Smoothies are great way to get vitamins and other nutrients. Here are 5 ingredients that you can use to boost your smoothie and its nutritional value.
Boost Your Smoothie
I’ve been a long-time fan of smoothies. They are easy to whip up in a blender, and, if made correctly, they can pack a huge nutritional punch.
When I first started eating smoothies, I stuck to the usuals–water or milk, berries, and maybe a tad bit of sweetener.
Over the years, I’ve learned to really boost the health benefits of my smoothies with various add-ins. Some of these may add to the flavor of the smoothie, others change the texture, but some of the following ingredients to boost your smoothie are virtually undetectable!
Without further ado, check out these 5 ingredients to boost your smoothie:
1. Yogurt
I love eating yogurt on its own–especially Greek yogurt, which comes chock full of protein! But yogurt is also the perfect add-in to any smoothie. Yogurt not only adds protein, but it will also give the smoothie a much thicker texture. I use non-fat Greek yogurt (THM FP) the most.
2. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fat (THM S). Plus, they are packed with calcium and magnesium!
Chia seeds can add a different texture to your smoothie that not all people enjoy. Try them in small quantities if you are just starting to use them.
3. Spinach
If you’ve ever heard the term “green smoothie,” then you know that spinach is a staple for smoothie lovers around the world! However, you can mask the green color and the spinach flavor by adding extra berries or other fruit. Easy peasy–and you still get the health benefits of the spinach, like folic acid, iron, and calcium (THM FP)!
4. Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids (THM S). Don’t overdo it, though. Some people don’t like the flavor. A little goes a long way!
5. Avocado
Avocados are perhaps the most overlooked but one of the most delicious and healthful smoothie add-ins. Adding 1/2 an avocado to a smoothie will boost the health fat content of the smoothie (THM S), but it will also transform the texture to super smooth and creamy (almost like a milkshake!). One of my favorite smoothies contains a banana, peanut butter, plain yogurt, and an avocado. It’s seriously like a peanut butter milkshake. Yum!!
Bonus Boosters
Collagen
I add collagen to my coffee, but it is also a great way to add protein to your smoothies. Just a scoop or two of collagen can add several grams of protein to your smoothie. As a plus, it also promotes health skin, nails, and hair. I prefer non-GMO collagen from grass-fed cows.
My favorite brand of collagen is Zint.
Whey Protein Powder
Since I began living the Trim Healthy Mama lifestyle, whey protein powder has become a regular boost to my smoothies. Now that I know that it’s important to center all meals in protein, this is a must-have in my pantry!
Pharmacycenter
The best part, you can whip up this energy boosting kale and pineapple green smoothie with 5 simple ingredients kale, pineapple, coconut oil, fresh lime juice and water or coconut water.
Kendra Wasberg
Where do you purchase your Chia Seeds? I bought one bag at Ollies and they don’t have the same items all the time (I recently checked and they didn’t carry them any more). Do you buy them on-line? We do have a health food store in town I should probably look at.