Smoothies are constantly being touted as a health food. They’re all the rage at health clubs, and many dietitians recommend them. But are they really healthy? The truth is, it depends. Some smoothies are healthy while others are loaded with fat and sugar. It’s completely dependent on the ingredients you put in the blender. So how can you make sure your smoothie is healthy every time?
How to Make a Healthy Smoothie
To make a healthy smoothie, you need the right combination of vegetables, fruit, protein, and fat. Options for protein include non-sweetened Greek yogurt, nut butter, chia seeds, hemp seeds, or flax seeds. Nut butter, chia seeds, and flax seeds are also good sources of healthy fat, which will help keep you full until your next meal or snack. Avoid unhealthy sources of fat, like ice cream, heavy cream, or whipped cream.
You also want to ensure that you cut down on sugar as much as possible. Use enough fruit to sweeten the smoothie to your liking, and complement with non-sweetened yogurt and nut butter. Try to avoid added sweeteners, like sugar, honey, or maple syrup, or use them sparingly. Instead use fresh fruit, berries, or dates to sweeten your smoothie. An overripe banana is a great option to add sweetness.
Here are ten healthy smoothie ideas:
1. Edible® Treats – Pineapple + Honeydew + Kale
Save yourself the time and energy. Visit your local Edible Arrangements® store and pick up a made-for-you smoothie. This recipe includes pineapple, honeydew, and kale. Plus it’s made with fresh, never frozen fruit and all-natural ingredients.
2. Edible® Treats – Strawberry + Pineapple + Banana
This Edible Arrangements® smoothie includes healthy fruits like strawberry, pineapple, and banana. Just like the above option, it’s made with fresh, never frozen fruit and all-natural ingredients, and is 100% delicious.
3. Super Healthy Fruit Smoothie
Loaded with berries, including strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries, and balanced out with spinach and baby kale, this smoothie packs a healthy punch. Yogurt helps add some protein and fat for staying power.
4. The Best Breakfast Smoothie
Filled with fruit, oats, and protein powder, this smoothie will keep you feeling full for hours. Strawberries and banana provide the perfect amount of sweetness.
This powerhouse smoothie combines superfoods like Greek yogurt, spinach, blueberries, and flax seed. It’s a great source of fiber and is completely delicious.
This smoothie uses one cup of frozen cherries, a handful of spinach, and banana. It’s also dairy free, using almond milk instead of regular milk.
7. Blueberry Avocado Spinach Power Smoothie
Avocado adds just the right amount of fat to give this smoothie staying power. It’s also packed with superfoods, like blueberries, spinach, and chia seeds.
8. Creamy Pineapple Cucumber Smoothie
This smoothie packs a soothing vegetable punch with cucumber and a large handful of greens. Pineapple and banana adds a hint of sweetness.
This refreshing smoothie combines coconut water, baby carrots, strawberries, mango, orange, and pineapple chunks. The recipe includes an option for added sugar, so be sure to omit it for extra health.
10. Sunrise Sweet Potato Smoothie
This hearty smoothie is packed with banana, roasted sweet potato, and unsweetened milk. It tastes like sweet potato pie in a glass, but is super healthy thanks to the sweet potato’s generous nutrients.
Make sure your smoothie is healthy by avoiding added sweeteners and excess fat. To keep it simple, yet healthy and oh-so-delicious, give one of these tasty smoothie treats a try.
