What Makes Green Smoothies Popular?
Most people are compelled to try what their favorite celebrity is doing. So when the trend of influencers posting a photo with a green smoothie, you might be wondering what the mystery slush is all about.
We don’t usually crave green-colored drinks, but green smoothies are an exception. And if you’re on your way to healthy living, drinking them is a good start. Green smoothies make vegetables and fruits easier to take in if you’re not a fan of their taste solo. And the magic behind that is finding the perfect blend for you and making a unique flavor that you won’t throw into the drain.
As you can see here, even the toughest and most fibrous vegetables are no match if you use the best blender. Therefore, there is really no excuse to skip your kale or celery. Green smoothies are also an excellent gateway to introduce vegetables into your children’s meals without them noticing.
What Makes Green Smoothies Healthy?
You can probably assume by now that the ingredients that make up a green smoothie are what make it healthy. Compared to sugary juices or sodas, the perfect blend of fruits and vegetables provides vitamins and minerals in one glass. And if you’re not fond of vegetables, you can still include them in your diet and still benefit from their nutrients.
Depending on the ingredients you choose to make your smoothie, you can avoid the cravings for unhealthy food. At the same time, “pre-chewed” green vegetables can also be helpful for digestion, while also keeping you energized and well-dehydrated throughout the day. And by carefully planning with diet and exercise, you can help your body detoxify and even lose weight.
Risk of Drinking Green Smoothies
Like with any other food item that we add in our diets, we have to be mindful of what goes into our body. Each person is unique, so what works for your friend might not be healthy for you. It is always better to consult your dietitian or doctor to make sure that you’re not consuming certain ingredients that aren’t healthy.
Moderation is key in order to make the perfect green smoothie. You have to be careful with what goes into your mix, especially if you have an existing condition like diabetes or kidney stones. Some vegetables can also cause digestive issues like bloating or gas, so make sure to do your research before copying someone else’s recipe.
How to Make the Best Green Smoothie
Get Blending
For starters, make sure that you have blended your tough ingredients first so you won’t have trouble digesting them. Afterward, you can add the other ingredients and then gauge the texture if you prefer the smoothie a bit chunky or silky smooth. Don’t cheap out on the blender that you’re using because investing in a high-quality one will last you for a long time. Plus, wouldn’t it be better not to be limited with the ingredients that you want to use?
Personalize Your Smoothie
A good tip for getting a creamier texture is by adding a bit of fat in the mix. Of course, you’ll be using healthy fats such as avocado, seeds, or nuts. And if you’re not too strict with fats, you can try nut butter or milk as well.
A green smoothie is not a green smoothie without the greens. They are what make your glass healthy anyway, so using greens as 80% of your ingredients is not a bad idea. But don’t worry because even if you’ll be using a large amount, you will still get a good taste by adding some fruits. Don’t be afraid to experiment and get adventurous until you find the perfect mix for your palate.
You can also start with greens that don’t have intense flavors. Spinach and romaine are not hard to match with other ingredients, and they don’t overwhelm the smoothie’s flavor. You can also use other favorites such as lettuce, kale, fennel, collard greens, and celery. And then, add some cucumber, herbs, and various fruits to balance the bitterness.
As we have mentioned earlier, be mindful of the ingredients that you include. For those who need to monitor their sugar intake, make sure that you’re using fruits that don’t contain a large amount of sugar. Some good examples are grapefruits, apples, pears, oranges, strawberries, and kiwis. On the other hand, mangoes, pineapple, and bananas have higher sugar content.
Should you go organic? Any food item that is not processed and is non-GMO is always the better option. You don’t risk acquiring any chemicals, which are a must, especially for those sensitive with different ingredients.
Benefits of Green Smoothies
Still not convinced to get your blender out of the cabinet? Let us talk about the health benefits of adding green smoothies to your diet.
- Source of energy (healthy carbohydrates and sugars)
- Better digestion (fiber)
- Increased immunity (vitamins and phytonutrients)
- Healthy heart (antioxidants and vitamins)
- Stronger bones (calcium and vitamin K)
- Healthy skin (vitamins and antioxidants)
- Weight loss (reduction of salty, fatty, and sweet cravings)
Ingredients for a Healthy Green Smoothie
To avoid getting tired of drinking the same green smoothie every day, make sure to switch your recipe every now and then. To give you an idea, you want to create a base that includes:
- Fiber source like chia seeds or psyllium husks
- Protein source like nuts and seeds
- Vitamins and minerals like green tea and various green vegetables
- Fat source like coconut, avocado, and pumpkin
- Sweeteners like dates and other fruits
- Other healthy flavor enhancers like cinnamon, ginger, vanilla bean, and cayenne
According to DiligentChef.com, you can also start with yogurt, skim milk, spinach, crushed ice, and banana. This recipe is very simple, and the ingredients aren’t hard to find. Plus, it might take a while for you to get used to the taste of vegetables in the texture of a smoothie, so start with a good impression.
When is the Best Time to Drink a Green Smoothie?
As we have mentioned earlier, it is best to consult a dietitian or a doctor to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your smoothie. If you’re thinking of replacing a meal with a green smoothie, the calories it contains should be sufficient for your body. You can kickstart your day with a green smoothie to keep off your cravings for unhealthy foods. On the other hand, having a green smoothie for dinner might cause gassiness.
