Whether or not you make a smoothie for breakfast each day, you have certainly heard about them. And what is not to like? A smoothie can provide you with a delicious start to your day, chock full of nutrition and energy.
A base of milk, yogurt or kefir works well. Each of these will provide protein. Juice is an alternative to the base, but will not provide protein.
Fruit will add some sweetness and minerals to your smoothie. Bananas are especially wonderful. If you make a habit of peeling your overripe bananas, breaking them into a few pieces and adding them to the freezer, you will have them ready to add to smoothies any time. Mango, papaya, strawberries and apples are all great fruits for smoothies as well.
Vegetables will provide a variety of nutrients and fiber to the mix. Kale and spinach will get you your greens first thing in the morning, with no pain. Fresh basil is another delicious green for smoothies.
Adding one or more superfoods like chia seeds, blueberries, cacao powder or flax seeds makes your smoothie a powerhouse meal.
A Vitamix is one of the best machines for making smoothies in. It chops vegetables up so thoroughly that the only evidence of greens like kale and spinach is the color.
Regular blenders work as well, they just don’t chop as finely and your end result won’t be quite so smooth, but it is still worth it.
A blender bottle, the type with a whisk-type ball in it will blend some ingredients, but not ice cubes, frozen fruits like bananas, and vegetables.
Blend almond milk and greens first. Add ice cubes, banana and chia seeds. Blend some more. Enjoy!
Do you have a smoothie recipe? We would love to hear from you!