Health Tips:
Sip down a summer smoothie
As most have been told, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. However, with juggling a busy life full of school, work, family and social life, finding the time for a proper breakfast can sometimes be challenging.
Starting the day off right with a balanced breakfast can help control eating habits throughout the rest of the day. According to Amery Medical Center, starting the day off with substantial foods, such as grains and fruits can provide long lasting energy. Metabolic rate can also be increased, helping to burn calories and aid in weight control.
When pressed for time, grabbing something on the go or quickly downing a bowl of sugary cereal is often the easiest route. Instead of digesting some processed and over-sugared cereal puffs drenched in milk, a quickly blended breakfast smoothie can provide a great amount of nutrients to start the day off right.
Breakfast smoothies are quick to blend up and are very versatile to each specific taste. They provide the body with a plethora of vitamins and minerals, all varied depending on the ingredients. With a typical base of yogurt, milk, or almond milk, a breakfast smoothie can provide the body with tons of calcium which is beneficial for bone health.
These dairy bases also help to hydrate the body. The Livestrong organization states that unlike coffee or carbonated beverages, smoothies provide hydration for the body. This can be helpful in warmer weather when the body needs more water.
Breakfast smoothies can accommodate any taste or nutrient desire. A variety of fruits, vegetables and grains can be added to a smoothie. Typical smoothie foods include blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, bananas, spinach, kale, almonds and oatmeal.
Aside from a dairy base and an assortment of fruits, vegetables and grains, supplements can be added to smoothies in order to obtain all desired nutrients. Some of the most commonly added supplements include protein powder, green tea, flax seeds and chia seeds. Green tea is full of antioxidants which help to fight off free radicals, and flax seeds and chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
If finding an extra ten minutes to make a smoothie in the morning seems impossible, smoothies can be prepared the night before and kept cool in the refrigerator until the following morning. This is the perfect way to start the day off right.
Smoothie Recipies
How to Make a Smoothie:
Put all ingredients into a blender, liquids first (it makes it easier to blend), and blend until desired consistency.
Blueberry energy
Ingredients:- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 3/4 cup green tea (chilled)
- 3/4 non-fat vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp. flax seed
- 1 tbsp. almonds (about 12, ground)
- 3 ice cubes
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
Green goodness
Ingredients:- 1 cup green grapes
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1 cup frozen mango
- 5 ice cubes
Strawberry Oatmeal
Ingredients:- 1/2 cup non-fat vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 banana (sliced)
- 1/4 cup old fashion oats
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 5 ice cubes