sixtyandme logo
We are community supported and may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Learn more

5 Key Ingredients for the Perfect Healthy Smoothie

By Maureen Lake July 09, 2022 Health and Fitness

Yesterday, when I was at the grocery store looking for something to make my headache go away, I had an epiphany about breakfast. Why don’t I make more smoothies when I’m rushing around wanting something healthy to eat?

Smoothies have been around for years and are the complete on-the-go breakfast. In fact, smoothies are also a fantastic afternoon pick me up, perfect for when you feel that slump hitting around 3 pm. Eating breakfast is not a one-size-fits-all and it’s fun to mix it up with some variety.

Did you know smoothies can also help you lose weight? They’re much healthier than your coffee and bagel which can quickly add up to 600 calories and have very little nutrition. It’s important to know healthy eating alternatives especially with all the confusing dietary trends of today.

A perfect smoothie has a few key ingredients to make it a complete and balanced meal. Once you know the basics, the combination of ingredients is limitless. It’s ridiculous how many delicious shakes you can make with just a few combinations of ingredients.

5 Essential Ingredients for a Healthy Smoothie

  • A protein source: this can include a scoop of protein powder or 1 TBSP of chia seeds and hemp. You can also use flax seeds, plant-based protein, paleo protein powder or nut butter.
  • A healthy liquid: 1 cup of your favorite liquid. You may enjoy cold almond milk, goats milk, coconut milk or yogurt.
  • Fruit or vegetables or both: 1 cup total is all you need and if you use frozen the smoothies are creamier and yummier than if you use fresh.
  • A healthy fat: Use 1-2 tbsp. Delicious choices are avocado, walnuts, cashews, coconut yogurt, or nut butter.
  • Extras: Use 1-2 tsp. There are so many goodies you can add to your smoothie to create extra pizazz. Ginger, lemon, turmeric, mint, probiotic, cinnamon and of course cacao powder.

All you need now is a blender!

A Sample Smoothie Recipe to Try Today!

Bluesy Smoothie

1 scoop of chocolate protein powder

1 cup of cold almond milk

½ cup of baby spinach or kale

½ cup of frozen blueberries

2 tbsps of avocado

1 tsp cinnamon

How often do you drink a healthy smoothie? Do you have a favorite recipe? What are some of your unique ‘extra’ ingredients to add? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this popular meal replacement.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

4 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
cindy

I drink this every morning, banana, 1/4 cup of blueberries, 1/4 cup of spinach ,1/4 cup of hemp, protein powder and almond milk or what I have, so I guess I’m missing my fat, I’m 67 and work every day, really keeps me going, going to get avacodo oil

Sophie Kenny

I jist started maki g smoothie but I am diabetic and have to watch not too much fruit
But I used 1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 cup yogurt for the protein
1 tsp chia seeds
5 frozen strawberries
1 banana
Very good!

Jane

Recently. I was told not to mix veggies with fruits. what do you think?

Pam

I love smoothies. They are my breakfast go to, sometimes lunch and/or dinner. Protein powder, almond milk, spinach, some frozen berries, collegen powder and sometimes almond butter or avocado. Yum!

The Author

Maureen Lake is a holistic wellness coach and best-selling author. She is passionate about helping women improve their health, energy, and happiness, especially after a draining illness. Her purpose is to empower women to find their spirit and value in life.

You Might Also Like