Smoothies: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you’re looking for a balanced breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a late-night treat, smoothies might cross your mind. And hey, we don’t blame you—depending on what you put in them, they can be both super-filling and incredibly tasty. 

What’s the Best Time to Drink a Smoothie?

The morning is a great time to enjoy a smoothie as it provides a very easy portable breakfast option. Adding something like oats along with fruits and vegetables such as berries and baby spinach can increase your fiber and vegetable intake very quickly. Also, they’re a great way to continue your body’s reparative state from sleeping.

Are Smoothies Healthy?

A well-made smoothie can be a healthy choice at any time (as long as they contain the right ingredients) Whether you’re running late for work, too busy to take a break for lunch, or get home late after a long day, nutritious smoothies are an excellent option to ensure you stay satiated.

Are Smoothies Adequate Meal Replacements?

Smoothies can definitely be meals in and of themselves. Smoothie recipes often contain fruit, yogurt/milk, protein, fiber, and fats, so they can provide a complete source of nutrition to replace the occasional meal.

Noting that so long as your smoothie is comprised of the “Fab Four” main components of fat, fiber, protein, and greens (and water, milk, or a milk replacement for smoothie consistency sake), it’s a perfectly healthy meal replacement. Where fats help keep your cells functioning properly, fiber feeds your gut bacteria, protein helps build and maintain muscle, and greens deliver loads of vitamins and antioxidants for optimum health.

What Types of Smoothies Should You Avoid? 

This all depends on what your goals are. As a general rule of thumb, you should steer clear of smoothies that contain excessive sugar due to frozen yogurt, sugary yogurt, or high-glycemic-index fruit (like mangoes, dates, and bananas). Smoothies with these bases cause sugar levels to spike, which can lead to a blood sugar spike and quickly becomes a recurring pattern, causing even more sugar cravings throughout the day. In order for you to fuel yourself properly, balanced macronutrients are the key.

What Should You Put in Your Smoothie?
 
Healthy Fats
– Almond butter
– Avocado
– Coconut oil 
– Ghee
– MCT oil

Fiber
– Flaxseed
– Strawberries
– Pears
– Raspberries
– Chia seed

Protein
– Brown rice protein powder
– Hemp protein powder
– Pea protein powder
– Collagen protein powder
– Plant-based protein powder

Greens
– Spinach
– Kale
– Chard
– Celery
– Super greens powder 

How Often Should You Add Smoothies to Your Diet?

If it is a well-balanced smoothie, and you want to work on your fruit and veggie intake, once-a-day smoothies are a great addition to your diet.