I’m sure you’ve seen it (maybe even participated in) the trend that is smoothies. They’re all the rage in our health-searching culture. You’ve seen the videos on Facebook, I’m sure you’ve shared some too.
“A great breakfast for on the go”
“Grab and go meal”
“Smoothies are the perfect quick breakfast”
Everything makes you think that a smoothie is ideal.
“It’s not?” you may be asking yourself…Nope.
The smoothies that most are consuming are super high in sugars and can be a contributing factor to insulin resistance over time if drinking them frequently. Berries are lower on the glycemic index so keeps sugar levels down, so smoothies with minimal ingredients and berries versus yogurt/mango/pineapple/etc. are a better option.
Did I ruin your breakfast plans? So sorry. Here are several morning smoothie options that are low on sugar, and still excellent breakfast solutions:
BROCCOLI SURPRISE SMOOTHIE
1 c broccoli florets
1 celery stalk
1 (small) green apple
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 frozen banana
3/4 c plant-based milk
Blend all ingredients together until nice and smooth.
Simple Blueberry Smoothie
1/2 c plant-based milk
1 c blueberries
1 c baby spinach
1 tbsp chia seeds
Blend all ingredients, enjoy!
Banana Bread Smoothie
1 tbsp ground flax seeds
2 tbsp walnuts
1/2 banana
1 tbsp pepitas
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
squeeze of lemon
1 cup ice (if desired)
1 c plant-based milk
Blend all ingredients, garnish with extra spices if desired, enjoy!
Glow-Up Smoothie
1 carrot chopped not peeled
1 orange, peeled (mandarin size)
1/2 lemon, peeled
small slice of ginger
1 & 1/2 c water
1/4 tsp turmeric
Blend and drink up!
If you want an extra punch of nutrition to these, add some of your favorite organic, plant-based protein mix. Limit one smoothie, and try to avoid doing them every day. If you want something fresh and cool, try going for juicing instead. Ideally, you should try to stick to less than 20 grams of sugar daily. So look at the ingredients, if you’re getting a smoothie from a drive-through, drive away. (Also, keep in mind that smoothies are different from green drinks. I’m a bigger green drink fan, personally. You’ll always want to gauge the sugar grams there as well – the fruit can sneak up on ya. I keep mine under 6-8 grams.)
Smoothies at fast-food places are NEVER a good option. If you’re at a juicing bar/smoothie shop, check out the ingredients, know what’s in your order. It takes less than 2 minutes to read and make an educated decision that will ultimately dictate your health. Advocate for yourself!
Make sure to download my Visibly Fit App for Free for more recipes.
