Everybody loves a smoothie! Wonderfully blended ingredients, that meal-in-a-glass that ticks all the boxes - it is sweet, cold and tasty!
However, a smoothie can very easily become a calorie-loaded milkshake high in sugar if you don’t use the healthiest ingredients. Whether you enjoy a smoothie for breakfast, as a snack or even as a dessert, they are a wonderful way to get your daily fruit and vegetable servings into your diet.
A good smoothie should contain some protein and fibre. These will help you feel full and the fruit and veg will provide you with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Start by adding your protein basics - yoghurt, milk (or dairy alternatives) and / or some nuts, nut butter or seeds.
Let’s Get Fruity
It is hard to resist a juicy piece of fruit and there are so many choices. You can prepare your fruit ahead of time, by cutting it up and freezing it in individual packets. You may decide for example that you like a tropical smoothie - chop up mango, banana, papaya and pineapple and put it all into one bag. Quick and easy! By freezing your fruit, you may not need to add ice, because the frozen fruit provides the ice element.
Other very popular fruits to include are berries - strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are high in antioxidants, vitamin C and fibre and are delicious. Fruits like papaya or mango add wonderful texture and are packed with vitamins. Citrus fruits are always a good choice, they are loaded with vitamin C and are not as expensive.
Veggie Value
We absolutely love our veggies in any form, but some people don’t feel the same way. The joy about putting them in your daily smoothie is that you can get a lot of produce into that one drink. You may turn your nose up at the idea of drinking your vegetables, but most veggies can barely be tasted in a smoothie and it can still pack the nutrient punch your body needs.
Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale are fantastic additions to a smoothie. Try blending them with something like blueberries, with banana or a splash of orange juice to detract from the bitterness of the leaf. While kale is fairly bitter and is an acquired taste, spinach has a more mild bitterness.
The delicious avocado! Technically regarded as a fruit – adds such a wonderfully smooth and creamy flavour and texture to a smoothie. Blend it with spinach and mango for a delicious smoothie option. Cauliflower, beetroot, carrots, celery, cucumber and even sweet potato can be added, the list goes on. Try adding herbs like mint and basil for something different – experiment!
Make up your own recipe or look online at the many smoothie recipes, you’ll soon find your favourite. Step out of your comfort zone and try new combinations. Whatever you choose, include a healthy smoothie in your diet daily and shop for the best ingredients at Wildsprout.