The way we fuel and nourish our bodies can have such a big impact on how we feel and our overall wellness. I mentioned in my morning habits post that I like to get my day started on the right foot and that includes eating a healthy and nutritious breakfast.
Smoothies are great for a variety of reasons.
- It’s simple and easy to make
- There’s no cooking involved
- I can customize them so I never get bored
- it’s easy to transport for on the go
- I can pack a wide variety of nutrients in first thing in the morning
That said not all smoothies are created equal. Some while delicious can leave you hungry just as quickly as you finished it. Here are some tips to help optimize your breakfast smoothie and some reasons why you should consider incorporating them into your diet.
Use A Variety Of Veggies and Fruits
Smoothies are the perfect way to help you eat lots of fruits and vegetables all in one sitting. The Harvard School of public health finds that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can offer a variety of benefits including: keeping blood sugar in check which helps keep appetite in line, lowering your blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease, and more.
While fruit is usually the main attraction for a smoothie it’s easy to sneak in vegetables and barely taste the difference. Another benefit of the added vegetables is that you can increase your fiber intake as well which can help support a healthy gut and even weight loss by helping you feel fuller for longer.
Personally, I like to add leafy greens like Kale or spinach that I might not eat throughout my day otherwise. Some other veggies to consider are:
- kale
- spinach
- avocado
- cucumber
- cauliflower
- carrots
Add A Protein Source
Everything from muscles and bones, hormones, and neurotransmitters are derived from protein. With so many bodily functions dependent on protein I really try to make sure I’m adding it to my meals whenever I can.
For smoothies I opt for a protein powder. There’s a wide variety of protein supplement options on the market for you to choose from including plant-based protein or dairy based options like whey or casein protein. Just make sure you do research to find a quality product that works for you with minimal preservatives, added sugars, dyes and trans fats.
Incorporate Healthy Fats
Fat has a bad reputation but when it comes to dietary fat it’s the type of fat that matters. Fats have many important functions like helping to absorb certain vitamins, serving as a major energy source and helping keep us full. Omega-3s are particularly beneficial and have been shown to lower blood pressure, support heart health and reduce inflammation in the body.
Try incorporating some Omega-3 fatty acids in your next smoothie like:
- walnuts
- flaxseed
- hemp
- chia seeds
Choosing to fuel our bodies with healthy and nutritious food is truly one of the best things we can do for ourselves. I hope this post inspires you to look for ways to add more healthy foods into your diet.
-Paige