Smoothies can be a healthy dinner substitute on the go in addition to being a tasty and nutritious breakfast or refreshment. It’s rich, viscous, and delicious, but more importantly, it’s healthy.
Smoothies can be purchased from local smoothie stores and other eateries, but preparing them at home is both faster and more cost-effective.
Smoothies are easy to make at home with just a few basic components. Almost certainly, you have everything you’ll need already in your house.
Blender
The first thing you’ll need is some kind of mixer, smart stick, or food grinder. All you really need is an implement capable of combining the constituents.
Numerous blenders and beverage makers can be purchased for anywhere from $15 to over $500 for an industrial grade blender. If you don’t already have a mixer, it’s a good idea to get one that works well for your needs and doesn’t break the bank. It’s not necessary to invest in a high-end smoothie maker if you only plan on making them occasionally.
You should get a more potent machine if you plan on preparing smoothies on a daily basis and drink quite a few of them. When shopping for a mixer, it’s important to think about your specific needs (ingredients, regularity, and amount).
The Substrate or Medium
Then, a beverage or a substance is added. Yogurt, juice, almond milk, and juice are all examples of commonly used beverages or bases. The foundation turns the smoothie into a drinkable consistency while still preserving some of the smoothie’s dense texture and enabling the remaining components to combine for a rich taste.
Produce of some sort
It’s time to round up your preferred veggie and berry blends. Pick two or three prominent tastes, such as mango and banana, strawberry and kiwi, triple fruit, or mango and pineapple for a more exotic twist. The same is true of vegetable combos.
You can use either fresh or stored produce, but make sure your mixer can handle the job. Frozen banana has ruined more than one low-quality mixer of mine. If you want to make it simpler on your mixer, you can thaw frozen produce first.
Add a fistful of greens, kale, or even guacamole for a nutritious increase without sacrificing taste. The nutritious value can be increased by adding other soft vegetable purees or vegetable liquids without sacrificing taste, which is great if you have fussy children or spouses.
Enhancing Substances and Ingredients
Then, incorporate any additional health supplements. This is totally unnecessary for a drink and not at all recommended. But it’s a low-effort method to improve your own or your family’s diet.
Coconut oil (to increase metabolic rate), flax seed extract or flour (to increase intake of healthful Omega-3 fatty acids), and other seeds and vegetables can all serve as nutritional supplements. You won’t need any added sugar because the fruit throughout your drink will provide plenty of natural flavor. The addition of unprocessed, regional honey, however, might assist allergy sufferers.
You can also add your own whey protein, hydrated almonds, or nut spread for an extra protein kick. However, if you are counting calories, keep in mind that a yogurt or cream foundation will add protein to your smoothie.
You can boost your smoothie’s nutrients by adding dried or liquid vitamins and minerals if you have trouble getting your daily recommended intake through food alone. My kid and I enjoy taking a handful of Emergen-C sachets to boost our nutrients during the flu and cold season or when we’re on the road.