One of the best parts about smoothies is that they satisfy our sweet tooth without the guilt. Summertime is prime smoothie time. Something cold and sweet and if you make them at home, a whole lot cheaper! Most smoothie places nowadays will sneak extra sugar into their drinks and jack up prices to keep you coming back for more.
But making a nutrient rich smoothie doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult (and leave behind any fear you may have of creating that dreaded brownish greenish blackish smoothie that your friends may have warned you about).
We are here to save the day.
Photo by @yoga_girl
1. It’s not easy being Green
Smoothies are a great way to sneak in your veggie intake! Try Spinach, ginger root (use sparingly unless you love ginger!), carrots, yellow squash, or zucchini to neutralize the sugar. Throwing in a cup of Kale or other dark greens will also add to your 4-5 servings a day!
Picture donated by @treehouseohm
2. Creme de la Creme
One of the perks of smoothies is that it feels like a cheat! Creamy texture and taste adds to the dessert like feel.
-Ingredients like avocado, greek yogurt, and peanut/almond butter create that creamy-sweet taste.
-For a thicker consistency, look no further than frozen fruit. Not only will your use of ice decrease (or disappear!) you will actually consume more nutrients than if you used unfrozen fruit. Frozen fruit is harvested at its ripest and then immediately frozen- locking in all the good stuff!
-Use liquids like coconut water, almond milk, rice milk, and green tea to make the smoothie drinkable, but not watered down.
NOTE: Avoid sugary juices as the liquid; these tend to be high in sugar and have extra additives.
Treehouseohm
3. Hey there, Sweet Stuff!
As we have already established, homemade smoothies mean you control what you put into your body.
-If your smoothies just aren’t satisfying your sweet tooth use honey, agave nectar or dates to sweeten the deal.
-Another trick-overripe bananas are bananas at their sweetest. Throw those brown things in the freezer overnight and then savor them in your smoothie in the morning!
-Afterthoughts like nutmeg, cinnamon, coco powder, and vanilla add a little extra flair.
Whatever concoction you choose, smoothies are the best way to get through the hot days of the summer. Buy some Mason jars, and bring your smoothie to-go for yourself and your friends. You will be a hit.