Good For You Smoothie Recipes

Are Smoothies Good For You

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Smoothies are an increasingly popular wellness trend and frequently marketed as a health food.

These versatile beverages are portable, family-friendly, and modifiable for any taste or dietary preference. Smoothies are easy to prepare yourself, but you can also purchase fresh or bottled ones from specialty cafés and most major grocery stores.

While some types are loaded with veggies and fruit, others pack sugar or other unhealthy ingredients. As such, you may wonder whether theyre a healthy choice.

This article explains everything you need to know about smoothies, including their potential health benefits and downsides, whether they aid weight loss, and tips for making nutritionally balanced versions at home.

What Are The Healthiest Things To Put In A Smoothie

My biggest piece of advice when it comes to what to put in your smoothie is to keep it simple! Pick 1-3 fruits to add, maybe a leafy green such as spinach and then your liquid and protein source. That’s it! Sometimes the healthiest foods are the simplest foods.

There really aren’t too many things you shouldn’t be adding to smoothies, but I can say with confidence that sugar and ice are the biggest no-nos in my book.

First up, ice will totally water down your smoothies if you don’t drink them right away and you need a super high-powered blender to get a smoother consistency. Second, you can get sweeter smoothies with natural ingredients don’t add calories or reduce the healthiness by adding sugar!

Best Healthy Smoothie Recipes

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

From green smoothie recipes to a basic strawberry smoothie, weve got all the smoothie inspiration you need right here!

Check out 100+ healthy smoothie recipes and learn how to make your own unique healthy smoothies at home with our basic smoothie equation.

Say hello to the most beautiful smoothies on the internet! Smoothies are such a great healthy breakfast idea, snack, or even dinner! In less than 5 minutes you can enjoy multiple servings of fruit, veggies, healthy fats, and more!

PS: Check out our best Protein Shake Recipes, too!

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What Ingredients Are In The Best Weight Loss Smoothies

Healthy smoothies for weight loss are made with the right blend of weight loss foods that are scientifically proven to decrease body fat. Some of the common ingredients we include in these smoothies for weight loss are:

• Protein powder for weight loss: these powders are low in sugar or other sweeteners, low in calories, and rich in high-quality protein that, in combination with strength exercises, will help build metabolism-boosting muscle mass
• Healthy fats: healthy fats like nut butters, avocado, and MCT oil will help to slow digestion to keep you fuller longer to prevent overeating
• Fiber: consuming fiber-rich ingredients like chia seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, leafy greens, and oats can help prevent spikes in blood sugar that can lead to the storage of carbs as fat
• Low sugar: fruit is the base of all smoothies, and because fruit naturally contains sugar, there’s no need to add extra sweeteners like honey, orange juice, or frozen yogurt that only serve to add empty calories

Healthy Smoothies For Weight Loss

Obesity or overweight problems are increasing in society. Unhealthy foods, improper daily meal routines, and an unhealthy lifestyle are the main reasons for it. If you are a health-conscious person and want to intake a proper diet and maintain your health, these drinks will benefit you. Ingredients like fruits, dairy products, seeds like chia, and usage of less sugar make these drinks exceptionally diet-friendly. So if you want to maintain your weight or lose some excess weight without skipping any meals of the day, then you should give it a try.

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Peaches And Cream Oatmeal Smoothie

No time for a leisurely meal? Try this grab-and-go, probiotic-rich take on morning oatmeal. Whole-grain oats contain prebiotic fiber that promotes gut health.

This recipe from Preventions Smoothies & Juicesmakes two smoothies: Blend 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1 cup frozen peaches, 1/2 frozen banana, and 1/2 cup ice until smooth.

Nutrition: 283 cal, 13 g pro, 53.5 g carb, 2 g fiber, 48 g sugars, 3.5 g fat

Why Are Smoothies Good For You

In the summer times, everyone needs something refreshing to drink. People often go for soft drinks like colas and lemonades. But do you know that these contain harmful elements? Elements like sugar and carbon dioxide can ruin your diet routine and leave some negative impacts on your body.

Smoothies can meet your expectations, from your health to your hydration needs. These are delightful drinks made with fresh fruits and dairy products like yogurt, milk, and sometimes seeds. If you want a proper and balanced combination of health and taste in your drink, these drinks are perfect. There are many varieties of this thick drink like fruit, greens, and protein Smoothies. So if you have already made your mind to include these drinks on your diet list, you are on the right way. If you havent, then lets talk about these drinks a little more.

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Autoimmune Disease Healthy Journey:

Here is where I am going to get a little personal. I was a healthy and active girl when I got hit with an autoimmune disease that rocked my world. I visited the doctor and he performed an insane amount of blood tests to figure out what was going on with my body.

I was dealing with the debilitating effects of several autoimmune diseases — rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis diseases, among others.

I didn’t think I would be dealing with arthritis in my 30’s! My weight had even skyrocketed for no apparent reason .

