Smoothies make for a nutritious breakfast, quick post-workout snack or evening dessert. They’re naturally healthy — but you can make them even healthier by adding superfoods without sacrificing taste!
This summer, it’s time to supercharge your health and body by eating right and getting into shape. Smoothies will naturally give you a boost of energy and pack your body with nutrients needed to get through the day. Add in a superfood — and you’ve got yourself an even healthier smoothie certain to provide you with optimal energy. Now, what exactly is a superfood? Simply put, superfoods are foods rich in phytochemicals. Phytochemicals fight disease, strengthen the immune system and contribute to an overall healthier well-being. Let’s take a look at eight foods to add to your smoothie to start living a healthier life.
Spinach
Next time you make a smoothie, toss in a handful or two of fresh spinach leaves. Spinach contains fiber — to help curb overeating — and is loaded with antioxidants. Huge bonus: You can’t taste it in the smoothie!
Check out these green smoothie recipes >>
Dates
Add this superfood to your smoothie before working out. Dates contain the most glucose of any other fruit. Glucose is the body’s primary source of energy and dates ensure you’ll have lasting energy to get you through that tough workout.
Flaxseeds
Throw in a small scoop of flaxseeds or flaxseed oil for an easy way to get in your necessary omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are good for your heart and cardiovascular system and help support a strong, healthy immune system. Also, this is another superfood you won’t be able to taste!
Matcha green tea powder
Matcha green tea powder is better for you than consuming green tea since you consume the whole leaf. One scoop of powder in your smoothie is the equivalent of drinking multiple glasses of green tea. Drink before your next workout for enhanced energy and optimal focusing abilities.
Try these recipes containing matcha green tea >>
Spirulina
Don’t fear this blue-green algae known as spirulina. Many believe it’s the ultimate protein and is similar to eating a piece of steak (without the calories!). Spirulina contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, calcium and more. It helps your muscle tissues rebuild after an intense workout and increases the number of immune cells in your body. Use sparingly, though, since it does have a strong seaweed taste (think no more than 1 teaspoon).
Raw honey
Raw honey will not only sweeten your smoothie up a bit, it also aids in digestion and is full of vitamins B and C. Consuming raw honey has been proven to decrease your risk of cancer and it has a calming, almost therapeutic effect on your body.
Coconut oil
Are you trying to lose weight? If so, add 2 tablespoons to your next smoothie pre-workout. Coconut oil combats body fat by converting it into energy, making you burn more fat during your workouts. It also gives you lasting energy all day and helps prevent fatigue later in the day.
Goji berries
One of the better-tasting superfoods is goji berries. Goji berries have been used for centuries in Asian cultures to help with longevity of life. Packed with more than 20 vitamins and minerals, they also help regulate hormones, improve your eyesight and boost your immune system. Since they usually come dried, soak them in water for a few minutes so they blend more easily.
More on superfoods
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