Better-for-you Smoothies

Smoothies are convenient, fast and easy to make. All you need is a liquid base, frozen or fresh ingredients and a blender.

But smoothies are only as healthful as what you put into them. For example, it’s easy to overlook the amount of sugar we’re sipping, which can make your “healthy” smoothie the sugar equivalent of a candy bar. Yikes!

The secret to making a better-for-you smoothie is choosing the right ingredients that not only taste good but are good for you. Here are four simple ways to blend healthful smoothies.

1Sacrifice sugar, not taste
Smoothies made with fruit-flavored juices or sweetened with frozen yogurt might taste great, but can add up to more than an entire day’s worth of added sugar. Cut back on the excess sugar by making your drinks at home, where you can control what’s inside. Look for unsweetened beverages or ones with low sugar for your base. If the recipe calls for adding sugar, try making the recipe without it, then adding sugar or honey in slowly to taste.

2Turn flavor into function
Multitask with ingredients to provide your body with what it needs without adding excess calories. Blend in protein powder for energy, collagen for better skin and turmeric to decrease inflammation. Also consider adding extra fiber, which takes longer for your body to digest, making you feel full longer.

3Incorporate a dairy-free base
Over 65 percent of the population experiences a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy, so if you’re experiencing unexplained bloating after meals, it’s possible that dairy could be the culprit. Daiya is among companies that offer dairy-free yogurt cups in fruit flavors. You can also use almond, soy and rice milks as a base.

4Plan ahead
Prep smoothie packets the night before or, even better, for the week ahead. It just takes a few minutes to portion out the right amount of fruits and veggies, throw them in baggies and into the freezer. Measuring the night before also ensures you don’t overindulge in the morning rush.

It’s Strawberry Time!

May is a great time to buy juicy strawberries fresh from the farm. They are wonderful in smoothies, adding a pretty pink color and important nutrients such as vitamin C, folate (B9) and potassium. Strawberries also pair well with other fruits. Get started with this easy recipe.

Get the recipe