How to Make the Healthiest Smoothie
Ditch sugary, calorie-laden fast-food smoothies and make your own healthy concoctions at home with these easy tips.
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Healthy Smoothies at Home
Bursting with fruit, portable and easy to drink, smoothies can be a healthy on-the-go breakfast or snack. But a lot of fast-food and restaurant smoothies are way too high in calories and sugar to be good for you. Follow these tips to make the healthiest smoothie at home.
By Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., R.D.
Fruit First
Get the Recipe: Banana Nog Smoothie
Consider Vegetables
Get the Recipe: Green Smoothie
Add Calcium
Get the Recipe: Strawberry-Green Tea Smoothie
Make It Thick & Creamy
Get the Recipe: Apple-Nut Smoothie
Supercharge It
So far, you have enough ingredients for a delicious smoothie, but a tablespoon of any of these extras will make your smoothie extra nutritious and flavorful:
Chia seeds or ground flax seeds add heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, along with keep-you-full fiber.
Peanut butter or almond butter: Nut butters offer an extra boost of protein and healthy fats that help power your morning. They're particularly good in a simple banana, cocoa, tofu or yogurt and milk smoothie. Even whole nuts work!
Rolled oats: Who says oatmeal is the only way to enjoy rolled oats in the morning? Try adding 1/4 cup to the blender — it will add a thick texture, along with fiber and a serving of whole grains.
Get the Recipe: Mango, Coconut and Chia Smoothie
Bump Up the Flavor
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin-Ginger Smoothie
Creative Combos
Now it's your turn to innovate. What creative combinations can you come up with? Here are some ideas to get you started:
Pumpkin-Orange: Pumpkin, banana, orange juice, yogurt, maple syrup, nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon
Protein Power: Silken tofu, cocoa powder, peanut butter, soymilk, banana, honey
Green Goddess: Kale or spinach, apple cider or orange juice, pear, ice cubes
Eggnog: Yogurt, milk, banana, flax seed, honey, nutmeg, vanilla
Get More: Healthy Smoothie Recipes