When made correctly, smoothies are one of the easiest, fastest, and most nourishing breakfasts out there. They help you to lose and maintain weight and give your body the nutrients and energy it needs to fly through the day.
My mom recently took up this healthy habit after visiting us in SE-Asia for two weeks. At first, she was hesitant, but throughout the two weeks, we inspired her to keep up this healthy habit at home.
A few days ago we had a very interesting call where she mentioned she already lost over 8 pounds and felt so much better. No more sweet, chocolate munchies. And the only thing she changed was adding one green smoothie to her daily diet. Amazing isn’t it?
Want to take up a 7-day smoothie challenge, download my free green smoothie eBook here, packed with tips, tricks and recipes that will turn you into a smoothie addict in less than 7 days.
My dad is another story, though… more work needed there 🙂 I hope my mom can inspire him over time too. Just as I encouraged my hubby on my quest to live a healthy, mainly plant-based lifestyle.
Some people will quickly adapt to lifestyle changes; others will need that extra time and push… But that’s alright. No stress there. Changing diet, one bite at a time. Eventually, the good, healthy stuff will crowd out the bad things 😉
Need some help with that? CLICK HERE.
But let’s talk smoothies and which smoothie mistakes people often make now.
Healthy Smoothie Tips: 6 Ways You’re Accidentally Making Your Smoothies Less Healthy
1. Sugar Overdose
It is easy to load up your smoothie with spoonfuls of sugar without even realizing it. While banana, dates, and honey may come with fiber and other nutrients, they quickly add up to the sugar content of your smoothie. Opt for low-sugar fruits (berries, kiwi fruit, apples, watermelon, etc.), coconut water, raw cacao powder, vanilla extract or cinnamon to sweeten things up.
2. Fruit juices…. A big no-no
If using fruit juice, make sure it is freshly squeezed, store-bought fruit juices are loaded with sugar, preservatives, and other additives. Use unsweetened coconut water, tea, unsweetened almond milk, or filtered water instead. Another way to ditch store-bought fruit juices, add whole fruits (apple, grapefruit, or orange) with water as a liquid base instead.
FYI: for freshly squeezed fruit juices, a set of these little things have made our life so much easier. They are easy to clean and fast to handle.
Click the pics to see where I bought these handy tools.
Find more healthy smoothie tips and tricks below.
3. You turn them into dairy-bombs
Instead of adding ice cream, full-fat yogurt, or milk, add homemade nut milk or homemade cultured coconut yogurt instead. This will give you a healthy dose of nutrients without adding too many calories.
4. Not adding greens
If you are not adding greens to your smoothies, you are missing out on a lot of added essential nutrients. And they are low in calories and sugar too. All greens can be used. While I love the spiciness of watercress or arugula, some of you may not like the green taste. Add mild tasting greens- such as spinach and bok choy – instead. You won’t taste them at all!
5. Forgot to add a healthy fat
Let’s quickly forget the thought that fats make you fat. Adding a healthy fat – such avocado, coconut oil, seeds, and nuts – to every meal is important to keep your brain, immune system, and heart health. And it plays a major role in the production of hormones too.
A recent study even found that healthy fats can help your body absorb more nutrients from the vegetables you eat. Click here for more info.
6. Forget to add some protein too
Fruits provide carbs for energy and sweetness for taste. Fats are essential for nutrient absorption and hormone function. And then we’re missing one last essential macro-nutrient, being protein. They help repair and build new cells and tissues.
Good protein sources: many seeds and nuts, broccoli, avocado, goji berries, maca root, chia seeds, and spirulina.
ALSO READ: Make Your Green Smoothies a Complete and Filling Meal
7. Not seeing it as breakfast/snack
Smoothies are so easy to handle and come in a glass or jar. So many of us guzzle them down in seconds. But just as any other breakfast or snack you should take your time and sip it down slowly while relaxing and enjoying your morning or break.
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Thanks for reading. I hope this information was helpful. Until next time!
Amy Goodrich
Crazy cat lady, life and food lover, certified biologist, and holistic health coach.
Thanks Amy. Your advice tips and support are comforting.
Your welcome DeeDee. I’m glad to be of some help! We are all put on this world to help and support each other to make the best out of life!