19 Incredibly Easy Blender Recipes That Will Help You Eat Healthier (2024)

FAQs

Are healthy smoothies filling? ›

Whether you keep it fruity or add some leafy greens for a nutrient boost, smoothies are versatile and delicious. Recipes like our Anti-Inflammatory Lemon-Blueberry Smoothie and High-Fiber Dragon Fruit & Pineapple Smoothie Bowl are fresh and have at least 7 grams of protein per serving for a filling start to your day.

A healthy smoothie should include some protein and fiber to help keep you full and provide antioxidants, vitamins and minerals—typically from fruits and vegetables.

All you need to do is choose a food, blend it by itself with pure water, and see how your body tolerates it. Some good foods to consider blending and eating include bananas, apples, peaches, pears, plums, avocados, oats, rice, sweet potatoes, green beans, squash, peas, chicken, turkey, and beef.

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!

Avocado and nut butters are popular ingredients to add some protein and healthy fats. You may also wish to include chia or hemp seeds. For a bit of sweetness and some extra nutrients, you can add some blueberries, banana, pineapple, orange, or mango. Honey or other natural sweeteners can also be included.

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. Lorraine Fye, a Mayo Clinic dietitian, has some simple ways to get smart about fruit smoothies.

Adding the liquid first is important for a couple of reasons. The liquid acts as a solvent, dissolving any powders (hello protein powder) you might want to add. And when you turn the blender on, the liquid will whiz through the blades quickly and easily, drawing down other ingredients to be chopped up.

Are Smoothies Good for Weight Loss? They can be. "Nutrient-packed, well-balanced smoothies can contribute to a healthy weight loss strategy, contingent upon the ingredients used, the macronutrient composition, and the satiety they offer,” said Routhenstein.

What is the brat diet? ›

“The BRAT diet acronym stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast,” says Lena Beal, M.S., RD, LD, a Piedmont therapeutic dietitian. “Historically, it was used in pediatrics when kids got sick and couldn't tolerate anything. But this diet is helpful for anyone who has nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.”

Smoothies may form part of a balanced diet, but be sure to focus on lower sugar fruits, emphasising fresh or frozen produce. Include one or more sources of protein like yogurt, kefir or milk, as well as healthy fats from nuts, seeds or avocado.

Almond milk is a win-win-win for most smoothie combos. Go for the unsweetened versions when picking it up to avoid extra sugar and calories. For best results, we recommend Unsweetened almond milk on Amazon. Coconut water is often referred to as “nature's energy drink”.

Even the biggest smoothie aficionados need a little crunch sometimes, and making a smoothie bowl is the perfect way to beef up your favorite recipe. Add a low-sugar, high-protein granola and some nuts, nut butter or seeds along with your fruit toppings to help keep you full for hours on end.

"Drinking smoothies every day can have positive health benefits, like increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, fiber, and antioxidants," says Lisa Young, PhD, RDN.