Do Smoothies Really Provide Energy In The Morning
Yes, a healthy, well-balanced smoothie can provide a real boost of energy in the a.m.! However, if you include sugary ingredients or too much fruit juice in your recipe, then that could have the opposite effect and leave you feeling tired and sluggish.
It all boils down to what ingredients you include in your smoothie. If you make a healthy, balanced smoothie with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, then it will definitely provide you with energy to start your day.
Odwalla’s Original Superfood Fruit Smoothie
Think twice before you pick up this tempting bottle. “One that I find particularly misleading is Odwalla’s Original Superfood Fruit Smoothie, which is green and covered in imagery of whole fruits and vegetables,” says Moon. “The first ingredient is a filler juice filler juices refer to juices like clarified apple and grape juice. They dilute the more expensive ingredients, and they don’t offer much positive nutrition. Plus, anything that makes it green, when all combined, makes up less than 1% of the smoothie. It’s fat-free, and has minimal protein or fiberso it’s not going to be very satisfying. For all these reasons, I’d avoid this smoothie brand’s bottle, even though it’s high in potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C .”
Can You Freeze Smoothies
First things first, can you freeze your smoothies? Yes, you can. In fact, freezing smoothies can be a great way to cut down on preparation time. By opting to freeze, say, a weeks work of smoothies, you can save the time it would take you to make a smoothie every day.
There are two ways to go about freezing smoothies: the pre-made, pre-packaged method and the ice tray method. Both of these methods yield the same results. The difference comes down to freezer storage and space.
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The Ginger Peoples Ginger Soother
Like a warm hug for yourstomach. If youve got an upset gut, this is a better choice than ginger beerbecause theres no fizz . Made withjust filtered water, honey, ginger juice and lemon juice, this really is areal food drink.
Give it a good shake so you get all the goodness ofthe gut-soothing ginger at the bottom. The honey makes it pretty sweet, sohalf a bottle is the perfect amount .
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Noka: Superfood Smoothie Cherry/acai
These last three smoothie brands are ones you wont find in stores but are worth getting shipped to you. Noka smoothies dont technically come in a bottle. Instead, they come in an easily crushable bag, great for on the go. All Noka smoothies are very low in sugar , yet have enough nutrients to give you a quick pick-me-up. You can get these pre-made pouches directly from Noka in packs of six or twelve. The cherry/acai flavor is especially tasty.
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Evolution Fresh Organic Super Fruit Greens Smoothie
Its not often that youll find a green smoothie thats not sweetened with any added sugar. This smoothie is made with all fruits and veggiesincluding kale and romaine lettuceand contains spirulina and chlorella for a natural color boost, explains Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in the New York City area.
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.
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Can You Buy Smoothies Already Made
Even if you don’t have time to go shopping for ingredients and whip up a DIY glass of green deliciousness, it doesn’t mean you have to settle for a dessert. There are healthy store-bought smoothies available. Just make sure they’re not packed with extra sugar or junk food that can add as much if not more calories than your own homemade version.
The first thing to know is that not all pre-made smoothies are created equal. Some contain a lot of added sugar while others are good for you overall but have very little fiber or protein. For example, a Neutrogena Smoothie contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar! That’s more than most people need in one day, let alone before bedtime.
It’s best to stick to smoothies with at least five fruits or vegetables per serving. This will give you some nutritional benefits in addition to the flavor of the season. A few good options are:
Blackberry Blast – A blackberry smoothie with additions of banana, orange juice, and ice. Only 90 calories!
Berry Good – A mixture of different berries blended with milk, yogurt, and ice. This one has 150 calories per cup.
Garden Power – Grated carrots, spinach, and apples blended with milk, vanilla yogurt, and ice.
Lean Mean Green Machine
If youre looking for a post-workout recovery drink, this smoothie is it. Protein powder helps replenish the energy you burned, sweet banana and kiwi provide potassium and vitamin C, while coconut water helps you rehydrate.
In a blender, add 1 medium banana , 1 kiwi , 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 cup spinach, 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder, 1/2 cup coconut water. Pulse until creamy and smooth.
Nutrition : 304 calories, 5 g fat, 22 g protein, 47 g carb
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What Are The Healthiest Things To Put In A Smoothie
While fruit is healthy for you, it does contain a large amount of natural sugar. For this reason, I recommend adding a good source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber to your smoothies in order to make them more satisfying and nutrient-dense. This will help you to stay fuller longer and prevent any blood sugar spikes. Some of my favorite additions include chia seeds, hemp hearts, flaxseeds, avocado, nut butter, kale/greens.
The 4 Worst Bottled Smoothies
What bottled smoothies to avoid? “Everything else. Just kidding. It’s hard to pick just one to avoid because so many bottled smoothies are full of filler juices,” concedes Moon. Below, smoothies that may seem misleadingly healthy but are actually loaded with sugar, empty calories, and more non-nutritious fillers.
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Soda Press Cos Ginger Alesyrup
Goodbye green cordial! While mass-marketed cordials andsyrups are loaded with refined sugar and artificial colours and flavours, SODAPress Co uses only natural, organic ingredients, plus fructose free brown ricesyrup the best kind of sweetener if youre going to use one.
Andthanks to the old school small batch, slow-brew process, SODA Press Cos rangeis full of flavour, needing 30-50% less sugar than your average syrup. Themain ingredient in the Ginger Ale Syrup is, as it should be, ginger! A dash ortwo in my soda water is all I needgives it a real zing. Tastes likesummer.
The Best And Worst Smoothies
And now for my list of the best and worst smoothies, from a nutritional standpoint. To be considered for the list, the item had to be called a âsmoothieâ or something very similar. The serving sizes range from 10 ounces to 24 ounces, so I ranked them by calories per ounce.
All of the smoothies in the âbestâ list are free of saturated fat, contain no more than 61 grams of carbohydrate and at least 4 grams of fiber, and have 17 calories or less per ounce.
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Detox Green Smoothie With Chia Seeds
If you havent tried chia seeds yet, heres a great opportunity. These tiny but mighty seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids that are great for your heart. They also help you stay fuller longer, thanks to its plant protein power. Combined with spinach, unsweetened almond milk, frozen pineapple, and naturally sweet banana, this tasty mixture is the ultimate breakfast treat.
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Do I Have To Add Protein Powder To My Smoothie
No you dont have to add protein powder if you dont want to. However, adding a scoop of protein powder is a great way to ensure that your smoothie is satisfying and provides you with all the nutrients and added energy you need for breakfast. You can use any type of protein powder that you like, such as whey, casein, plant-based, or collagen.
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Tropical Papaya Perfection Smoothie
This coconut-infused breakfast smoothie tastes just as decadent as a milkshake. One sip will immediately transport you to a tropical island.
Cut 1 papaya into chunks and blend it with 1 cup of fat-free, plain yogurt, 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks, 1/2 cup crushed ice, 1 tsp. coconut extract, and 1 tsp. ground flaxseed. Process the mixture for about 30 seconds, or until its smooth and frosty.
Nutrition :299 calories, 1.5 g fat, 13 g protein, 64 g carbs , 44 g sugars
Are Fruit Smoothies Free In The Slimming World
Most of us avoid them on Slimming World because we know that when fruit is blended, pureed, or otherwise processed, it loses its syn status, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a smoothie. It only means you have to be careful not to drink too many smoothies and count them as free because they might add a lot of extra… well, you know what I mean!
If you want to include smoothies in your diet, do so in moderation. Have one once or twice a week instead of three or four times per day like most people do. That way you’re still getting your vitamin C, antioxidants, and other health benefits without going over the edge.
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Are Smoothies Better Than Eating Food
If you can’t always sit down and include good things, mixing them into a well-rounded smoothie might be an option”if done in a healthy way, it may be better than not eating them at all,” Dr. Gupta said, adding that smoothies are far healthier than juices, which contain even less fiber.
Smoothies are very easy to make and very affordable, so they’re a great thing to have on hand when you’re trying to eat healthy but don’t have the time or money for a full meal.
They provide a quick source of energy and can also give you some extra nutrients if you add appropriate ingredients. For example, you could add some fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables to a powerful blender and whip up a delicious drink that is half fruit juice and half milk . This will help you meet your daily nutrition requirements while still giving you something tasty to drink.
The beauty of smoothies is that you can really customize them to fit your taste buds and nutritional needs. You can add spices, herbs, seeds, or even chocolate chips to create unique flavors that will have your family asking for more.
You can find hundreds of different recipes online for smoothies. It’s easy to find ones that use seasonal fruits and vegetables, so take advantage of those offerings before they’re gone! You can use whatever you want in smoothies, as long as it blends properly.