After many blood tests confirmed I was dealing with several autoimmune issues, I was referred to both a rheumatologist and endocrinologist to deal with the effects of my immune system going haywire. The specialists wanted to put me on a host of medications to help with the swelling and inflammation, all with a list of negative side effects. I felt as if I was ALWAYS at the doctor. I didn’t want to just put on a band-aid.

I went home and my husband and I just sobbed together on the couch , afraid of what the future might hold. After a good cry, I felt determined to figure out what the ROOT cause of my health issues was. I started studying like crazy. I began driving around to every library in town, picking up stacks of health books, and researching everything I could about my disease. I became a full-on nerd!

Here are some of the healing vitamins, herbs and supplements that have helped me with my autoimmune diseases:

Benefits Of Drinking Smoothies For Breakfast

As per the doctors, you need to have some food that is filling and has significant nutritional value. Due to busy lives, it is not always possible to have healthy foods for breakfast.

Smoothies have both features, but the real question is are the smoothies good for you to have as breakfast? The answer is simple smoothies are perfect for breakfast. Due to these drinks filling nature, it will not make you hungry until lunchtime. Owing to this you can also avoid junk foods and excess eating. These drinks also have fresh foods in them therefore, the nutritional demand of your body is also fulfilled. Ingredients like chia seeds and dairy products make these drinks even more healthy and tasteful. You can now start or maintain your existing diet plan without compromising on the taste.

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Are Smoothies Good For Kids

“Smoothies can be a nice option for kids since they’re simple to make and give parents the opportunity to incorporate foods that their child may otherwise not eat,” says Sassos. Even if your kid makes a face at even the idea of spinach, he’ll probably love a “green monster smoothie” , especially if there are a few banana chunks in there to naturally sweeten it up. Another reason smoothies are great for parents is that you can make them ahead of time , or take the along in a spill-proof cup for a healthy between-games Saturday snack.

Recommended Tools For Making Smoothies

• Blender. I more recently purchased this high-powered blender, and it makes everything very smooth and creamy. This more economical blender optionis also great, though you may need to add more liquid or add the frozen fruit more slowly.
• Stainless Steel Straws. These stainless steel strawsmake everything you drink through them taste so refreshing. I try to keep some in my purse, so I dont need to ask for a plastic or paper straw when Im out. Theyre great for taking smoothies to go as well.
• Opaque Cup. A great way to make green-colored breakfast smoothies for kids.

Now, lets get to those healthy breakfast smoothies!

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Lemon Turmeric Flush Drink:

• 1 teaspoon Stevia or 1 Tablespoon Honey or Real Maple Syrup
• Serves 2

Mix together, water, lemon juice, turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper and cinnamon. Add stevia, honey or maple syrup to taste. The cayenne pepper adds a kick to it so not everyone can handle it.

If you are looking for MORE JUICE CLEANSE RECIPES, CLICK HERE.

If I am suffering from anything – from allergies to autoimmune issues to overeating the night before, this helps to clean out my liver and belly. I woke up this morning with swollen eyes caused by allergies and this drink helped the swelling go down quickly. You can drink it heated up or drink it cold straight out of the refrigerator. We make a large pitcher and keep in the refrigerator to last a week. We give it a good stir and guzzle it down.

Are Mixed Berry Smoothies Good For You

Do you think berries are essential for a balanced diet? Well, berries play a unique role in the diet. Berries have a considerable contribution to the human body, making it essential for them to be a part of a balanced diet. Berries are a good source of antioxidants and are known to reduce blood sugar in individuals. They also have an intense action towards reducing cholesterol. Most berries are a great source of nutrients such as Copper, Manganese, Folate, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K1. Moreover, they also help in keeping skin clear and reduce aging.

Berries can be consumed while being on any diet, low carb, keto diet, etc. They also help in keeping arteries healthy. Studies have found that berries significantly improve the endothelial function of individuals.

Berries not only enhance the taste of the smoothie but also add vitamins and nutrients to the same. Smoothies that are made with many berries at the same time are called mixed berry smoothies. These kinds of smoothies are delicious, simple to make, refreshing, and filling. Since berries are sweet, these smoothies need no added sugar, making them a great option. A mixed berry smoothie is a nutrient pack that rejuvenates the body with a surplus of minerals and water.

