Smoothies tend to get a bad rap for being calorie-ridden, high in sugar, and lacking in any nutritional value. This may be true for restaurant-chains and supermarket varieties, but homemade smoothies offer endless opportunities for making healthy alternatives to those store-bought favorites. The following simple recipes will get you on your smoothie-making feet and can even pass for a quick, healthy meal!
Berry Banana Breakfast Smoothie
This recipe from Martha Stewart is a refreshing and healthy way to start off your day. The addition of fat-free yogurt and milk (or soymilk) provides a serving of protein that will definitely leave you feeling full for hours. Use almond milk or coconut milk as a dairy alternative with the same protein benefits!
“Classic Green Monster” – A Sneaky Way to Get in Your Greens!
Spinach in a smoothie? It may sound unappetizing, but once blended with other ingredients, the taste of the veggies is completely masked! By adding greens like spinach or kale to your morning smoothie, you can meet your daily vegetable needs by lunchtime. This “Classic Green Monster” smoothie from blogger Angela at Oh She Glows is super tasty and filled with energy-boosting ingredients.
Peach Vanilla Smoothie
Described as “tasting more like peach ice cream with a hint of a vanilla,” this nutritious smoothie shared by Martha Rose Shulman of The New York Times, combines peaches, almond milk, vanilla and almond extract, and is thickened by the addition of granola. Who wouldn’t want a vitamin-packed ice cream for breakfast?
Adding Sweeteners and Flavors
Instead of loading up your smoothie with sugar, there are healthier, alternate ways to sweeten up your blend. Agave nectar and honey are great alternatives while almond and vanilla extract add tasty flavor profiles. Add cocoa powder or chocolate milk to further satisfy a sweet tooth!
Now that you have a few easy recipes, start exploring all the possibilities waiting for you! Whatever taste you’re in the mood for, whether it’s fruity, chocolaty, or nutty, you can make a smoothie that’s perfect (and super healthy!) for you.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Skidmore chapter.