Many people think they follow a well-balanced diet, but are often suffering from nutritional deficiencies. This is because even on a relatively healthy diet, you might not be getting all the vitamins and minerals you need.
The following smoothie ideas not only allow you to get lots of nutrients and superfoods, but they all include ingredients that are easy to find during the spring season.
Try to Create More Colorful Smoothies
Spring is the perfect time to rethink how you do things in regards to your health and what you put in your body. If you are used to having smoothies, but usually go with the same strawberry banana combination, now is when you should experiment and try new things.
The first way to mix up the combination (and get more nutrients) with your smoothies is to add in more color. Think of fruits and vegetables you enjoy consuming, but will also change the color of your smoothie.
For example, you can go for a tropical orange-red smoothie by adding carrots to it. Carrots are loaded with nutrients, including beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin C. The smoothie can have fresh berries and sweet fruits, along with greens, which give it a tropical flavor instead of just tasting like carrots.
Add Your Herbs and Spices
One thing people often forget to do with smoothies is add in ingredients aside from just produce. Herbs and spices add in a different flavor profile and give you a lot more nutrients you wouldn’t get otherwise. Plus, they don’t cost a lot of money, so you aren’t breaking the bank just to be healthier.
For example, mint works perfectly with a refreshing strawberry and celery smoothie or juice, or you can add ginger or turmeric to a rich fruit and vegetable smoothie.
Stick to In-Season Produce
For the springtime smoothie, choose ingredients that are in season during the spring. This ensures the freshest taste and best flavor, so you know the quality is just right with your smoothie. This might include adding in greens like spinach or kale, berries like strawberries, or going for produce you don’t eat nearly often enough, like beets or carrots.
Check out your local farmer’s market as that is usually a good indication of what is going to be in season. Plus, it is from local farmers, so you are helping your local economy and saving money at the same time.