A nutritious smoothie is a great way to start the day and works perfectly as a post-workout supplement. A smoothie can provide a variety of vitamins, electrolytes, good fats, good carbohydrates, hydration, and protein while tasting like a million dollars!
However, if you have decided against making smoothies at home because you cannot get the texture and taste as right as you can in restaurants, you are not alone. You may have high hopes of enjoying a delicious smoothie, but it either turns out too watery, too sweet, or lacks flavor, which will land the blender in the pantry for good. (Or at least until the itching comes back.)
The good news is that with a few simple tips you can create a smoothie that will meet your expectations and keep your body energized on a regular basis. It's time to mix!
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The right mixer for the perfect smoothie
First things first, if you're using an old blender that's struggling to effectively emulsify your ingredients, it may be time to invest in one that does the job. There's nothing worse than pieces of spinach floating around in your smoothie that should be camouflaged with a creamy texture.
While there are many good blenders out there, it's best to choose one that has a reputation for producing silky-smooth blends that won't leave chunks and freeze when blending is the goal. Colin Sapire, the founder of Beast Health, explains what sets regular blenders apart from those designed to make the ultimate smoothie. An easy place to start is to find a brand with great (and legitimate) reviews and a brand that will provide a successful smoothie experience every time.
"The Beast Blender has been carefully designed and engineered to use the design and technology to create perfect, nutritious and silky smooth blends," says Sapire. These include: 12-rib tank design for increased turbulence and mixing efficiency; optimized stainless steel gear for maximum power and torque transmission from the motor to the knife; six-edged edges made of grade 301 stainless steel; electronically controlled knife system with thermal safety shutdown; 18,000 rpm knife speed detection; a 1-minute mixing program with intervals that ensure optimal mixing of your favorite ingredients, coupled with a 1000 watt motor.
Put away the ice and freeze your fruit
Smoothie making is about the fruit. And stashing fruit in the freezer will take your smoothie to the next level and make for a thick, creamy and cold result. t only do frozen fruits retain their nutritional value and taste, but they also don't need to use ice (unless you want to, of course!) And instantly cool your drink.
Bananas make a fantastic creamy base for smoothies when frozen, and they're easy to make. Before your bananas turn brown, peel them, cut them into slices, then lay them out evenly on a sheet of parchment paper and place them in the freezer.
Put frozen in sandwich bags depending on the portion size you want and you will get a smooth and cool result with every smoothie. You can reuse the bags if needed, or use a 1 gallon bag to save on multiple bags. Of course, if you don't like bananas or want a low-sugar fruit option like berries, you're welcome to swap.
Photo by American Heritage Chocolate on Unsplash
Relationships are important
This could be the # 1 factor that makes or breaks your smoothie: Too much of one ingredient and too little of another, affecting the texture and taste.
- Start by adding half a cup of liquid to your blender, always adding the liquid first; This protects the blade and makes the blending process easier.
- Choose a liquid that best serves your goals (and your taste buds), such as nut milk, coconut water, water, or regular milk.
- Then add a cup of frozen fruit topped with half a cup of greens; This can be fresh vegetables like spinach or avocado. The next layer can be one to two scoops of protein powder.
- Mix until you get the texture you want.
- Remember, each is his own. If you want your smoothie a little thicker, add more frozen fruit or ice. Add more liquid for a thinner texture. As simple as that.
- Get creative with making smoothies and don't be afraid to use foods you love.
Quick smoothie tips
Low sugar / low carbohydrate: For a low-sugar smoothie, just avoid fruits and vegetables that are high in sugar.
Time for dessert: If you're in the mood for dessert but want to keep it clean, try adding dates and bananas to your blender. They serve as an alternative to ice cream and chocolates.
Watery vs. Thick: Using waterproof products like cucumbers that are 98 percent water will make your mixture more watery, but using densely frozen ingredients or seeds will make your mixture thicker.
Try these smoothie recipes courtesy of BEAST: