When it comes to making a tasty smoothie, the fruit is often the first ingredient reached for. While fruit is a delicious smoothie add-in, it shouldn't be the main ingredient. Too much fruit can overload your smoothie with sugar and calories. Instead, we recommend building your smoothie around vegetables. Veggies are an excellent way to ensure that your smoothie is packed with nutrition without consuming too many calories. Dark leafy greens, in particular, are a smoothie staple. Greens are low in sugar and calories and provide loads of essential nutrients like iron and proteineven more so than fruit! Greens are also packed with folate, phytonutrients and fiber, all critical parts of a well-working body.
When you make your next smoothie, think of it as what it isa meal. When making meals, you want to ensure that they're balanced with the right amount of fruit, veggies and protein. A smoothie that is solely fruit is pretty unbalanced and won't leave you feeling full for long.
Adding vegetables to your smoothie will add substance to your meal while also providing numerous health benefits. A diet rich in veggies can help fight inflammation, promote a healthy digestive system, and keep your body running as it should. Smoothies are also a great way to sneak vegetables into meals when you have a picky eater in the house. Nearly any sweet fruit can cover up the taste of veggies. This means that you can help your kids eat their vegetables and enjoy their meals simultaneously.
Make your mornings a bit brighter, and add leafy greens to your breakfast routine with this Lemony Almond Green Smoothie.
Now that you've discovered how important vegetables are to a great tasting smoothie, it's time to talk about protein. There are many ways to work protein into your smoothie ingredients, one of which is by adding nuts and seeds. When it comes to add-ins, you can choose to add whole nuts/seeds before blending, stir them into your smoothie, or add them on later as a top. Whichever method you choose, they'll add a boost of protein and flavor to your smoothie that is unmatched.
To create a more creamy-like smoothie texture, skip the whole nuts and use nut butter instead. Full of all the same vitamins and minerals, nut butter will take your smoothie to the next level by adding a unique flavor and texture. Loaded with protein and heart healthy fats, kinds of nut butter like peanut butter are a great way to boost your omega-3 intake and make sure your smoothie is a balanced meal.
Another great way to add healthy fats to your smoothie is by using ground seeds like ground flaxseed. An excellent source of omega-3 fat, it provides added protein and fiber and will help make your smoothie more digestible.
When working with any add-ins, it's crucial to be aware of portion sizes. While nuts and seeds are high in nutrition, they also come with quite a few calories. Be sure to add just the right amount and don't overdo it. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing!
Up your protein intake with this deliciously flavored protein-powdered Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie.
If you require an even more significant protein boost, we suggest adding a protein powder to your smoothie recipes. Made with wholesome, healthy ingredients, our Bob's Red Mill Protein Powders are a great way to up your protein intake while also adding delicious flavor to your smoothie. Made in several different varieties, there's bound to be a protein powder you enjoy. Depending on your lifestyle and eating habits, you'll want to choose a powder that meets your nutritional needs. If you're steering clear of whey protein, don't worry. We offer various powders ranging from almond protein powder to hemp.
For a mouthwatering smoothie, our Almond Protein Powder is used to make this Green Goddess Protein Smoothie.
Flavor doesn't have to come from food alone. Take your smoothie to the next level by working spices into your blended meal. Spices are a great way to improve a smoothie's taste without packing it with calories. For a more warm tasting smoothie, use sweet spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or vanilla. Or, to really turn up the "spice," try adding ginger, turmeric or ground red pepper. When using spices, remember that a little goes a long way. Just a pinch of any spice should be enough to add flavor to your smoothie without overdoing it.
Looking for a creative way to add spices to your next smoothie recipe? Spice up your morning with this Red Pepper Hemp Smoothie.