Six Healthy Superfood Smoothies
Here are six healthy superfood smoothie recipes that are affordable, nutritious and will give you energy throughout your day.
These healthy smoothies are delicious and one of the easiest homemade drinks youll ever make. This superfood smoothie guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the best healthy smoothies!
Below are six delicious smoothie recipes, tips on making the best smoothies, and favorite superfood ingredients. Theres something here for everyone no matter what youre craving!
Smoothies are a staple in my home. I drink one every morning as a nutritious breakfast. My 5-year-old daughter loves them too! Keep reading to see how you can easily start to make healthy smoothies for yourself.
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Blk Enhanced Alkaline Mineralwater
What makes BLK water black? Fulvic acid has been addedto this natural spring water, boosting it with trace minerals and naturalelectrolytes.
The main reason I like this though? Its fun to drink!BLK confuses your taste buds because youre expecting it to taste likesomething other than regular water, but if your eyes were closed you wouldntknow any different a novel way to hydrate healthily.
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Try Making A Fruit And Veggie Container
If you like to get experimental with your smoothies, having an easy-to-access container filled with fresh ingredients can help you become a smoothie aficionado. At the beginning of each week, prepare your favorite fruits and vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Take time to wash, peel, and chop your fruits and vegetables into blender friendly sizes as a part of your weekly meal planning. By having the ingredients prepped, you will not have to worry about the peeling, washing, chopping that often goes hand-in-hand with fresh smoothie making. You can just grab your ingredients and toss them in the blender for a quick, delicious breakfast.
Final Thoughts
Freezing smoothies saves you time and make it easier to drink a daily healthy smoothie.
If you have any time-saving smoothie tips that you use please let us know in the comment below ? We would love to hear them.
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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.
Is The Chia Banana Boost Smoothie Beneficial To You
r health?
Almonds, cinnamon, whole grain oats, dates, coconut, oven-roasted bananas, and chia seeds are combined in the Chia Banana Boost Smoothie. Only one serving of the Chia add-in provides 2 grammes of fibre, 1 gramme of protein, a fantastic punch of Omega 3s, and plenty of antioxidants all for just 30 calories.
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Kind Snacks Jumping On The Bandwagon
KIND Snacks has recently entered the frozen smoothies category.
KIND Snacks
Bigger consumer brand KIND Snacks owned by confectioner Mars & Wrigley has also recently launched its own line of ready-to-eat frozen smoothies, the fifth new category the company has entered within a year.
Already available in mass retailers such as Walmart TGT with four different flavors, KINDs smoothies are made with fruit and almond milk base, topped with nut butter and granola. Each bowl also contains reportedly 30% less added sugar than the leading competitors, and about eight grams of protein.
Mike Barkley, the CEO of KIND North America, told me how these new products are consistent with the companys mission since day one to create innovative, premium foods that are both healthy and tasty with an eye to elevate peoples overall experience.
He wrote me via email: While were best-known for nutrition bars most often consumed on-the go, were continuing to prioritize innovation that cuts across categories and day-parts.
Weve all been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and the KIND promise plays well within this evolving category where yogurt, smoothies, granola and other better-for you-options have come into favor with increasingly health-conscious consumers.
KINDs portfolio has reportedly experienced double-digit consumption growth in Q4, 2020, with its granola business growing 22% in revenue over the past year, outpacing the overall category by 4%.
Smoothie Lids & Straws
Weve received a lot of questions about the lids with straws that screw onto our Mason jars .
For years, we used whatever we had cups, mugs, etc. A cup is a cup, my friend. When we started drinking smoothies more regularly, we bought a few reusable straws to make them more kid-friendly .
Then we found sturdy screw-on lids with straws for glass canning jars. These are amazing, convenient , and you can use any size wide-mouth jar a pint or quart jar. They also come in a small mouth size.
You dont need these lids to make good smoothies, but they do give you extra hipster points.
What You Can Do Now:
Whats your favorite kind of smoothie?
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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.
Innocent Pure Fruit Smoothie
Innocent is a European company, specializing in smoothies, juices, and charity. Still, their drinks arent as healthy as they like their shoppers to believe. The Kiwis, Apples & Limes variety still has 47 grams of sugar and around 230 calories.
The website simply says the drink is a source of vitamin C, which is a little too vague to be a highly beneficial feature. Out of the smoothies on this list, Innocent provides the most fiber 6.6 grams but the average person still needs around 30 grams each day.
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