In recent years, smoothies have become a favourite for health-conscious eaters, and we can certainly see why; They're quick and easy to prepare, packed with veggies and fruits, and ready in no time. However, not all smoothie recipes are created equal. The problem is that most store-bought smoothies have loads of calories and extra sugar.
What are the health benefits of having a homemade healthy smoothie for breakfast?
A smoothie can be a healthy breakfast containing moderate carbs, healthy fat, and protein. In smoothies made primarily from vegetables over fruit, fibre is high, and sugar is reduced. As much as possible, avoid adding sweeteners and fruit juices, such as honey and syrups, to limit the sweetness. Instead, you can add protein powder and yoghurt to your smoothies; That makes it more filling, so you stay satisfied longer. Make sure to choose protein powders with no artificial ingredients and little to no added sugar such as LA Whey Gold or Slim Whey protein if you want to lose weight too.
It's easier to eat healthily with these tasty, nutritious smoothies, made with nutrient-rich fruit and vegetables, creamy milk, protein, and probiotic-rich yoghurt. Try these recipes, and experiment with your blends to create your perfect combination.
1. Smoothie made with honey and milk
You can put the celery in your produce drawer to good use with this blended juice, which combines almond milk, cucumber, and grapes for a delicious snack.
Prepare the smoothie by blending one medium cucumber (peeled and sliced), 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk, 1 cup seedless green grapes, and two medium celery stalks (peeled and sliced). Blend until smooth. Serve two people.
2. Berry-banana and oat smoothie
The resistant starch in oatmeal helps you stay fuller longer, making it a perfect ingredient in smoothies. Another benefit of resistant starch? The fibre causes less gas.
Mix 2 cups frozen strawberries, one tablespoon honey, 1/2 cup rolled oats, one banana, sliced, 1/2 cup orange juice, and 1 cup vanilla low-fat yoghurt plus a scoop of LA Whey Gold banana in a blender. Blend until smooth. Serve four people.
3. Green ginger smoothie
The delicious green colour of this smoothie comes from baby spinach and Granny Smith apples. Adding hemp seeds provides plant protein and healthy fats. Combine 2 cups baby spinach, one chopped Granny Smith apple, and 3 tsp of minced ginger, 1 tsp of raw honey, 1 ½ cup ice cubes, 2 tbsp of hemp seeds, 3/4 cup coconut water, 1/44 cup lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Serve two to three people.
4. Green tea, blueberry, and banana smoothie
The easiest way to prepare this smoothie, packed with antioxidants, is to microwave 3 tbsp of water in a bowl until it's steaming hot. After that, add one green tea bag and let it brew for three minutes.
Take out the teabag, and add 2 tsp of honey and stir until it dissolves. Combine 3/4 cup calcium-fortified light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 medium banana, and 1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries. And a scoop of LA Whey Gold protein of your preferred flavour. Blend all ingredients, including the tea, until smooth. Serve two people.
5. Watermelon wonder smoothie
Make a healthy smoothie from one of your favourite summer fruits. It's best to buy seedless watermelons or remove the seeds from watermelons before blending.
Add 2 cups of chopped watermelon to a blender with 1/4 cup milk of choice and 2 cups ice, then blend until smooth. Continue mixing for 20 seconds or until you reach the consistency you desire. Serve two people.
