I occasionally go through some weird phases, and I have a taste for milkshakes. What is interesting about that is that I never would have ordered a milkshake in the past. They have too many calories to include all the goodies I want, and are a nutritional no-no. There is a fast food place around the corner that has the best milkshakes, and you can add an extra shot of caramel or chocolate. Thankfully, I don’t crave them daily, or I would have to purchase a new wardrobe.
I am trying to make healthier choices. It’s irritating to listen to people, including family members, friends, teachers, or even dietitians, who might express opinions about what I “should” or “shouldn’t” eat. They usually eat what they like and would be highly offended if someone called them out on their food choices.
My chronic arthritis pain is a lot worse, so eating healthier gives me more energy and helps take my mind off the pain.
Then, I started thinking about healthy smoothies. What is a smoothie? A smoothie is a blended, cold, thick, and non-alcoholic drink made from fresh vegetables, fruit, juice, or pulp.
You may want to learn to make smoothies at home, which will be much easier if you have a good-quality blender. It’s tempting to get the $10 blender on sale, but this is a purchase that you need to put a lot of thought into.
If you feel lazy or pack a fat wallet, you can buy a smoothie and let someone else do the juicing and clean-up.
So, let’s look at some of the health benefits of smoothies:
Packed with Vital Nutrients and Healthy Fat
Smoothies are made with natural, nutrient-dense, and all-natural ingredients. They contain oils and vitamins necessary for complete nutrition. Fat is needed for biological functions, as it is burned for energy. A healthy smoothie has dietary fats that the body can incorporate into its vitamins.
Helps Keep You Hydrated
Smoothies for breakfast keep you hydrated for the day, a function coffee or soda won’t do. Since your body will pull water from foods to stay hydrated, you no longer need water when sipping a smoothie. Yogurt and milk are water; therefore, if your smoothie has a high dairy content, you’ll surely quench your thirst.
Provides Calcium for Bone Strength
Smoothies made with a high content of dairy products provide calcium necessary for bone strength. Try kefir or yogurt; these cultured products are the best live cultures and probiotic sources.
Easy Preparation
When you own a good blender, you can easily obtain quality ingredients and make a delicious smoothie with just a snap of a finger. Raspberries, blueberries, pomegranates, and bananas contain vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Leafy greens such as kale, Swiss chard, arugula, and spinach complement the fruits well. Other excellent ingredients are extra virgin coconut oil, raw Omega-3 egg yolks, pure vanilla extract, and shredded coconut.
Change things up by preparing a smoothie bowl.
Have fun blending different combinations of ingredients, and you are only limited by your imagination.
Provides a Healthy Breakfast
A homemade smoothie is an excellent choice for a morning breakfast. It can be made in just five minutes before leaving the house.
Drinking a smoothie keeps you from swinging by the bakery for a pastry or making a fast-food run. If you have difficulty taking cod liver oil, you may add a few drops to your smoothie. With a smoothie, you will never see the difference in taste. Add a great cup of essential fatty acids and vitamins to your meal.
Final Thoughts
The only thing left to do is invest in a blender and start making smoothies. What a delicious way to stay in tip-top shape!
