A drinkable blend of fruit and veggies seems so simple. All you have to do is add produce to a blender, pour in almond milk and ice and blend until smooth…right? Well, you’re almost there. Smoothies can be the perfect nutrient-dense meal or tasty to-go snack. But without just the right formula, you end up either starving 30 minutes later or crashing from a sudden sugar spike. To make a balanced smoothie that will keep you satisfied until your next meal, follow this four-step equation.
1. Pick a powerful protein
To hold you over for a few hours, you’ll need to harness the power of satiating protein. Grab nut butters, whole nuts or seeds for easy, plant-based protein. If you’d like a creamier consistency, or maybe need more nutrients than what a single nut can provide, Vega One Nutritional Shake Powder is a great option. Besides 20 grams of premium plant-based protein, you get six servings of greens, 50% the Daily Value vitamins and minerals, plus omega-3s, fiber and antioxidants. Flavors like Mixed Berry and Vanilla Chai are sure to spice up your favorite fruity blend.
2. Find your fluid
This element is important for processing frozen fruit into a creamy puree. Choose your fluid wisely, though. If you’re trying to minimize caloric intake, stick with water. Fruit or veggie juice is perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth. Want to get a little adventurous? Swap out traditional almond milk for something more exotic like non-GMO hemp milk or unsweetened rice and quinoa milk.
3. Go green
Search the fridge and throw in whatever greens you have on hand. Spinach? Sure. Kale? Can do. Chard? Yes, please. Cucumber? Sounds refreshing! You’ll find certain combinations you absolutely adore and others you’d rather never taste again. Experimenting is part of the fun. Besides, there’s always tomorrow.
4. Give it the cold shoulder
A warm smoothie would be a hot mess, which is why ice is oh-so-important. You could also try frozen banana in place of ice cubes to make your smoothie extra smooth. In the middle of winter, frozen fruit is the best option, anyway, because the “fresh” stuff is out of season and so hard to find.
Now all you need to do is blend until silky smooth, pour into your favorite pint glass and enjoy! The perfect smoothie is complete – on so many levels.