Speedy Publishing - Smoothie Recipes

Table of Contents

Smoothie Recipes For Beginners

By:Valerie Alston

Introduction

Smoothies are beverages that are prepared in a different way than other drinks. This is because smoothies are usually prepared using a blender wherein these drinks got their name because of the smooth appearance they get after they are blended. Smoothies are a bit similar to milkshakes because of their consistency which is thicker than most drinks. Most drinks are usually thinner. Smoothies are like liquid ice cream, in other words and they taste sweet as well. These drinks became popular during the mid 1960s and until now, they are still gaining popularity and are even sought after.

Smoothies can either originate from fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc. But the most popular ingredient for smoothies is fruits mixed with dairy products. Preparing a smoothie is easy because it only requires basic placing of ingredients on the blender, adding extra ingredients such as vanilla, etc. and blending them all. However, there are lots of smoothie recipes nowadays and they can range from easy to complicated recipes to prepare for beginners. So, as a beginner, before knowing some of the many smoothie recipes you can try, it is best to be convinced why you even need to go smoothie first by knowing all about the smoothie advantages and benefits.

Part 1. Advantages and Benefits of Smoothies

It is natural . This is because of the fact that smoothies are usually blended fruits and vegetables, etc. In other words, they come from natural ingredients like actual fruits which are just blended in order for them to be made liquid or in the form of a smoothie already. Smoothies are unlike other juices which are processed already and no longer as natural. Since smoothies are natural, they are proven to be good health drinks as no chemicals are added to them to enhance their flavors or colors. With this, you have reduced risks of acquiring chemical-related side effects.

Smoothies are good sources of water/fluid. Considering how you prepare a smoothie, you could say that it is really a rich source of water/fluid that could help your body rehydrate. Smoothies are prepared with the use of much ice. In fact, it is the ice that makes the smoothie smoother and thicker in consistency. With this, drinking smoothie will not only let your body acquire the nutrients of the natural ingredients you used but will also rehydrate your body. If you are not really fund of drinking plain water, smoothies serve as great water alternatives.

They make it easy to consume fruits and vegetables . Fruits and vegetables are very good for the body because of the nutrients that they contain, however, not all people can tolerate the taste of raw fruits and vegetables. Instead of not eating fruits and vegetables altogether, smoothies make a great option in order for you to take in fruits and vegetables and benefit from them without having to go through the trouble of eating raw fruits and vegetables that you cannot tolerate. Since smoothies are already combined with dairy products and are sweet, you will no longer notice the taste of fruits and vegetables, making you consume them willingly.

Smoothies are rich in nutrients . As mentioned, smoothies are natural sources of fruits and vegetables as well as other ingredients since they are simply blended and did not undergo chemical processes. With this, the nutrients from the fruits and vegetables, etc. are still packed into the finished product or the blended smoothie. This makes smoothies very rich sources of vitamins and minerals like fiber since these vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables are still intact. This is why smoothies should be considered by people who want to start a healthy living or a healthy diet.

They are easy to prepare . Smoothies are also advantageous because they are easy to prepare. In other words, they do not take time to prepare, unlike when you eat your usual snack, breakfast, etc. You simply put the ingredients together and blend; no more cooking, no more simmering, etc. So, if you decide to prepare smoothies instead of your normal meals, you will be saving a lot of time and effort but you would be getting the nutrients that your body needs for the day. This is why smoothies are perfect for busy people.

Smoothies are customizable . The best thing about smoothies is that they can be from any source. They can be fruit smoothies, vegetable smoothies, green smoothies, nuts and seeds, etc. Plus, you can also choose what fruits and vegetables to use as well as you can choose what other dairy ingredients you prefer to add, etc. In other words, smoothies can be customized according to what you prefer. You have control over your smoothie. This is a good thing since you will know what you are actually putting on the blender, unlike processed drinks and store-bought drinks wherein you have no idea what gets in your stomach.

They are convenient . Smoothies are also convenient drinks since they can be brought along with you. After you prepare the smoothie, you can simply put it inside a disposable glass and then drink it while you are on travel.

Smoothies are comforting . This is especially true during the summer season. Smoothies are made with so much ice and so they come out very cold. This is why, during the summer season, smoothies give comfort to people by serving as something that would cool them down despite the heat.

Part 2. Smoothie Recipes

To make a good smoothie, beginners can turn to smoothie recipes in order to be guided. Making smoothies can be challenging and not all beginners can perfect the process. But, with constant practice and with the help of some smoothie recipes, it is not impossible to whip up your very own smoothie.

CREAMY DATE SMOOTHIE

This recipe is packed with calcium and is perfect if you want to whip up a very unique fruit smoothie.

Ingredients:

1/3c pitted dates, halved

c of whole milk

c ice

Procedure:

-On your blender, put in the dates and the milk together.

-Do not blend yet, but cover the blender with the ingredients and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or just until the dates are soft already.

-After 15 minutes, add in the ice and blend the ingredients well together until it reaches your desired frothy and smooth consistency.

BERRY CITRUS SMOOTHIE this recipe is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that help strengthen the bodys defenses and also help it detoxify.

Ingredients:

c plain yogurt, low fat

2T dry milk, non-fat

1T honey

1 c fresh berries

c orange juice, freshly squeezed

1T wheat germ, toasted

t vanilla

Procedure:

-Mix all the ingredients together in a blender.

-After all the ingredients are placed, put in ice as well.

-Blend the ingredients well until it reaches your desired consistency for the smoothie.

-Pour the smoothie into a cup or a glass and serve.

SPICED PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE

This recipe is packed with calcium which is good for the bones and teeth as well as vitamin A and takes only 5 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

c of whole milk

1T honey

1c of ice

1/3c pumpkin, pureed

A pinch of nutmeg, ground

Procedure:

-Place the ice first in the blender.

-Add in the milk and the pureed pumpkin.

-Add the honey and the ground nutmeg.

-Blend them all together for 5 minutes or until it became frothy and smooth.

-Pour the blended smoothie into a glass and serve or you can refrigerate it to chill it more.