Spring is springing which means just one thing – summer is right round the corner. It’s time to shed those winter layers, get outside into the fresh air and eat tasty, light and healthy foods. What better for the summer season than the cool combination of fruit, vegetables and other delicious ingredients? Summer smoothies are ideal for a snack, breakfast, or to quench your thirst. Making a smoothie is simple but there are some secrets for creating the perfect concoction. Here are some tips for successful summer smoothie making.
- Pick Your Liquid
The base of the smoothie holds it all together and here you can make a choice between a low-calorie base or something a bit creamier. For the low-cal version, use mineral water, green tea, or coconut water. For extra vitamins, use a fruit juice from the juicer. And for a creamy smoothie, add milk. You can of course use soy milk or almond milk if you prefer. With a powerful blender you can even crush nuts, and substitute nut milk with a small amount of raw nuts plus one or two cups of water. A tablespoon of nut butter also works well blended with water.
- Cut Your Prep Time
Because many smoothie recipes have lots of ingredients it is a good idea to spend some time gathering your ingredients, chopping and peeling, and freezing them in a muffin tin or a small container. Whenever you want a smoothie snack you can reach into the freezer, pull out a portion and blend – super convenient.
- Add Your Liquid Gradually
You can quickly end up with a watery smoothie unless you add your liquid in small quantities. Go easy at first, adding little by little until you reach your desired consistency. If you do add too much liquid a good thickening trick is to add yogurt, banana, chia seeds, or oatmeal.
- Do You Want Sugar?
Avoid adding refined sugar to the smoothie but make it sweet with a ripe banana, agave nectar, or maple syrup. Dates are also excellent for providing sweetness.
- Add Some Surprising Extras
Did you consider adding mint, or ginger? Cinnamon or nutmeg makes for an interesting flavor. And vanilla extract is always tasty. The sky’s the limit when it comes to extra smoothie additions. Explore http://www.timetocleanse.com if you want some more inspiration.
- Disguise Some Healthy Ingredients
Some people love the taste of so-called “green smoothies” – smoothies made from savory ingredients like spinach and herbs. If you are not so keen, you can add some healthy greens like spinach to a regular smoothie. You won’t be able to taste it and you’ll benefit from the extra nutrients.
- Put the Ice in Last
Don’t add ice into summer smoothies until the last minute. If you blend it with the other ingredients you end up with a watery drink. For the best consistency use frozen ingredients to form the biggest part of your smoothie.
Ruth Sheridan says
Love this! I live on smoothies. Spinach, ginger, lemon, frozen mango and parsley is my fav. Sometimes I put in isapro for a protein boost.
Ian Johanson says
I am lactose intolerant. So, I really liked your idea of substituting nuts for almond milk. I would love to try it with cashews. How powerful would the blender need to be.
Blair says
Excellent share. Summer is coming. One could easily make these smoothie in the summer. Thanks for writing.
Andrew Rody says
I love having a shake every morning. I'm always looking for new ways to change the flavour so I don't get bored but always have outstanding nutrition. Thank you
Brad says
I've never considered adding vanilla extract to my smoothies - will give it a try tomorrow!