While I love fresh pressed juice, smoothies seem to be more filling and can carry you longer throughout the day without getting hungry. Smoothies can be a little intimidating because there are endless combinations and you want to make sure the flavors go well together.
To simplify the process here is the basic outline that I follow:
1. Start with a leafy green. Spinach is my favorite because it doesn’t have flavor and it’s not as fibrous as kale so it blends up nicely. It’s always great just to have on hand because it’s a super quick dinner option too, if you don’t have enough time to make a gourmet meal.
2. Add a liquid. This can be your choice! I like to use almond milk or coconut milk because it gives the smoothie a nice creamy texture. If you need to hydrate coconut water is also a good option. If water or plain milk is your thing than do that. No rules, just add a liquid. I generally don’t measure but a cup or so should do it.
3. Get fruity. Add whatever fruit you have! Again no rules. Apples, bananas, berries, pineapple, kiwi. Just beware that strawberries and spinach make a brownish colored smoothie. So If color is important to you either go for spinach and neutral colored fruits to make a green smoothie, or skip the greens and make something red or purple with lots of berries. Is an avocado a fruit? Because that is one of my favorites to throw in too!
4. Accessorize! After you put on an outfit it’s fun to dress it up a bit with jewelry, shoes, a hat or purse. Well this is the same thing! Raid your pantry and see what else you can throw in there to pack a nutritional punch. My favorite accessories are great pantry staples and always on hand. Chia seeds, ground flax seeds, cinnamon, almond butter, greek yogurt (plain is preferred as to not throw off the taste), vanilla extract, and cacao nibs (especially good for a mint chocolate chip smoothie) are some of my staples.
Another tip: Keep your bender on the counter where you can use it. Most people have toasters on their counter. I have a juicer and a blender on my counter instead. Accessibility is key! You won’t use it if it’s buried in the cabinet.
Keep it Simple. Use what you have. Don’t go crazy looking at recipes and buying ingredients you’ll use once. Chances are if you have the staples (fruit, liquid, greens) and keep some accessories in your pantry, you can have a healthy start to your day. And for all those commuters out there, it’s easily portable, yay!
