SSS Team, SSSPORTS.COM
Smoothies – they’re all over your Instagram feed. Literally, everywhere you look, there’s a delicious smoothie in a mason jar with your name on it. The question is, with the world moving to an organic diet how do you stay on par when it comes to fruits?
Today’s feature tackles your day-to-day vitamin intake problems by bringing you the top 5 smoothies that not only complement taste but can be consumed at any time of the day.
Let’s begin our series of scrumptious smoothies:
1. Chia Smoothie for Protein and Omega-3 Power
When we think of breakfast, we think of grains, milk, cereal, bread etc. Chia seeds however, are particularly impressive when it comes to all-round nutrition especially, when you mix them up with some yoghurt, granola and strawberries. Chia seeds might look like teeny tiny little things, but they come with a whole host of nutrients including fiber, protein, Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
The best way to consume chia seeds is by soaking them overnight so that they become soft, just like jelly. If you’ve had a long day at the gym or at the office, this smoothie will fill you up with the right amount of nutrition so that you can let go of your junk food cravings and focus on your diet.
Recipe: Soak 5 tbsp. chia seeds overnight with oat milk. Fill them up in a jar with yoghurt, granola and strawberries. Top the mixture up with some blueberries and get ready to chomp your way to nutrition heaven.
2. Berry Smoothie for Skin Glow and Digestion
Want to do a daily detox? Our next smoothie is here to help you achieve your fitness goals. Apart from being a helper to great skin, blackberries are a source of both insoluble and soluble fiber. That means improved digestive health with every sip. The insoluble fiber encourages better water absorption too, so if you’re looking for a smoothie that will hydrate you for hours then you’ve got to try out our blackberry smoothie with a hint of cinnamon.
Recipe: Dice up a banana with blackberries into a blender. Combine ½ cup of Greek yoghurt and one cup of milk. Puree until smooth. Serve it in a jar and top it up with a teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
3. Green Monster Smoothie to Strengthen Immunity
Remember all those times when your mum would tell you to eat your greens? Well now you can drink them as well.
Kale is probably the most nutrient dense food on the planet. And the best part about kale – zero fats. Spinach on the other hand is a great source of fiber and is loaded with flavonoids. Potent in vitamins C and A, spinach is also a great source of iron too.
Kale and spinach along with other vegetables like lemon and celery not only boost your metabolism but also help in muscle repair and preventing lethargy – perfect after an intense hour at the gym.
Recipe: Take a handful of kale, spinach, celery, parsley and blend it all with some coconut water. Pour it out in a glass and squeeze out half a lemon for some zest.
4. Avocado Smoothie for Healthy Fats and Potassium
Avocados are the next blueberries – when it comes to trending superfoods that is. Having fresh guacamole dips throughout your day is not enough to keep your nutrition values on par, but a guacamole smoothie can sure turn things around.
Avocados have a rich fat content, so if you’re looking to build more muscle mass, then avocados are your thing. High in potassium, avocados are best for those who want to control their blood sugar level.
When blended, the avocado usually forms a thicker paste which can be a great beverage during the month of Ramadan, for both iftar and suhoor nourishment as this will hydrate the body by absorbing water from various foods.
Recipe: Take one cup of frozen mango, pitted avocado, half a cup of Greek yoghurt and a cup of almond milk. Place all of them in a blender and blend until smooth.
5. Pomegranate Smoothie for Heart Health and Hydration
Our very last smoothie makes a great beverage post dinner. Made with pomegranates, this smoothie cleanses the palate and reduces the development of fatty deposits in the arteries. It’s a great cholesterol and calorie cruncher that flushes out excess toxins from the body.
Blood oranges are a great source for breaking up fat as well, so if you’re looking for a quick detox at the end of the day then the Pomegranate Paradise smoothie is the way to go.
Recipe: Take half a cup of pomegranate seeds, frozen banana and a small blood orange. Blend these together with half a cup of water and almond milk. Blend until smooth and garnish with dark chocolate or pomegranate seeds.
Are Smoothies a Healthy Breakfast Option?
Smoothies can make a healthy breakfast when made with the right ingredients. A well-balanced smoothie containing fruits, vegetables, protein, fiber, and healthy fats can offer a nutritious start to your day. Ingredients like avocado, berries, and leafy greens like spinach can provide essential vitamins and antioxidants, while adding protein sources like yogurt, chia seeds, or protein powder can keep you feeling full longer.
However, it’s important to watch the ingredients used. Opt for natural sweeteners like honey or fruit, and avoid added sugars or high-glycemic fruits that could spike blood sugar.
To keep your body in top condition, check out our feature on 5 Foods That Speed Up Your Metabolism. For more ways to improve your fitness, subscribe to our newsletter.
