How to Make Healthy Smoothies at Home

If you really think about it, the main reason why people love smoothies is that they're delicious. The fact that they also happen to be nutritious is a bonus. Smoothies are popular because they provide a quick and easy way for people to consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables they need each day. You don't even have to go to a smoothie bar for a delicious drink. You can make your own delicious beverage if you know how to make healthy smoothies at home.

If you think smoothies are difficult to make, you're in for a big surprise. A good blender is the only equipment you need to make a healthy smoothie at home. Fruits are an important ingredient in smoothies. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even throw in a vegetable or two.

Keep It Simple

You need a liquid foundation for your fruit smoothie. Use fruit juices, milk, or yogurt. If you're watching your weight, use water, green tea or low-fat milk. Some smoothie bars use ice cream as a base. You may not want this in your drink.

Adding ice makes your smoothie thicker.

Add Fruits

When you're making smoothies at home you can add lots of fruits to ensure that it's healthy. Add your favorite fruits. If you enjoy bananas, strawberries, blueberries, apples and oranges, add them to your drink. You may want to start with a single type of fruit but it won't be long before you'll be experimenting with different fruit combinations.

Bananas are sweet but have a bland flavor. They go well with most fruits including berries, melons, mangoes, papayas and peaches. Bananas provide carbohydrates, potassium and vitamins. They also make smoothies thicker.

Add Extra Nutrition

Fruit smoothies are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, phytochemicals and antioxidants. But did you know that you can make them more nutritious? The following tips will show you how to make healthier fruit smoothies at home:

Add yogurt, tofu, milk or soy milk to incorporate protein and calcium in your smoothie.

Avocado or crushed flaxseed adds healthy fats to your smoothie.

For extra nutrition and fiber, add vegetables such as spinach and carrots. Add a little at a time to get the taste and consistency that you like.

You can save a lot of money if you know how to make healthy smoothies at home. These delicious recipes only take a few minutes to make.

Citrus Berry Smoothie

1-1/4 cups fresh or frozen berries

3/4 cup plain yogurt

1/2 cup orange juice

2 tbsp nonfat milk powder

1 tbsp honey

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp toasted wheat germ (optional)

Combine ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Banana Strawberry Fruit Smoothie

1 banana, sliced and frozen

6 strawberries, frozen

1-1/4 cups water

1 tbsp skim milk powder

1 tbsp protein powder (optional)

1 tsp flax oil (optional)

Combine ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.