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Are You Looking For Even More Smoothies No Worries Weve Got You Covered:

• Clementine Avocado Smoothie. If youve never added avocado to your smoothie before, you are missing out! The flavor is so mild, that you cant taste it, but the texture is dreamy, creamy smooth, and the healthy added fats help keep your fuller longer.
• Cold Buster Smoothie. When youre feeling under the weather and your throat is sore, this smoothie for colds is soothing and nourishing.
• Coffee Smoothie. Get a jolt of caffeine and your breakfast all in one cup! This is packed full of coffee flavor.
• Persimmon Smoothie. Packed full of autumnal flavor, this spiced smoothie is creamy and sweet!
• Spinach and Pear Smoothie. Bright green and fresh in flavor, this smoothie is a perfect light breakfast.
• Sweet Potato Smoothie. Sweet potato in a smoothie? YUP! It tastes like a delicious pie. Youll love it!
• Apple Smoothie. This smoothie is packed full of healthy spinach, but tastes like apple pie!
• Pumpkin Pie Smoothie. This pumpkin smoothie is perfect for the weather is still warm but your heart wants fall to show up.
• Dark Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie. This smoothie is rich and dark, and it tastes decadent enough you could sip on it for dessert!
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie. All the flavors of your favorite sandwich in a tasty smoothie! Pick your favorite jelly to add to this peanut butter smoothie.
• Tart Cherry and Spinach Smoothies. We show serving this cherry smoothie as a light breakfast in a bowl, but you could easily pour it in a glass and sip away!

More Info On Each Easy Smoothie Recipe:

Strawberry Banana Smoothie: This is a pretty, light pink, sweet, and creamy cold drink thats perfect all year long. Its forever one of my classic favorites, and I make sure to stock up on strawberries when theyre in season so I can freeze them for year-round enjoyment. My kids ask for this one all the time, so you can say its a household requirement around here!

Simple Tropical Smoothie: This has a sweet flavor and reminds you of summer, no matter what month it is. My sunshiny Henry loves this one — its summer in a glass. The color is a lovely cream-orange, and its always a hit at our house. Costco sells frozen mango and pineapple cubed and ready to go for a great price.

Very Berry Simply Smoothie: This is made with mixed frozen berries that you can get in the freezer section, including blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. I mean, who doesnt love berries?! It almost tastes like ice cream, and it hits the spot any time of day. I make it on movie nights and call it a milkshake. Meanwhile, my kids have no idea it doesnt actually include ice cream!

Peanut Butter Simple Smoothie: This one is a whole big glass of peanut buttery goodness that tastes like dessert but is packed with protein. I cant get over it. Its probably one of my very favorites because I love, love, love peanut butter.

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Savory Weight Loss Smoothies

A smoothie can be a lot of things: a pre- or post-workout boost, a cold and refreshing thirst quencher, a thick and creamy dessert, a perfectly balanced breakfast. But one thing most of us never think of when we think of smoothies: comfort food.

These recipes, from the book Zero Belly Smoothies, stake out a new territory in the smoothie landscape, a culinary point of departure into a taste realm you might not have considered. While these smoothies are still cold and refreshing, they’re going to taste more like a savory soup than a bright pick-me-up.

• ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 scoop plant-based plain protein powder
• 3 ice cubes
• Water to blend

NUTRITION: 232 calories / 2 g fat / 28 g carbs / 3.5 g fiber / 10 g sugar / 26 g protein

Nutty & Chocolatey Weight Loss Smoothies

Have you ever heard of the “health halo”? It’s a term nutrition experts use to describe foods that use a healthy-sounding word like natural on their labels, or add ingredients that people think of as good for you , but which are really junk at heart.

These smoothies are the reverse of that theory. These drinks are tremendously nutritiousâpacked with as much, or more, fiber, protein, and healthy fats as any other drinks in the whole book. But they seem like they’re bad for you. How can drinks that seem like they came right from the ice cream shop flatten your belly so effectively?

These are the drinks you’ll whip up on a night when you want something to satisfy your ice cream jones. They’re the recipes you’ll lean on when your kids are complaining that they want something sweet for dessert. And they’re the drinks you’ll use to reward yourself after a hard day at work or in the gym. Deep, comforting, and delicious, these filling smoothies taste more like dessert than what they really areâpowerful weight-loss weapons, compliments of the new book, Zero Belly Smoothies.

All recipes make one serving.

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How To Make A Smoothie + 27 Simple Smoothie Recipes To Try

Im a believer that smoothies are the perfect meal or snack no matter what the weather. It is never too cold to have an awesome smoothie! Since smoothies are such a tasty way to pack in a meal on the go, I put on a big sweater and happily drink them even when the temps are frigid.

We originally published our first guide on smoothie making way back in 2015, and since then, millions of folks have visited this post and used our recipes to make the best ever smoothies! I consider these smoothies simple classics because they have great flavor, all the ingredients are easy to source , and they pack a nutritional punch that can nourish you nicely. These are the kinds of smoothies that I think everyone should know how to make, and chances are, youll find a favorite combo among these recipes. There really is no wrong way to make a smoothie, but I think these recipes are a great jumping-off point if the blender intimidates you.

Healthy Smoothie Recipes For Meal Prep

Did you know that you can actually assemble your smoothies ahead of time and either store in the freezer or refrigerator until ready to use? When I do this, I usually add all the ingredients, except for the liquid, into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for about 3 days and the freezer for up to 3 months.

I like to use glass mason jars for packing my smoothies because it doubles as a container to drink your smoothie out of, but you could also use freezer safe ziplock bags, or these cool reusable bags.

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