The best part of making your own smoothies is having control over what you’re putting into your blender (and your body!). Be creative with your smoothies and try these industry insider tips:
Steam your veggies. This helps break down fiber even more, making them easier on digestion. You can steam them in advance and then freeze them if you prefer frozen smoothies.
Add in moderate portions of frozen fruit. Berries are a great choice, and tropical fruits like pineapple can create a sweet treat! Consider glycemic loads when choosing your fruit. Also think about trying to include fruits like bananas, mangoes, pears, and papayas which all have soluble fiber and help make a smoothie creamy, even without dairy.
Don’t forget the fat. Increase satiety and nutrient absorption by adding fat to your smoothie. Avocados and coconut milk add creaminess while nut butters and hemp hearts add a slightly sweet, nutty taste.
Avoid sweeteners (including in your nut milk). It’s popular to add stevia, honey, or maple syrup to smoothies but they’re usually unnecessary and may spike your blood sugar. Replace sweeteners with low-glycemic fruits.
Have fun with toppings! Toppings for smoothie bowls (or mixed into your smoothie!) are fun and help you chew your smoothie. Sprinkle smoothies with fresh berries, coconut flakes, slivered almonds, or granola.
Consider add-in items. Make your smoothie a full meal by adding in protein powder or collagen protein. Turn up the fun factor by mixing in adaptogenic herbs, supplements, or trendy items like bee pollen.
