June 21st is National Smoothie Day, and what better way to get your nutrients than in a cold smoothie! Smoothies are great all year round, but they really hit the spot in the hot summer months. Smoothies are a great way to get extra servings of fruits and vegetables, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. There is no right or wrong way to make a smoothie, they can be solely based on your taste preference. We have included a few tips to help you make the best, most nutritious smoothie!
Tips:
- Order matters! Loading your blender in this order typically works best – liquid, not frozen veggies or fruits, greens if you are adding any, then the frozen fruits and veggies, and finally, the protein powder
- Use unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice) as your liquid because it is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals, and also gives a good consistency
- For a green smoothie try raw, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, celery, or broccoli
- If you find your smoothie to be too sweet, add lemon juice
- If the taste is too bitter, add pineapple, orange, or banana
- Natural sweeteners like honey and pure maple syrup work great in smoothies
- To make your smoothie sweeter add naturally sweet fruits or dates. Using watermelon in place of water will sweeten a smoothie.
- Avocado can add creaminess to a smoothie, not to mention a load of nutrition
- The riper the banana, the sweeter the shake
- Add your favorite protein powder for extra protein
