We all know how important nutrition is to overall health, but we also know it can be difficult to pack enough nutrients into each day. Smoothies are a great healthy option for breakfast, especially during summer, but only if you make them right. Skip syrupy, sugar-loaded smoothies in favor of ones that follow these tips:
Add greens
Greens like spinach and kale help remove toxins from the body, prevent certain types of cancer and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. Chlorophyll detoxes the blood, and calcium in leafy greens helps your bones stay strong. Add a handful of greens to your morning smoothie to get all of these benefits and stay fuller longer thanks to their high amount of fiber.
Pack in protein
Protein keeps our cells, muscles, hair, tendons, enzymes and ligaments working well. Add a healthy dose to your smoothie by mixing in whey protein powder, coconut milk, seaweed, flax seeds, chia seeds, oats, Greek yogurt or milk.
Add plant-based fats
To make your smoothie even more filling, add seeds, avocados or nut butters. Remember to use small amounts so these additions don’t increase your calorie count too much.
Banana Lime Blackberry Smoothie
This is one of our favorite smoothie recipes because it’s sweet and tangy and loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K and fiber. Simply blend up 3/4 cup skim milk, 3/4 cup fresh or frozen blackberries, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, a frozen banana, the zest of one lime, juice from half the lime and a bit of honey, pour into two glasses and enjoy!
Peach and Avocado Green Smoothie
Refreshing, tasty and creamy, this smoothie is perfect for a morning power boost. Our team of chiropractors here in Vancouver needs energy to get through the day, and this smoothie does the trick!
Toss one cup of frozen or fresh peaches into your blender, then add 1/4 of a large avocado, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 cup of your favorite greens (we love spinach!), 3/4 cup of coconut water and a few ice cubes. Blend together until smooth and serve immediately.
