Are smoothies a critical part of your morning routine? Are you wondering if there are better times to have a smoothie? Whether you’re on-the-go, getting ready for a workout, or just trying to get some extra fruits and veggies for the day, what’s the best time?
Smoothies can fuel us throughout the day. Not only do they taste great, but they are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s also a great way to add extra fruits and veggies. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, or the CDC, “poor diet quality is a leading risk factor associated with death and disability in the United States.” We can change this by boosting our diets with produce. Did you know that only 1 in 10 adults meet the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables? This means that only 1 in 10 adults are having, in total, five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Less than 10 percent of high school students meet the fruit recommendation, and only 2 percent meet the vegetable recommendation. No matter when you drink smoothies, your body will benefit from having the extra nutrients it needs throughout the day.
Let’s take a look at some of the different benefits.
In the Morning
If you typically have a hard time getting started in the morning, prepping your smoothie ingredients in your blend cup or pitcher in advance makes things easier. Simply add your favorite milk in the morning and go. You’ll start your day with at least a couple servings of fruits and veggies to get you going.
Try our classic Breakfast Smoothie for the perfect balance of banana, oats, and greens. For those looking for an extra caffeine boost, try the Banana Brew.
Before and After a Workout
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, it’s best to fuel your body with carbohydrates and some protein before a workout. Your body needs carbs to fuel your muscles. Post-workout snacks or meals should focus on nutrients lost, including protein that helps build and repair muscles.
For pre-workouts, try these snacks 30 minutes to three hours before to energize your workout.
- Apple/Banana and Peanut Butter
- Oatmeal and Berries
- Yogurt and Nuts/Seeds
For post-workouts, try this protein-packed Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie.
Here are some more ways on How to Fuel Your Workout.
Lunch On-The-Go
Everyone has those busy days where you can’t seem to find the time for lunch. Don’t sacrifice the nutrients your body needs to keep you going.
Try our Blueberry Avocado Breeze or our PB&J with added nuts and seeds for an extra boost of heart-healthy fats.
If you’re looking for ways to stay healthy while working, here are 5 Tips for Staying Healthy at Work.
Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth
When you’re craving something sweet, satisfy your sweet tooth with dessert smoothies that are free of added sugars. Add more ice to your blends to get slushier smoothies, or make them into smoothie bowls with your favorite toppings.
For Sleep and Relaxation
You might not think about drinking smoothies in the evening, but this may become part of your new bedtime routine. Try pairing your next post-dinner smoothie with a small handful of these foods to help positively impact sleep.
- Tart Cherries – In a 2012 study in the European Journal of Nutrition, participants who drank tart cherry juice slept longer and had a better quality of sleep.
- Pistachios – In a study conducted at Louisiana State University, researchers found that pistachios contained significant amounts of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate our body’s biological clock and sleep cycles – much more than most fruits and vegetables.
Read 7 Foods to Promote Sleep to learn about other foods that help promote sleep.
No matter how your day unfolds, drinking smoothies can provide the fuel your body needs, all while helping you meet your recommended fruit and vegetable intake.
FAQs
It doesn't matter if you are a fitness enthusiast or not; one of the best times to drink a smoothie is in the morning. If you work out in the morning or you have a hard time starting your day, it would greatly benefit you to start your day with one.
Can I make nutribullet smoothies the night before? ›
You can also build a smoothie in your nutribullet cup the night before without the liquid. In the morning, all you have to do is add the liquid and blend it up! Perfect for those busy mornings.
Is it better to drink a smoothie before bed or in the morning? ›
Smoothies might be a more common breakfast food than a bedtime snack. However, if they're packed full of sleep-friendly substances, there's no reason not to drink them before bed. If you struggle to sleep at night, give these recipes a try.
Should I have a smoothie in the morning or afternoon? ›
The best time to have a smoothie is truly in the morning either at least 1 hour before your workout, or directly after your session. The reason is because if you are filling it with protein powder and nutrients, you want them to fuel your day.
Can we drink smoothie in morning empty stomach? ›
Smoothie both satisfies your sweet tooth and gives you the feeling of satiety. *In particular, the Smoothie consumed in the morning on empty stomach enables you to start the day energetic, fit and pleasantly. *The fiber content is also one of the outstanding benefits of Smoothie.
Is it okay to drink a smoothie every day? ›
So you want good carbohydrates, good proteins and good healthy fats," she says. Once you find the right balance and taste, that smoothie can be a good thing. "It's really fine to have a smoothie every day. It can be a convenient meal replacement as long as you're making sure that it really is replacing the meal.
Which smoothie is best for weight loss? ›
Green smoothies can be a great source of nutrients. They can also help you to feel full and encourage your body to burn fat. The best green smoothies for weight loss are low in calories and high in fiber and protein. They may include ingredients like spinach, almond milk, blueberries, and avocado.
How often should you have a smoothie? ›
The guidance for the majority of us is to limit our daily intake of smoothies and juices to one glass of 150ml. This contributes a maximum of one of our five-a-day. For a child, a smoothie portion will depend on their age and activity levels.
What not to do with a NutriBullet? ›
Hot ingredients like coffee or carbonated ingredients like soda should never be blended in the nutribullet (with the exception of the vented pitchers of the nutribullet Blender and the nutribullet Blender Combo). The ingredients can build up pressure and cause damage to the components and even cause injury.
Is a NutriBullet good for smoothies? ›
Best NutriBullet Blender
The 900 makes a nearly perfectly smooth puree with fibrous ingredients like kale or apple skins, so it can make silky smoothies with almost any recipe.
“If you're opting for frozen fruit and veggies rather than fresh, you can usually skip the ice,” says our in-house chef and smoothie connoisseur, Mayra. “Most times when both frozen fruit and ice are used, the final blend consistency will be much thicker than usual, bordering on milkshake-thick consistency.
Is drinking smoothies every day healthy? ›
So you want good carbohydrates, good proteins and good healthy fats," she says. Once you find the right balance and taste, that smoothie can be a good thing. "It's really fine to have a smoothie every day. It can be a convenient meal replacement as long as you're making sure that it really is replacing the meal.
Is it better to drink a smoothie before or after a workout? ›
It is best to have a smoothie at least 30 minutes to an hour before a workout so that your body has enough time for digestion. If you're looking to drink a smoothie as part of your post-workout routine, make sure first that you've rehydrated yourself by drinking plenty of water.
Why are smoothies only 1 of 5 a day? ›
This means that in the future, smoothie companies won't be allowed to claim that their smoothies have more than 1 fruit and veg portion in them. The main reason these new guidelines have been issued is because of the high sugar content of smoothies.
Should you drink smoothies fast or slow? ›
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.
