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Eat Well: Upgrade Your Smoothie

By Jenny Steadman February 10, 2017

Smoothies are an amazing way to add nutrients to your day. People often turn to loaded protein powders that are full of additives and sugars when really they can get the nutrients they need with simple whole foods. These are great for the whole family.Β 

Whether you like your smoothies extra fruity or extra green, here are some boosters to give your drink more of a punch!Β 

  • Tofu – You can get firm or silken. It really doesn’t matter. Tofu adds protein and creaminess to any smoothie without adding any additional flavor.
  • Avocado – Add healthy fats and even more creaminess to your smoothie! With a subtle flavor, this passes the kid test.
  • Nut butters – The healthy fat in nuts is good for the heart. Add this to your smoothie to give yourself a booster. Use frozen strawberries for a PB&J flavor.
  • Lemon juice – Add the juice of half a lemon to help your digestion get going. If you have a high-powered blender, put the whole half of the lemon in there.
  • Single ingredient protein powders – If you like the ease of protein powders, go for a single ingredient one like brown rice, pea, hemp, egg white or whey proteins. Then add your own flavors with fruit and other additions.
  • Ginger – Ginger adds warmth, great flavor and is also anti-inflammatory. Use the fresh root or powder straight from your spice rack.
  • Turmeric – Fight inflammation with this beautiful root! Get it fresh or use the powder from your spice rack.
  • Coconut – Coconut is sweet, fat-filled deliciousness. Whether you use coconut butter, coconut milk or shredded coconut, it’s a great addition!
  • Cilantro/Parsley – These herbs are amazing body cleansers with fresh, strong flavors. Try adding some to your smoothie for additional detoxification.
  • Matcha green tea – Add a scoop of matcha to your smoothie instead of having your morning coffee. The subtle caffeine in matcha has a lasting effect that won’t give you the normal caffeine crash that coffee does.
  • Hemp seeds – Hemp seeds are small and soft and easily blend in in a high-powered blender. An easy way to add protein and power to your day.
  • Chia seeds – Chia seeds soak up liquid and grow many times their original size. This adds bulk to your smoothie and helps you feel full faster and longer.
  • Flaxseed oil – It’s no secret that omega-3s are important for your overall health. Squirt some flaxseed oil into your smoothie for an extra boost. Flaxseed oil is also a great vegan substitute for fish oil.
  • Cacao powder – Are you missing the taste of your processed chocolate protein powder? Here’s your answer! Cacao is chocolate before the sugar is added. It is quite bitter on its own but if you use any fruit, it will be sweet enough to take away the bitterness. Voila! Chocolate without the added sugar!