10 Homemade Alternatives To Store-Bought Smoothies
Smoothies are a great way to get a quick shot of nutrients, but if you're buying them at the store, those ingredients can cost a small fortune.
Smoothies are great for breakfast, lunch, or even an afternoon snack. However, they can cause digestive issues in some people because they contain high amounts of sugar and artificial sweeteners.
If you're looking for a healthy alternative to smoothies from your favorite juice bar or grocery store, try making your own at home instead! Here are some homemade alternatives to store-bought smoothies:
â— Green Smoothie Packets
If you're looking for a quick breakfast or snack that can be made in just minutes, green smoothie packets are a great option. These pre-made mixes come in many different flavors and are ready to blend with water or milk. You can also add fruit and other ingredients like yogurt or protein powder as desired.
â— Homemade Yogurt Smoothies
Yogurt smoothies combine the benefits of probiotics with fresh fruit and other ingredients for a healthy treat that will keep you full longer than most other beverages do. Start by blending plain yogurt with water until it's creamy. Then add frozen fruit and any other ingredients you'd like before adding ice cubes and blending again until a smoothie. Add honey or sugar if desired (or skip them altogether).
â— Fresh Fruit Smoothie
Blend fresh fruit with water or milk for a quick meal replacement or snack. Add some protein powder for an added boost of energy and nutrients.
â— Vegetable Smoothie
Smoothies made with vegetables have lots of fiber and vitamins that can help you feel full longer than other beverages do. Try blending carrots, celery, cucumber, or spinach with low-fat yogurt or kefir for an easy way to get more veggies into your diet.
â— Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
This is a smoothie that I always enjoy. It's quick and easy to make, and it's so delicious! It's also full of protein, which is great for those mornings when you need to get out the door fast. The texture is creamy, thanks to the peanut butter, but it's not too rich or heavy on your stomach. It's also full of potassium and vitamin C!
â— Healthy Berry Smoothie
This smoothie is perfect for breakfast or as a snack any time of the day! It's packed with antioxidants from blueberries and strawberries, which help fight free radicals in your body and reduce inflammation caused by harmful molecules known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). If you're not a fan of berries, you could use other fruits, such as mangoes or peaches, instead!
â— Herbal Tea Smoothie
Mix your favorite herbal tea with ice cream or yogurt for a creamy treat that's both soothing and nutritious at the same time! Add some fruit for extra flavor if desired.
â— Banana-Coffee Smoothie
This smoothie is so good that you'll want it every day of the year! The combination of banana and coffee makes for a delicious, creamy treat that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. And don't worry — the caffeine from the coffee won't affect you as much as a cup of coffee would because all the water has been removed from the beans.
â— Strawberry-Banana Smoothie
The classic duo of strawberry and banana are combined in this tasty smoothie recipe. Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants and heart-healthy potassium, while bananas contain potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6 — all nutrients that can help reduce stress levels and improve moods.
â— Coffee Smoothie
If you're feeling adventurous or just want something new in your life, give this coffee smoothie a try! It's super simple to make: Just add ice cubes, milk (or almond milk), coffee extract, vanilla extract, and maple syrup to your blender until smooth. You can also substitute any other extract (such as hazelnut) for vanilla if you prefer something different flavor-wise!
Conclusion
Smoothies are a great way to consume a lot of fruits and vegetables in one sitting. Of course, the more natural and unprocessed it is, the better it is for you. Homemade smoothies possess the best ingredients, but if you're pressed for time during the week with your busy schedule, you might need to take shortcuts in the preparation process.
