How to Build a Better Smoothie
A daily smoothie is a quick and convenient way to get a big hit of fruits and veggies into your day – while at the same time nourishing your body with fibre, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The best part? The flavour combinations are endless!
However, it’s important to get a good balance of ingredients and nutrients including protein, carbs, and healthy fats to give you energy and keep you feeling full for longer. Because no one likes a sugar crash. Not sure where to start? We’ve broken it down for you.
Fruit & Vegetables
A cup of fresh or frozen fruit is the perfect base for your smoothie. Our favourites include bananas, mixed berries, mangoes, pineapple and Acai. The natural sweetness in fruit also means you won’t need to add extra sweeteners like fruit juice or honey. If you’re a fan of thick smoothies, frozen fruit is the way to go. Next up, veggies. Adding a handful of leafy greens like spinach or kale is a great way to get more vitamins and minerals into your smoothie without it tasting too ‘green’. Smoothies that heavily rely on veggies over fruit instantly cut down on sugar and increase the fibre content. Plus, different colors means different types of vitamins and minerals – so eat the rainbow!
Protein Powder
Adding a protein powder will help make your smoothie more filling, so you’ll stay satisfied longer. When choosing a protein powder, be sure you read the ingredients to ensure it’s free from any added sugars or preservatives. Amazonia’s Raw Protein range is made from sprouted and fermented plant protein that’s rich in vitamins and minerals and easily digested by the body. Most importantly, our Proteins are dairy- and gluten-free and derived from natural wholefoods – nothing synthetic or man-made. Click here to browse our delicious range of plant-based protein powders – there’s something for everyone.
Healthy Fats
Nut butter, seeds (like chia, hemp or ground flax seeds), and avo can deliver a healthy hit of heart-protecting Omega-3 fats and make your smoothie extra filling. Most nut butters also contain Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects essential fats in your body, supports healthy skin and hair and helps keep your immune system strong. Stick to about a tablespoon of seeds or nut butter or about a quarter of an avocado to avoid overdoing it on the calories.
Liquid
If you’re craving a creamy smoothie then plant milk is the way to go (we’re loving unsweetened oat milk at the moment!). If you’re in more of a fruity mood, opt for hydrating coconut water. And if you’re after a caffeine hit, add a shot of espresso into your smoothie for an energy boost!
Superfoods
Superfood add-ins are like bonus points for your smoothie. Some of our favourites include cacao powder, spices such as cinnamon, turmeric and ginger, matcha powder, Raw Nutrients Greens powder, Raw Beauty Collagen Glow, and Raw Freeze Dried Acai powder!
Ice
Adding a handful of ice will not only make your smoothie nice and cold but also thick like a milkshake!
Is your mouth watering? Click here to check out all our delicious smoothie recipes.