Recently smoothie has become everyone’s favorite drink. They’re a good alternative beverage, especially for people who are dieting or detoxing, because they have fewer calories than other beverages and are refreshing in hot weather. Smoothies are favorites for vegans and vegetarians too. And anyone can enjoy smoothies for their joyful colors and refreshing taste.
Smoothies:
- Are low-calorie
- Refresh your body
- Are nourishing
- Have many antioxidants
- Are hydrating
- Are a healthy snack which is easy to prepare
- Create joyful snack times due to color
5 Tips for a Healthier Smoothie
1. Fruit Instead of Sugar
Fruits include a natural form of sugar known as ‘fructose’. Adding fruit to sweeten your smoothie instead of sugar is a good idea. But don’t forget to check the serving sizes for the fruits you’re using.
2. Summer Fruits
In summer we need more water than we drink normally. Summer fruits are perfect to hydrate your body because of their high percentages of water. Adding watermelon to a smoothie is a great choice for summer!
3. Berries and Cherries
Berries (goji berries, blueberries, acai berries, bilberries, strawberries, blackberries, etc.) and cherries are extremely high in antioxidants. Daily intake can greatly benefit your health, especially in the areas of heart health, cholesterol level, cellular oxidative damage, and many more. Try adding berries and cherries to make your smoothie healthier.
4. Leafy Green Vegetables
Adding leafy green vegetables such as parsley, fresh mint, and dill makes your smoothie fresher. These kinds of vegetables increase the antioxidant level of your drink and help to reduce the swelling of your body. Also, these are a great choice for women during their periods.
5. Dairy Products
Children and adolescents should be encouraged to consume milk products because they need more calcium for healthy growth. Preparing colorful smoothies with milk can be fun for both parents and children. Many children will be willing to drink milk in their smoothies even they generally don’t like milk.
Also, fermented milk products such as yogurt and kefir help to regulate the digestive system. If you have digestive system problems, try adding kefir to your smoothie. Everyone has their own taste preferences. But with these tips, you can prepare your own smoothie and be more energetic for the day. To conclude, here is Vivoo Nutrition Team’s favorite summer smoothie recipe:
A Summer Recipe: Watermelon Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh watermelon (cubed and black seeds removed)
1 cup kefir (250 ml)
10-12 leaves fresh mint
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until creamy and smooth
- You can add more kefir to thin, or more strawberries to thicken.
- Taste and find what needs to be added. You can add lime for acidity, sweetener for sweetness, or watermelon for a more intense watermelon flavor.
- Serves 2 / Calories for one serving: 140
