You want to be healthier. The fastest way to better health and skinnier waistlines is by changing your diet. You already know this as it isn’t breaking news. It is difficult to always eat the “required” fruits and vegetables you need a day…five plus servings a day. If you are one who has a hard time eating and enjoying all the fruits and veggies you should eat in a 24 hour period then smoothies might be just what the doctor ordered.
Smoothies are fruit based drinks that are typically blended with either yogurt or milk until smooth. The combinations of smoothies are endless. These super fast meal replacements are packed full of goodness that will give you plenty of energy to power you through your day. If you choose just the right ingredients for your smoothie, it can keep your blood sugar in check, beat fatigue, help keep you regular and help keep your mind focused and sharp.
When searching for smoothie recipes it is sometimes difficult to find recipes that are really good for you. If they call for ingredients like syrup or frozen yogurt or even tons of sugar then your smoothie will no longer be the healthy meal that you really want. Bodies crave nutrients and when man made ingredients are used you will find that you will be “craving” something else to nibble shortly after your smoothie is gone.
Smoothie How To’s
The main elements to a smoothie are base, liquid and fruit.
Base
The base to your smoothie can be so many different ingredients. It is important that the base of your smoothie makes your smoothie creamy in texture and taste. The base is what helps give your smoothie body. Without the proper base your fruit would quickly rise to the top. The base helps to thicken your smoothie.
For a creamy base use:
Bananas – Bananas are a great base. The overripe bananas are especially sweet and creamy. One to two bananas work great. Bananas can be peeled and cut into chunks and then frozen to use later.
Pears – Many people just don’t like bananas, pears can be used instead and give the same qualities to your smoothie as the banana. Pears, just like bananas, need to be a little overripe to have the best results. One pear per smoothie is usually just enough.
Avocados – Avocados are super creamy. You may not like them alone, but mixed with other foods you may be surprising. Avocados are full of good for you, healthy fats, but don’t overload on these. Both because of the fat and the fact that too much will overpower your smoothie’s flavor. Use only one quarter to one half of an avocado per smoothie.
Nuts – Nut smoothies can be delicious! They give a fantastic creaminess. Do use nuts in moderation, however. If used as a base try a quarter cup per smoothie. Blended nuts are great to use in place of milk. It is best to blend the nuts with your liquid of choice first to get them smooth. Then you can add the fruit of choice and ice.
Dairy – It is easy to find recipes for yogurt smoothies, but for those of you who are allergic to dairy so try one of the other alternatives. You can also try coconut milk. The best choice is plain yogurt with probiotics and no sugar. Cottage cheese can also be used. One third to 1 cup of either yogurt or cottage cheese is just right.
Liquid
You must be careful with the liquid part of your smoothie. If too much is added, your smoothie will be thin and “watery”. The liquid you choose will influence your smoothie’s overall flavor. Normally you only need a cup or two of liquid.
Fruit
When adding in your fruit there are numberless combination options. You will have to experiment some to see what you like, but there are some combinations of fruit that just seem to go together. For instance mangos just seem to work with pineapple, but also taste great with other fruit as well. Bananas and berries also seem to just go together.
Smoothies are a way to incorporate many good things to your diet. Kids love smoothies too so get your whole family involved. At first it will probably be a good idea to follow a recipe and as you gain confidence make and name your own.
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