Do you ever rush out the door in the morning without a well-balanced breakfast? A morning smoothie is a quick and easy solution that you can whip up in minutes and take with you on the go. While smoothies can be a great morning meal, many smoothie recipes are loaded with sugar. Here are a few simple tips and tricks to avoid the sugar bomb and keep you full until lunch.
Boost the fats Adding healthy fats to your smoothie can help create the creamy texture you desire without all the extra sugar. Swap your frozen banana for ¼ - ½ of a frozen avocado for the same smooth texture. Boost both fats and protein with one to two tablespoons of your favorite nut butter.
Ditch the sweetened liquids Swap the fruit juice or sweetened milks for a low sugar alternative, including unsweetened non-dairy milks, plain dairy milk, unsweetened tea, water or even brewed coffee for an extra jolt in the morning.
Get your veggies in Never been a vegetable person at breakfast time? Think again! Vegetables make a great low-sugar addition to bulk up your smoothie. Frozen cauliflower and zucchini have little flavor but can greatly increase the volume of your smoothie, while sweet potato, carrots or pumpkin add a subtly sweet flavor. And don’t forget to throw in a handful of greens.
Tip: Try lightly steaming any vegetables before freezing to make them easier to blend and digest.
Bonus add ins There are many simple ingredients that can be added to smoothies for minimal additional calories but lots of flavor, such as cinnamon, vanilla, matcha, cacao powder or even a bit of fresh coffee grounds.
Written by: Tori Parsons, Wellness Workdays Dietetic Intern