Smoothie Ideas to Try!

Smoothies are an excellent go-to for those who are constantly on the go. With so many different ways to add variety to your blend, it seems impossible to not find a mix that we aren’t in love with. Often times, because of how easy it is to piece something together, we may forget about the small additions we can make to boost the taste and health of our drinks. Consider some of these smoothie ideas when you’re looking to mix things up.

Bring Out the Flavor

Adding a pinch of salt or some soaked, pitted dates to your smoothie can work to give your drink more of a punch. A dash of salt can help to suppress any bitterness and can balance the sweet and sour flavors. On the other hand, dates are a natural way to increase sweetness. Vanilla extract and cacao powder can also be used for added sweetness. Ginger, mint, and parsley can add a wonderful, refreshing taste to green smoothies, as well. Other options that also provide a host of health benefits include cinnamon, nutmeg and turmeric.

Try Different Liquid Bases

A brand new taste could be as simple as switching out the liquid base that you use. Options like almond or coconut milk, coconut water, and natural fruit juices such as orange, pineapple, or cranberry can offer up a different taste for your smoothie idea. If you do choose to use fruit juices, be mindful of the amount. Added fruit juice can increase the calories in your blend, on top of the fruit you are already using. You could even use green or raspberry tea for something different.

Boost the Nutritional Value

Why stop at just fruits for your smoothie? You could add so much more to increase the health factor of your blend. Coconut oil, flax seeds, goji berries, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and sesame seeds are just a few of the many additives that can quickly be thrown into a smoothie. Maca root powder and protein powders are other supplements that can be easily used to boost nutritional content. Leafy greens such as spinach and kale can also be included in your smoothies, even if you’re not going for a green drink. While most people agree that spinach is barely noticeable within a smoothie (aside from the color change), kale does pack a stronger taste that can affect the flavor of the smoothie much more (heads up).

If you haven’t given any new smoothie ideas a chance to make it onto your menu, give it a shot. Need some other options? Try out one of these smoothie combos!

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

• 1 banana, frozen
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 TBSP peanut butter
• 1 tsp chia seeds
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
• 3-4 cubes of ice (if banana is fresh)

Raspberry Smoothie

• 1/2 cup raspberries
• 1 cup strawberries
• 1 cup greek yogurt, plain or vanilla
• 1/2 cup almond milk, unsweetened
• Optional Sweetener: 1 tsp vanilla extract

Green Goodness Smoothie

• ½ green apple
• ½ kiwi, cubed
• ½ lime, juiced
• 1 cup coconut water
• Handful of spinach
• Pinch of ginger