Smoothies are a popular on-the-go-meal, but it’s also easy to fall into a rut, blending up the same things over and over. Instead, expand your palate to experience produce aplenty with fresh fruits and vegetables blended into an icy treat.
Smoothies are an amazing solution to getting a high number of valuable vitamins, minerals and nutrients in one refreshing drink or enjoyable bowl. Sure, fruits and veggies are fabulous on their own, but when combined, they can create a range of flavors and textures. Smoothies can be made to be light, fruit-forward and refreshing, sweet, thick and creamy with nuts and cacao or bright, zesty and filled with greens.
According to registered dietitian Frances Largeman-Roth, eating more produce daily is one of the best ways to increase fiber intake and disease-fighting nutrients and can help improve gut health. One of the easiest ways to add more healthy greens and nutrient-packed fruits into your day is with a healthy smoothie.
Largeman-Roth advises keeping a little extra space in the blender to avoid a chunky texture, always adding liquids first (including yogurt) to help incorporate other harder or powdered ingredients and, if applicable, using a mixture of fresh and frozen produce to help things mix up smoothly.
Ready to add a list of fun, easy, delicious and healthy smoothies to the meal plan? Here are smoothie recipes to enjoy all year long.
Smoothies with veggies
Nathan Congleton / TODAY
When you drink this green machine, you have all of your bases covered: a handful of kale and spinach for a mild greens flavor and a ton of antioxidants, banana and date for sweetness, chia seeds for protein and omega-3 fatty acids, flax seeds for fiber and coconut meat and milk for healthy fat with tropical flavor.
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You may be accustomed to using avocado in salads and guacamole; its creamy richness pairs well with fruit and greens for a filling breakfast treat, too.
Nathan Congleton / TODAY
Not all “green smoothies” are green! This…
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