How to make the healthiest smoothie? What are the healthiest things to put in a smoothie?
I made a cheat sheet for you! My smoothie recipe chart will give you the guidance to make delicious smoothies at home. Smoothies are a quick, nutrition dense, and easy breakfast… perfect on the go and again the options are endless! Discover how these ingredients can help you meet your daily recommended intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while keeping you full and satisfied.
How to make the Healthiest Smoothie (for picky eaters)
It seems like smoothies always taste better when someone else is making them, right? Not anymore- today I’m sharing my smoothie guide and organizational chart to help you make the best smoothies at home.
First thing you need is a high quality blender. I’m a big Vitamix fan because it literally will pulverize anything and everything- and then you can begin to collect your ingredients.
While there is technically no exact science for making a smoothie, options are endless and there are so many things to add and ways to create the perfect flavor. If you select one liquid base, protein, thickener, carb, and add ins you should have the perfect smoothie recipe. Make it your own and get creative!
Healthiest Ingredients for a Smoothie
- Liquid Base– you should be able to drink your smoothie so liquid is needed (if making a smoothie bowl- use less liquid)
- Protein– protein is going to make the smoothie more filling- just drinking a bunch of carbs will leave you hungry in an hour
- Thickener– For me, the thicker the better! But you do need something to give the smoothie the right consistency
- Carbs– When we think of smoothies we generally think of fruits (acai being the most popular one for smoothie bowls)
- Extras/Add ins– extracts, herbs, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cacao
Best Liquid for Smoothies
I personally always go for dairy milk. It has the best flavor and nutrition profile (more protein and vitamins than other plant based beverages)
Best Base For Smoothies
I like to use 1/2 of a frozen banana-I don’t love the banana flavor but a little is needed for taste and by freezing it you can use less to make a thickening agent
Best Protein for Smoothies
I usually go double time here- protein powder and peanut butter!
Best Carbs for Smoothies
Obviously all the fruits are great in smoothies- my favorite is a mixture of berries. But veggies like a handful of spinach can go a long way to pack extra nutrition. Oats in a smoothie give it more of a cookie dough type flavor, and while I’ve never used beans I think garbanzo beans would be a great addition.
Best Add-ins for Smoothies
Personally using herbs like mint or rosemary can be fun, but I also love topping a smoothie bowl with cacao or bee pollen.
How to Made Delicious Smoothies At Home:
Here is a combo I think sounds good: Coconut Water, Ice, frozen strawberries, hemp seeds, handful of spinach, mango, and vanilla extract. You can obviously double up in categories as well… OJ, vanilla protein powder, and pineapple would all be delicious added here too!
Consider this a non all inclusive flow chart… feel free to share anything awesome I’m missing in the comments- I love to hear about your creations as well! If this is too overwhelming and you just want a recipe check out these: Shamrock Shake, Not Your Average Blueberry Smoothie, Sweet Potato Smoothie.
Smoothies have become a popular go-to meal or snack option for people looking to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diet. They are a convenient and delicious way to pack in several servings of produce and other nutritious ingredients in one glass. However, not all smoothies are created equal, and it’s essential to choose the right ingredients to make a healthy and balanced smoothie.
Hopefully this gives you some smoothie inspiration to make delicious smoothies at home this summer! If you’re looking for more inspiration I try to keep up with adding to my Pinterest account- check it out here. What’s your favorite smoothie to make at home??
