumpkin spice smoothie in this video from Sunwarrior:
Enjoy a healthy and filling protein powder pumpkin smoothie recipe this fall! Consume it as breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Drink it after a workout, while reading your favorite book, or enjoying the changing colors of the leaves. Its the perfect fall smoothie and one thats healthy to boot!
Do you have your own protein powder pumpkin smoothie recipe? Share them in the comments section below!
Up Next:
Also Check: Protein Packed Smoothies For Weight Loss
Are Smoothies Healthy Heres What The Experts Say
Smoothies have a health glow about them. Theyre often an integral part of cleanses, and theyre ubiquitous at health food stores and health-centric restaurants. And the smoothie trend is still going strong. Workout studios serve them up post-class, dietitians preach their powers and fit celebrities tout their nutritional prowess.
But are smoothies healthy? Heres what you should know about the drink, whether youre picking one up or making your own.
Not Your Average Oatmeal
pexelsYou can eat your smoothie in a bowl if you prefer.
If you prefer your breakfasts in a bowl than a tall glass, consider making an acai smoothie bowl. A nutritionally dense berry originating from South America, acai can be bought in the form of puree or powder, then blended with milk and yogurt to create a brightly colored and simple breakfast smoothie base.
Ingredients:
Add as much of the following ingredients as youd like to suit your own palate and preferences.
- Frozen acai puree or powder
- Frozen blueberries, blackberries, and/or strawberries
- 1 frozen banana
- Milk, plant/nut milk, or juice
- Plain yogurt
- Toppings such as nuts, seeds, or fresh sliced fruit
Directions:
Recommended Reading: How Much Milk Do You Put In A Smoothie
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.
Healthy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Start the day with pumpkin pie in smoothie form! This one is packed with minerals, magnesium, zinc, and high-quality protein your body loves.
Hemp seeds have essential fatty acids along with 3.5 grams of protein per tablespoon , while bee pollencontains high-quality proteins, antioxidants, and amino acids .
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I Feel Nourished: Coconut Quinoa Cereal
We’ll admit, cereal doesn’t sound like the most exciting breakfast, but this is not your regular bowl of milk and sugar. Solluna’s Feel Nourished: Coconut Quinoa Cereal keeps you satiated and nourished with wholesome ingredients. “Coconut milk is among the worlds healthiest foods,” Snyder explains. “Coconut milk is often considered a ‘miracle liquid’ due to its great ability to build up the bodys immune defenses and prevent disease.” Add your favorite toppings to a bowl with 1 cup of cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup of coconut milk, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of cooked millet, and 1 tablespoon of pine pollen.
Meal Replacement Smoothies For Dinner
At dinner time, we still want a well-rounded meal with all the macronutrients, but we need to shift the ratio of each a bit. To make sure you sleep well and undisturbed, look for recipes that are higher in fat and protein so you wont have any blood sugar spikes keeping you awake.
Also, try not to drink this smoothie too close to bedtime. Your sleep may become disrupted by having to get up and use the bathroom, or you may not have a restful sleep because your bodys energy is devoted to digestion instead of its usual functions that help you feel refreshed in the morning.
- Greena Colada SmoothieWho can say no to a pina colada? You wont have to when you make it a meal! The tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut blend well with mild-tasting leafy greens like spinach. Plus, raw coconut in a smoothie not only adds those healthy fats weve been going for in our meal replacements, but it makes it super creamy too! If you cant find it fresh, you may be able to find it in the freezer section at your grocery store. Feel free to add coconut oil as well to up the fat content.
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Make Sure You Have Enough Fiber In Your Smoothie
A smoothie can be a great meal or snack, but it may not feel quite complete without the fiber. Smoothies are liquid, so they often dont feel filling enough and you might find yourself hungry soon after drinking one. This is where super fruits come in.
For example Foods high in soluble fiber are Avocados, Pears, Nectarines, Apricots, Apples, Mangos, Flax seeds, Sunflower seeds, and oats.
These have a lot of soluble fiber that thwarts hunger pangs and makes your body digest smoothly. Use this trick to ensure you really do have enough fiber in your diet add a handful of chopped apples or mango into your next green smoothie!
Fiber is a nutrient that we easily overlook. Fiber not only helps the gentle scraping away of lipid and cholesterol deposits, but it also slows down sugar absorption in order to keep your energy levels on an even keel while managing insulin response as well.
Possibilities for increasing fiber intake in your smoothie:
- Stevia can be used instead of granulated sugar
- Use beet or pumpkin puree to make the smoothie less sweet, add spinach leaves too!
Why Use Protein Powders In Smoothies
While its not necessary to use protein powders to make smoothies, many people feel better on a higher protein diet, and it’s an easy option. Sometimes, you want something filling to last you hours. Or a high-protein smoothie is great before or after a workout.
Simply add a scoop, along with healthy fats like our sprouted seed products to your smoothie, and youve just created a filling, incredibly nutritious meal.
However, many of the protein powders youll find arent the best. Like whey protein, which is downright bad for you. Its a highly processed dairy byproduct.
Also Check: Good Smoothies From Smoothie King
The Coffee And Banana Smoothie That Will Actually Fill You Up
Happy Thursday, guys!
I decided to refresh this popular smoothie post this morning because in doing research for my Quarantine Cooking e-Book, it seems like everyone has hit a rut with breakfast!
I will admit I go through phases of drinking smoothies a lot, and phases where Im totally sick of them and I never want to see another smoothie again.
Smoothies are fast, convenient, delicious, a great way to pack essential nutrients into one punch. The one problem? Sometimes they leave us starving after just an hour and it seems impossible to make it until lunch!
HOWEVER, I have FOUND the solution!
This smoothies secret ingredient? Oats!
With the addition of oats, this smoothie has a great balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fat to keep you full until lunch. It also happens to be a delicious way to start your dayand its essentially drinking your coffee and eating breakfast all at the same time! OH, and it also hides a serving of veggies, too!
Sugary Beverages Such As Fruit Juice And Dairy
Sugary beverages like sweetened non-dairy milk, regular dairy milk, and even fruit juice should also be avoided when making your smoothie. With the delicious goodness of fruit or sweetness from stevia, you wont miss sugary beverages in the least little bit! Milk contains lactose, a sugar found in dairy that may upset your stomach even if youre not allergic. Remember some plant-based milks may contain sources of sugar such as evaporated cane juice or syrup, so choose unsweetened varieties whenever you can.
Recommended Reading: How To Make Avocado Smoothie
Can I Add Too Many Extras To My Smoothies
There is a point when too many extras become too many. The aim is to eat what your body needs, not more or less. Goldilocks was onto something
For example, I dont think you need to add 1/2 an avocado to a smoothie when 1/4 will fill you up just fine.
If you stick to 1/4 , it means you can use another ingredient to add more flavour, protein or fibre instead of using up all your extras on one ingredient and one group of nutrients.
The more types of ingredients you use, the more varied the nutrients and this nutrient variety is essential.