Green smoothies are a great way to get a boost of nutrients and energy, but many people make common mistakes when making them. We have made thousands of green smoothies for our customers including our favorite, "The Vegan Healthy Shake" being one of the first juice bars to add avocado to a commercial smoothie, so I know the secret to making green smoothies that people will buy and love...repeatedly. But we know that more and more of you are making your health drinks at home much to our delight!
Smoothies are home are truly an experiment for finding out what we like and don't like in terms of texture, taste and priority. And with inflation making out most healthy foods more expensive at the grocery store, (happy) mistakes can be costly and sometimes discouraging to making your smoothies everyday. So let's talk about it. These mistakes can result in smoothies that are too sweet, lacking in protein, or even potentially harmful. Harmful? I'll cover that in another post. In this blog post, we'll be discussing five common mistakes that people make when making green smoothies, and how to avoid them. From using too much fruit to not washing the greens properly, we'll cover everything you need to know to make delicious, healthy green smoothies every time. Whether you're a green smoothie veteran or a beginner, this post will help you take your smoothies to the next level.
Tip #1 - You might be using too much fruit!
Green smoothies should be mostly greens, with a small amount of fruit to sweeten them up. You need space for your 50-100% daily serving of greens and using too much fruit can make the smoothie too sweet and high in sugar. You may not be opposed to sweet fruits, especially if you are not diabetic or pre-diabetic and you're eating enough fiber but if your goal is to expand your taste profile, reverse cravings for sweets or absorb more nutrients from your veggies, try using less amounts of high glycemic fruit or a moderate amount of lower glycemic fruits like berries.
Tip #2 - Are you varying your ingredients?
Using the same ingredients in your green smoothies can make them taste boring and lack essential nutrients. Varying the ingredients can add variety and help ensure you're getting a wide range of nutrients. Think of your smoothies as being colorful and ever changing combinations of berries and leafy greens. Even if you find one that works for you, adding something new every now and then will make your body really happy!
"Greens are the primary food group that matches human nutritional needs most completely." – Victoria Boutenko, Green for Life, 2010
Tip #3 - You should be using enough liquid...
A common mistake people make is not using enough liquid, which can make the smoothie too thick and difficult to blend. Trust me, nothing is less pleasant than drinking grainy raw kale in a bitter smoothie. There's nothing wrong with chewing bits and pieces of your smoothie, but adding enough liquid or fats will make those tough kale leaves go down a lot smoother. And there's something to say about using the best liquids for your smoothies in general!
Tip #4 - Are you adding enough protein?
If you're like me you're trying to get most of your carbohydrates from your veggies. However many green smoothies lack protein, which is an important nutrient for satiety and overall health. Adding protein-rich ingredients such as nuts, seeds, or protein powder can help balance out the smoothie. Try to find a protein powder that is mild, easy to mix in and is low in corn, cane or artificial sugars.
Tip #5 - Not washing your veggies thoroughly?
It's important to wash your greens thoroughly to remove any dirt, tiny bugs or pesticides. Not washing them properly can result in a gritty smoothie and potentially harmful contaminants. Use a power washer, vinegar and water mixtures, was every leaf and even use pre-wash with hot water for veggies that seem to have a lot of pesticides on the surface. If your veggies come unpackages, think about how many hands have touched your greens at the grocery store and then act accordingly!
"For happy health, fuel yourself with dreams and greens." – Terri Guillemets
Listen, we are professionals at making green smoothies. When we were in the stone ages of juice bars using fruit juices and sugary canned fruits in their smoothies, we were adding superfoods, avocado and adding ingredients people had never heard of in the U.S. Move With Grace set a standard for juice chains to step their game up and think about the health of their customers ovr profits! So please try our tips the next time you make a healthy smoothie or Click here to order our best selling Vegan Healthy Shake (Kale, Avocado, Celery, Banana, Green Apple) which we recommend adding organic ginger or lemon that just takes it to the next level! We also invite you to leave a comment below if you have any questions or have your own tips for our readers.