3 simple tips for healthier smoothies (2024)

Speaking of Health

Smoothies can be a nutritious treat, but remember — just because it’s called a “smoothie” doesn’t mean it’s healthy.

Watch this video for tips for nutritious, filling smoothies:

Slow down

  • Watch your consumption. When you drink liquids, like a smoothie, you tend to consume calories quickly and can end up feeling hungry.
  • Take your time. By drinking smoothies slowly, there’s an increased chance you’ll feel full and consume fewer unnecessary calories.
  • Enjoy...then wait. The brain can take 20 to 40 minutes to release satiety (feeling full) hormones, so wait before eating or drinking more — maybe you won’t be hungry.

Skip the fruit juice

  • Avoid added sugars. Stay away from sugars in your smoothie, including fruit juice.
  • Use water or milk as your base. Skim milk, unsweetened almond milk, unsweetened soy milk or water are all good options for the liquid base of your smoothie.
  • Add a protein source. Include milk, plain yogurt or plain kefir to your smoothie to help increase satiety or feeling full.

Keep the veggies visible

  • Include vegetables. Adding kale, spinach, carrots and beets are all great ways to increase vegetable consumption for children.
  • Keep the fruits and vegetables visible. Children need to be exposed to fruits and vegetables in their whole, natural form to know they’re part of a nutritious diet. Including vegetables is recommended, but hiding them in smoothies and other dishes should not be the sole source of exposure.
  • Give taste buds time. Kids need to be exposed to new foods 10 to 15 times before the food is considered as disliked.

Try these delicious smoothie recipes:

Fruity smoothie

1 cup frozen, unsweetened strawberries

1 cup frozen, unsweetened peaches

3/4 cup frozen, unsweetened blueberries

1 large, ripe banana

1 cup fat-free, low-calorie peach or strawberry yogurt

1 cup skim milk

Put all the ingredients in the blender and process until the mixture is smooth. Stop the blender and scrape the sides so everything gets mixed well. Pour the smoothie into serving glasses.

Serves 4

Green smoothie

1 banana

1/2 cup strawberries

Juice of 1 lemon (about 4 tablespoons)

1/2 cup other berries, such as blackberries or blueberries

2 ounces fresh, raw baby spinach (about 2 cups)

1 tablespoon fresh mint or to taste

1 cup cold water or ice

Place all ingredients in a blender or juicer and puree.

Serves 4

Kelly Tasky is a registered dietitian nutritionist atMayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

3 simple tips for healthier smoothies (2024)

FAQs

3 simple tips for healthier smoothies? ›

In conclusion, smoothies can be a great way to increase intakes of fruit and vegetables in our diet, which would have many health benefits. However, they may contain large amounts of added or natural sugars, which can contribute to dental problems and obesity.

What's the healthiest way to make a smoothie? ›

For starters, she recommends combining:
  1. Protein, such as a commercial protein powder, Greek yogurt (which is higher in protein than regular yogurt) or nut butters.
  2. Fruit, including berries, mango, bananas and avocado.
  3. Greens, such as spinach or kale.
  4. A liquid base such as dairy or plant-based milk, water or fruit juice.

What makes a smoothie healthy or unhealthy? ›

In conclusion, smoothies can be a great way to increase intakes of fruit and vegetables in our diet, which would have many health benefits. However, they may contain large amounts of added or natural sugars, which can contribute to dental problems and obesity.

Is it healthy to drink 3 smoothies a day? ›

A typical smoothie is a drink made from mixed fruits or vegetables, and there are many ways to make one. While they provide several health benefits, drinking too many smoothies can negatively affect your health. They can add a lot of unforeseen calories, especially when a smoothie is simply a beverage with a meal.

What is the healthiest liquid to put in a smoothie? ›

If you're looking to cut calories and sugar from your diet, water is the perfect choice for liquid for smoothies. Not only is it calorie-free and sugar-free, but it's also money-free!

What fruits should not be mixed in smoothies? ›

For those who want to consume smoothies with bananas, or other high PPO activity fruits and vegetables such as beet greens, the suggestion is to not combine them with flavanol-rich fruits such as berries, grapes and cocoa.

What not to do when making a smoothie? ›

The Don'ts of Making Smoothies:

Choose to use fresh fruit instead as to not add any more artificial sugars! Do not toss in unwashed fruits! I know it can be tempting to skip the rinsing process to quickly dump everything into the blender, but unwashed fruits are unwashed fruits! Don't skimp on protein.

What ingredient goes first in a smoothie? ›

1. Liquids. Whether you're using water, milk, or juice, always add the liquid ingredients to the blender jar first. This helps the blender blades move more easily through the rest of your ingredients.

Do you put ice or water in a smoothie? ›

Typically you would add ice to a smoothie, but if your fruit is pre-frozen, it is unnecessary to use ice. Adding fruit juice is a good option, but remember to be aware of the sugar content of any fruit juice you are adding to your smoothie. 3. Add some green.

Why shouldn't you mix fruits and vegetables in smoothies? ›

The most common 'ill effect' of mixing fruits and veggies is gas, because fruit digests faster and uses different digestive enzymes. Carrots and apples are considered exceptions – carrots go well with any fruit and apples go well with any veggie.

How healthy are homemade smoothies? ›

The most nutritious smoothies are made with whole foods like fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and healthy fats, while those with lots of added sugars aren't as nutrient-dense and may contribute to negative health effects over time. Smoothies high in protein and fiber may even aid weight loss by keeping you full.

What is the best fruit to put in a smoothie to lose weight? ›

Fiber keeps you full: Blend a variety of fruits (banana, strawberries, oranges) and leafy greens (spinach, kale, chard) together to create a high fiber drink that'll keep you full and satisfied. Simple portion control: Measure out the ingredients you add to the blender to make portion control easy.

Are frozen fruit smoothies good for you? ›

Yes, Frozen Smoothies Are Healthy!

Overall, drinking smoothies will increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables. This increase in consumption provides a diverse array of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. so it's a big Yes, homemade frozen smoothies are healthy – go on, get blending!

Is blending a banana better than eating? ›

When it comes to fiber content, eating whole fruit generally provides a higher amount compared to blended fruit. While blending retains some fiber, a portion of it is lost during the process. If you are specifically looking to increase your fiber intake, consuming fruits in their whole form might be a better option.

Is it better to eat fruit or drink a smoothie? ›

The fibre helps to slow down the speed the fructose is absorbed into your blood stream and can help you feel fuller for longer. This is why it's better to eat whole fruit, rather than fruit in the form of juice or a smoothie.

Are smoothies healthier with milk or water? ›

Smoothies made with water and juice tend to come out more liquidy and less full than those made with milk. Juice is also higher in acidity and typically has more sugar than most milk. Milk is higher in calcium which is good for your bones, heart, and muscles. It also helps to give your smoothie a creamy consistency.

What are the healthiest things to put in smoothies for weight loss? ›

Healthy smoothie ingredients to try
IngredientNutrients
spinachrich in vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium
avocadorich in monounsaturated fats, potassium, and fiber
low fat plain Greek yogurtrich in protein, vitamins B12 and B2, and selenium
almond milkrich in vitamin E and calcium
5 more rows
Apr 26, 2023

Are smoothies better with milk or yogurt? ›

Milk vs.

Both have protein that helps keep you feeling full and energized. It's like having two awesome friends – each with their own strengths! So, whether you go for milk or yogurt in your smoothie, you're making a tasty and nutritious choice.

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