Are Smoothies a Good Meal?

Whether you’re looking to kick-start your morning, refuel after a workout, or simply treat yourself to a refreshing snack, mastering the art of smoothie-making can revolutionise your diet.

Packed with vitamins, minerals, protein and fibre, a well-balanced smoothie has the potential to nourish your body from the inside out.

As long as you follow our healthy smoothie formula, you can rest assured smoothies are an excellent meal – especially at breakfast.

The ultimate healthy smoothie formula:

1. Start with a fruit/veg base

• Add 1-2 serves of fruits and/or vegetables (frozen fruits and vegetables work well and give the smoothie a great consistency)
• Our favs include frozen banana, frozen berries, baby spinach, frozen mangoes

2. Add a source of wholegrains

• Add 1 serve of wholegrain carbohydrates
• Examples: 1/2 cup oats, 1/4 cup muesli, 2 Weet-bix or any whole grain cereal

3. Add some protein

• Add 1 serve of protein
• Examples: yoghurt, milk, nuts, seeds, protein powder

4. Extras

• Add a couple of your favourite extras for a flavour, texture and nutrient booster
• Examples: cinnamon, nutmeg, cacao powder, vanilla extract, chia seeds, nuts, pepita seeds, flex seeds, peanut butter, almond butter

Avoid these common smoothie mistakes

• Adding too much fruit (aim for 1-1½ serves of fruit per smoothie).
• Adding too much added sugar (e.g honey, sugar, maple syrup, rice malt syrup) – if you want to sweeten your smoothie, try using dates or overripe bananas.
• Drinking your smoothie too fast (try and enjoy your smoothie slowly, sitting down without distractions like you would with a meal).
• Having a smoothie as well as a breakfast meal (a balanced smoothie is equivalent to a meal, so try avoid having a smoothie in addition to e.g. toast or cereal).
• Adding too many nutrient boosters like nut butters, chia seeds and protein powders – if you aren’t careful with your extras, the calories can add up quickly.

Here’s 3 deliciously healthy smoothie recipes for you to try:

Banana, Choc & Avocado Smoothie

Ingredients

• ¼ avocado
• 1 frozen banana
• 2 tsp cacao powder
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 Medjool dates
• 1 tbsp almonds (or any nut)
• 1 cup milk of choice
• ½ cup Greek yoghurt
• ¼ cup oats

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high until it becomes a smooth consistency. You may need to add a dash of water/milk to achieve desired consistency.

Green Mango Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup baby spinach or 2 frozen spinach cubes
• ½ cup fresh or frozen mango
• ½ frozen banana
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 cup milk
• ¼ cup oats

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high until it becomes a smooth consistency. You may need to add a dash of water/milk to achieve desired consistency.

Berry Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen mixed berries
• ½ frozen banana
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup yoghurt
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup oats

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high until it becomes a smooth consistency. You may need to add a dash of water/milk to achieve desired consistency.

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Notes:

• For more healthy smoothie recipes and other breakfast recipes, click here.
• Check out The Biting Truth Cookbook for our all time favourite recipes – including smoothie recipes!