Smoothies are a great way to receive a portion of your daily required nutrients and vitamins. Typically, when people make a smoothie they use fruit and some sort of liquid to help it blend together. However, smoothies are an easy way to incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, and superfood boosters! Here are 5 factors to a fantastic smoothie that you’re sure to love and help increase your daily superfood intake:
Greens (2 handfuls)
Greens are key when creating the perfect healthy smoothie. When picking leafy greens, go dark. The darker leaves usually indicate more nutrition. Step away from the blue cheese iceberg lettuce wedge, and instead introduce kale, spinach, or swiss chard. You can always start with baby greens for a milder taste and easier blending.
Fruits (1-2 cups)
This is how you naturally sweeten up your blend. Fruits are sources of many essential nutrients that are typically under-consumed in the US diet, including potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and folate (folic acid).
Liquids (1-2 cups)
Liquids are essential for making your veggie and fruit mix drinkable. Stick with 1 to 2 cups of water, nut milk (i.e. almond milk), coconut water, or even freshly brewed tea. Stay away from juices from concentrate as they have a lot of added sugars. Keep things as simple, fresh and unprocessed as possible.
Cream (optional, to taste)
Take your smoothie from a slushy to a creamy treat with these key ingredients. Fruits like bananas and avocados, nuts like raw cashews and seeds like hemp seeds will all add a little extra creamy texture to your smoothies.
Boosters (to taste)
This is where we separate the basic smoothies from the kick-ass, oh-my-god superfood smoothies. Typically, you need anywhere from one teaspoon to one tablespoon of these body boosters. Start basic: Chia seeds, flaxseeds and goji berries are great gateway boosters. Feeling adventurous? Sprinkle in some maqui, acai or matcha powder in with your next blend.
