As someone who struggles with SED (Selective Eating Disorder) and getting the ‘good stuff’ into my body; Smoothies are my salvation. The possibilities are endless. Here are some thoughts on getting into the Smoothie / Protein Shake habit.
A few things to consider…
Have your fridge and freezer ready to make your perfect smoothie. When you can buy fresh ripe produce in season…take advantage and prep it in portions for your smoothie.
I have often bought bananas and let them ripen, peel them, and cut into 4ths and freeze in bags. Bananas add creaminess to smoothies and provide some suspension for the other ingredients. Bananas are also great as the base for frozen desserts like nice cream. Avocados work well in this aspect too.
Apples, oranges, and pineapple can also be prepped for the freezer. Those are great to throw in a smoothie. Be sure to peel and remove as much pith from any citrus. It is a good idea to section apples and oranges into smaller pieces and pineapple into manageable chunks.
Strawberries and raspberries are good to pick up when you can get good deals. Do a quick soak in water and white vinegar and then another rinse. Let them dry some on paper towels and then pat dry and freeze. Some folks like to remove the hulls and tops from the strawberries…some people do not.
Now let’s talk Greens…I personally only use baby spinach. Some folks like to rotate their greens but I do not as I don’t seem to do well with other greens. Now put that spinach in a colander and rinse it well ~ then divide it into sandwich bags with about 2 1/2 cups per bag which equals 1 serving. Then put those smaller bags into a larger gallon freezer bag. Be sure to squish down the smaller bags to remove extra air and they store flatter.
Ginger and turmeric root can be prepped for the freezer to extend its life. Make sure to scrub it well and either peel or not peel ~ that part is up to you. Then slice it and put it into freezer bags. Just take out a few slices to toss into a smoothie or other shake creation.
I will also grab prepackaged fruits at the store when I can get a deal. I am open to many ways of getting ingredients for my smoothies.
Supplements are not always necessary if you make a rounded smoothie with a variety of ingredients. However; for me I use my smoothie as a building block that allows me to add extras that provide more anti-oxidants, omegas, fiber, and other heart healthy ingredients. Play around with Chia, hemp, and flax seed, probiotics whether from a yogurt or a powder, protein from nut butters or PB2…and protein powders. The choice is yours. If you need suggestions, let me know, I have an arsenal at my disposal.
The bottom line is this: Don’t be afraid to experiment! If you need recipe ideas, let me know that too.
As always, make champion choices,
The Healthy Habit Lady
The Healthy Habit Lady 