While making a smoothie for breakfast is an easy way to start your day on a healthy note, if you aren’t careful, it can be easy to turn this healthy drink into a sugar bomb! Here are some quick tips on how to make sure your smoothie is fulfilling all your nutrient requirements while still being a light and healthy option.
- Pick a carbohydrate base. A frozen banana, a cup of frozen cauliflower (for a low-carb option) or a few tablespoons of dry rolled oats will help add creaminess and substance to your smoothie.
- Pick two servings of a healthy fat. A tablespoon of almond butter, ¼ of an avocado, 2 tablespoons of Greek or coconut yogurt, a tablespoon of hemp seeds or a tablespoon of chia seeds will help keep you satiated and ready to take on the day!
- Choose a protein source. Plant-based protein powder, collagen and whey proteins work great, but make sure they aren’t loaded with artificial sweeteners. If you don’t like the taste of protein powder, double up on some chia seeds or nut butter — they’re also chock-full of protein!
- Add one serving of frozen fruit. Stick to low-glycemic fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries or strawberries, if you’re looking to lower your sugar intake — these berries won’t spike your blood sugar and will leave you with a steady and sustained source of energy.
- Pick a superfood. Maca powder for energy, chlorella for detoxification, moringa for some extra greens and açaí powder for antioxidants are all great choices!
- Finally, pick a liquid to blend your goodies! Almond, coconut and oat milk are all great. I’m also a fan of blending with pure water — I’ve found that you can’t taste the difference, and it provides extra hydration and fewer processed ingredients in your smoothie!
In the end, smoothies should be made to taste not only super delish, but also to supply you with sustained energy throughout the day. Loading up on high-glycemic fruits and artificial sweeteners will only leave you hungry and craving more sweets, so stick to natural and unprocessed ingredients and you’ll be good to go!
