This collection of simple and easy smoothies is just what you need to get your daily dose of antioxidants and vitamins while enjoying a refreshing beverage.
These smoothies can be a great morning fuel, a tasty side beverage in heavy meals, or a light and fulfilling snack mid-day. They can also make wonderful post-workout beverages to get you hydrated and replenish your energy immediately.
Are Smoothies Healthy?
In general, smoothies can be a nutritious and healthy snack or meal replacement. They're a great way to add extra vitamins and minerals into a meal, especially alongside rich and scrumptious mains such as grilled steak, roasted meat, baked chicken, etc.
However, the nutrition of your smoothie will depend on the ingredients you use. To avoid consuming excessive amounts of sugar, try choosing nuts, seeds, fresh fruits, and fresh produce when making smoothies. To cut down on saturated fat consumption, opt for low-fat dairy products or plant-based milk alternatives.
Additionally, the best way to get the full benefits of your fruit smoothies is to drink them right away after blending when all of their nutrients are still at their peak potential. In my opinion, it gets more appetizing when chilled in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. For an ultra-slushy smoothie, you can also try blending ice cubes or frozen fruits in the mix when blending.
Collection of Simple and Easy Smoothie Recipes
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Avocado Banana Smoothie Recipe
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Healthy Mango Smoothie Recipe
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Simple Banana Smoothie Recipe
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Spinach Smoothie Recipe
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Avocado Smoothie Recipe
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Oatmeal Smoothie Recipe
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Yogurt Smoothie Recipe
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Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe
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Chocolate Smoothie Recipe
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Healthy Kale Smoothie Recipe
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Banana Oatmeal Smoothie Recipe
What Are The Best Things To Put in A Smoothie?
1. Fruits:
- Bananas: These tropical fruits are an essential ingredient in smoothies since they provide natural sweetness and creaminess. They are also a great source of potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and manganese.
- Strawberries: They add flavors, natural sweetness, and antioxidants to smoothies and are also an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fiber.
- Blueberries: Aside from adding color, they also give
- your smoothies tons of antioxidants along with Vitamin K, vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fiber.
- Mangoes: As a tropical fruit, mangoes add a refreshingly unique flavor and contribute to the viscosity of smoothies, as well as plenty of vitamin A and dietary fiber.
- Pineapples: These are another tropical fruit that adds a sweet and tart flavor to a smoothie along with vitamin C, thiamin, and folate.
- Avocados: They add creaminess along with healthy fats, fiber, and potassium.
2. Vegetables:
There are a variety of veggies that can be used to make a delicious and nutritious smoothie. Here are some of the best options and their nutrition:
- Spinach and kale: High in essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and K. They're also mild in taste and not as bitter as most leafy greens, which makes them the favorite choices for smoothies.
- Cucumbers: Add a refreshing taste and natural sweetness.
- Celery: Contribute anti-inflammatory effects and a grassy, earthy undertone to your drink.
- Carrots and beets: Add bright colors and natural and pleasant sweetness to smoothies. They also provide beta-carotene and offer great sources of antioxidants, folate, and potassium.
3. Liquids:
The best liquids to put in a smoothie depend on the ingredients you’re using and your desired consistency. The most commonly used liquids in smoothies are:
- Non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, coconut, and soy milk.
- Fruit juice such as orange juice or apple juice.
- Greek yogurt or coconut milk is frequently used to create creamier and thicker smoothies. Not only is it an excellent thickener for smoothies`, Greek yogurt is also a great source of healthy probiotics, protein, calcium, and magnesium.
- Water or coconut water can be your lifesaver whenever you want to thin out extremely thick smoothies or simply stay hydrated without having your beverage overly flavored.
How to Store a Smoothie
It's important to properly store smoothies so that they don't spoil and you can enjoy them when you're ready. Here is how to store a smoothie:
First, place the smoothie in an airtight container, mason jar, or reusable bottle. Make sure there's no leakage by ensuring the lid is on tight before storing it in the refrigerator. Next, label the container with the date that you made it so that you know when it was made, as well as any other ingredients included in the recipe.
Store the smoothie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal freshness and flavor. After this time, smoothies may start to separate and change color or texture due to natural oxidation caused by exposure to air and light. If it has any unusual colors or smells, discard it.
For an extended storing period, consider freezing your prepared smoothie so it can last for up to 3 months. To thaw it out, just place it into the fridge overnight or let it sit at room temperature until fully thawed out.
FAQ
Is It Okay to Drink Smoothies for Breakfast?
Yes, smoothies are a fantastic choice for breakfast. Being loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients, they provide you with the nutrition and energy boost you need to start your day.
How Do You Thicken a Smoothie?
These are the ingredients that can act as a thickener in smoothies:
- Avocado: Adding half an avocado to your smoothie will create a creamier and thicker texture.
- Greek yogurt: Half a cup of Greek yogurt will give your smoothie the thickness you desire.
- Flax seeds, chia seeds, or hemp seeds: 1-2 tablespoons of these seeds will add some thickness to your smoothie while also providing essential omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein.
- Nuts (cashews, almonds, etc.): Just like the seeds, adding some nuts will make that smoothie thick and creamy while adding needed proteins and good fats like omega-3 fatty acids to your diet.
- Rolled oats: A moderate amount of ¼ - ½ cup of rolled oats will make a thin smoothie amazingly thick and give it an amazing texture without altering its original flavor too much.
What Should Not Be Mixed in a Smoothie?
Ingredients that should not be mixed in a smoothie include raw eggs, raw fish or meat, uncooked rice, and anything you wouldn’t try to eat raw.