Smoothies have become the go-to breakfast or lunch for those on the move or who are time poor. In theory, a smoothie is a quick and convenient way to get all the essential nutrients and vitamins your body needs for optimum health. But not all smoothies are created equal, and some are packed with sugar and bad fats, and provide minimal protein and nutrition, causing more harm than good. Up your smoothie game with these 6 top tips for the ultimate nutritious smoothie.
Six tips for a healthier smoothie
- Pay attention to portion size
Portion size plays a significant role in daily calorie consumption and weight control. Is your smoothie a meal replacement or is it a snack? Deciding which will enable you to adjust ingredients and portion size. Measuring out the ingredients, instead of just throwing everything into the blender without thinking, is an excellent way to control portion size.
- Avoid too much fruit
While fruit contains many essential nutrients, it is often high in sugar. Smoothies packed with high-sugar fruit can send your blood sugar levels rocketing and leave you hungrier than you were before! Choose your fruit carefully: opt for fruits that are high in fibre and antioxidants such as berries. Ideally, limit your fruit consumption to half a cup to one cup of fruit for every smoothie.
- Add protein
Protein helps to keep you full and satisfied. You can easily include protein to your smoothie by adding a scoop of Vital Plant Pea Protein Powder or a little peanut butter. This will also assist in rebuilding muscle tissue after a workout.
- Go green
If you’re not a fan of eating your greens, including vegetables in your smoothie is the best way to get your five a day. Spinach, kale and collard greens are perfect choices to boost the nutritional value of smoothies and although it may make your smoothie look an odd colour, won’t affect the taste that much.
- Curb the sugar
Smoothies that contain fruit juice, dried fruit pieces and sweetened yoghurt can be delivering as many as 25 teaspoons of sugar in your smoothie. Instead of fruit juice, use water, unsweetened soy or almond milk, or coconut water. Greek yoghurt is a great substitute for fruit yoghurt and a touch of honey will give it some sweetness.
- Limit the number of superfoods
Turns out you can have too much of a good thing. It may be tempting to fill your smoothie with an abundance of superfoods but too many superfoods can boost the calorie count significantly. Add only one or two superfoods at most and measure them out.
A smoothie is a great way to get the nutrients you need in a convenient way. Give your smoothie a healthy boost with a Vital All-In-One. Packed with nutritious ingredients, to add to your daily routine. Vital Everyday has a range of daily health supplements to support optimum health and wellbeing. Discover more of our products here.
