Tips for a Healthier Smoothie
By Sara Butler
A smoothie is a healthy tool to have in your back pocket. They can be a great option for on-the-go breakfasts or a hydrating post-workout refreshment. The problem with smoothies is that they have the potential to be a nutritional bomb, full of added sugars even if they are full of vitamins and minerals. The good news is that following a few simple tips can help to keep your smoothie game on point. Here are a few do's and don'ts to help you get started.
A Few Things to Avoid
There are a few things that people tend to do in the name of health that really isn't that healthy at all -- especially when it comes to smoothies. You should make sure to avoid these traps when creating your smoothing at home:
- Don't avoid healthy fats - Fat is a really important part of a healthy diet and your body needs it to help you stay fuller for longer, produce hormones, and even absorb important vitamins. Add flax seeds or nut butter to your smoothie to deliver important healthy fats.
- Adding juice - When you buy a pre-made smoothie, fruit juice is often used as a base. This can add a lot of sugar to the final product. When you make smoothies at home, use milk, water, or plant-based milk as the base, adding sweetness with whole fruits.
A Few Things to Include
When crafting the perfect smoothie at home, these tips can help. You should:
- Include a high-quality protein - Protein will help the smoothie to keep your blood sugar stable and aid your muscles in recovery, so don't skip it. Protein powders are a great way to add protein to a smoothie, but Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or tofu are also great ways to add a punch of protein.
- Add some spice - Instead of reaching for sugar-laden add-ons such as maple syrup or honey to flavor your smoothies, try ginger, cocoa powder, or cinnamon to boost flavors as they also work to fight inflammation.
- Go green - Leafy greens make a great addition to any smoothie without adding a bunch of extra sugars or calories. Plus, it'll help you add some vegetable servings to your daily diet that you might otherwise miss out on. A few greens to consider include kale or spinach, which are easy to cover up with other flavors in a smoothie.
Smoothies can be a great addition to a healthy diet -- if you know how to keep them good for you.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Buford, Ga.