Smoothies!!! How to make them perfect AND good for you!!!
If you're someone who loves smoothies or you're just trying to make some of your mornings less hectic and get some of the fruits and veggies you need, keep reading!
I've been making smoothies a normal part of my morning routine for quite some time. I have made some that were fantastic and others, not so much. Over the years, I have learned some tricks to make them perfect almost every time. I want to share them with you. Here are some of my best tips and tricks to making the perfect smoothie.
Step One: Add the liquid. Yes, the liquid goes in first. This is KEY to blending the perfect smoothie. By adding the liquid first, you can make sure you aren't adding too much. If you are making a smoothie for one, start with using a cup of liquid. After adding the rest of the ingredients, you can add more to make it thinner. Of course, if you're like me, I almost NEVER make a smoothie for just one....cause I have to make one for my honey!
Here are some options for liquid that I like to use:
*Unsweetened Coconut milk-adds creaminess and the healthy fat with no added sugar
*Unsweetened Almond milk-adds a mild flavor and a little thinner consistency
*Unsweetened Oat milk-adds a little more creaminess
*Unsweetened Coconut water-this is great for hydration. I like to use half of this and half of one of the above milks.
Step Two: Add the base. The base is the ingredient that will add the real creamy deliciousness! Like avocado, frozen banana, yogurt and/or some kind of unsweetened nut butter. I usually add 2 of these! All of them go well with cacao! Just sayin! For one serving, use 1/2 of the banana or avocado. 1/2 cup of yogurt and a tablespoon of nut butter.
Step Three: Add you fruit and veggies! Here comes the magic of "hiding" the goodness that you don't typically like to eat by themselves (handfuls of spinach or kale)! I love using frozen fruits and veggies instead of ice. It makes the smoothies a little thicker. Make sure they are cut into small pieces, easier on the blender and less chunkiness. Try adding 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen kale or spinach to get your greens. Then add 1/2 cup of frozen berries, mango, peaches, dark cherries, pineapple or cauliflower. YUMMY!
Step Four: Add in some superfood! There is definitely such a thing! Get creative. Try some of these options to add flavor and the added punch of "good for you"! You only need 1/2 a teaspoon of the spices and a tablespoon or two of the seeds and powders. Some of my favs include: * All the seeds! Chia, Flax, Hemp, *Turmeric, *Ginger, *Cinnamon, *Manuka Honey, *Goji Berries, *Plant-based Collagen, *Unsweetened Cacao, *Plant-based Protein
Step Five: Blend it up! Blend for at least one full minute to get a creamy, clump-free smoothie with all the nutrition in one meal. The more you follow these steps, the better you get at making the perfect smoothie every single time!
Don't forget to use your creativity! Green apples, kiwi, watermelon, frozen butternut squash, cucumbers, celery...they can all be used in different combos. Try leaving the skin on the apples, kiwi and cucumbers for the extra fiber. If you are adding something to make it sweeter, go easy on it. Remember, we want this to be healthy, not a sugar bomb! Try using 100% maple syrup or organic honey....and just a teaspoon! You can also add in a little vanilla, use 100% pure vanilla!
Ok, I think that about covers it!
Enjoy!!!