I absolutely love smoothies or smoothie bowls. They are a part of my day, every day. Most often I make them for breakfast or after my workout but you can have them any time you want. If I am low in any of my macros it is quick go to to hit my goals. I have been changing how I eat, when I eat and what I am eating and they really help me reach my protein goals for the day because I can add anything I need/want to them. On my low carb days I usually have two to make sure I am eating enough. Do you carb cycle? I am new to it, and I am already in love with it. Taking short breaks to cycle carbs can give your body a chance to burn fat instead of carbs and muscle tissues. So its a win win for me, who doesn't want to burn fat?
The nice thing about smoothies is that you can change them up super easily. You never get bored because you have so many options. Add more protein, change the liquid, change the fruit, you can really do about anything to get whatever flavour you want. My goal is always a healthy fat, protein, and carbs (depending on what cycle of carbs I am on changes what I put in it).
Check out some tips below.
If I need more protein and fiber I always add chia seeds. The best way to add them is let them soak for a few min in a liquid of choice because it helps you digest them better. If not, when they enter you stomach you will get bloated because they will increase in size.
I usually add doTERRA's green to my smoothie but if I am out, I grab some spinach or kale to make it super healthy. Added nutrients like fiber, calcium, vitamins, can help support our adrenal glands.
I always have flaxseeds in my house, usually ground flaxseed so there isn't a texture when I add it to my recipes. If your smoothie isn't thick enough just add some flaxseeds its like a thickening agent. Women need 25 g of fiber a day so if you add flaxseeds, chia seeds, doTERRA's green or fiber you will be starting your day off right.
I have learned to like avocados, I prefer them mixed into a meal vs just sitting down and eating an avocado so I tend to add them to smoothies because I don't taste them at all. They are high in healthy fats and come in handy when I need to meet my macros goals. I have lots of great recipes that include avocados, let me know if you want to see some of them.
My essential oils come in handy when I need to change how my smoothie tastes. You can add citrus or spices and even mint to them. Just think of a chocolate, banana, mint smoothie as a dessert. Doesn't that sounds amazing. They change the flavour plus they have their own benefits e.g. Lemon essential is great in the morning to detox your body.
If you want to change your smoothie to a bowl, just save the flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds and add them to the top with a bit of fresh fruit. It seems more filling that way too. On a regular carb day I would add some oatmeal to my bowl as well.
So many choices and options to choose from, they really are unlimited.
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Enjoy!