Smoothies are a great healthy option for a quick meal or snack. You might think you are being healthy having a smoothie, but they can be loaded with excess sugar and hidden calories. Below are some tips to help you avoid a sugar rush and stay healthy at the same time!
HEALTHY TIPS:
- Instead of protein powder use oatmeal or beans.
- Use cooked or raw steel cut oats. Put the raw oats in a blender. Pulse until powdery consistency. Then add water and your remaining ingredients.
- It’s best to use dry beans instead of canned. Soak your beans for 12 hours. Discard water and then cook on the stove until the beans are tender. Drain and place in blender.
- Stay away from fruit juices they pack a lot of calories use water or herbal tea to cut out the calories.
- Make a big batch of your favorite herbal or medicinal tea and after it cools, store it in a bottle or mason jar in your fridge.
- Try agave, maple syrup or dates instead of white processed sugar.
- Buy fresh fruit like blueberries, bananas, strawberries and peaches. Peel and cut your bananas into small pieces and freeze on a baking tray. Do the same with all the other fruits you like. This eliminates having to use ice cubes.
- Add a handful of leafy greens like Kale or Spinach. Your fruit masks the taste and you’ve boosted your shake with needed minerals and vitamins.
- Use low fat plain greek yogurt instead of flavored yogurt to cut out the calories.
- Try coconut milk or almond milk if you are lactose intolerant.
- Raw cashews, walnuts, almonds, or chia seeds can add healthy fibre.
Spice it up by using cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne, or ginger!