A “Game-Changing” Blender?

As a quick breakfast, a snack, or a healthy way to create a quick meal that’s nutrient dense, a smoothie can’t be beat.

I make them all the time. 

But once you’re in the habit, I do recommend experimenting. There’s a lot of ways you can go here, and it really depends on when you’re enjoying a smoothie, and what you’re looking to get out of it. 

It pays to tinker, and then see how you feel afterwards. 

Because if you don’t have the right ingredients, it may taste great going down. But then you’re hungry again before you know it.

For a truly filling smoothie, you need a good base. Something that adds protein, good fats, texture and flavor. 

I typically start with almond milk, though I use whole milk on occasion. I find unsweetened almond milk (usually flavored with vanilla) is low in calories, creamy, and lower in sugar too. 

But because nut milks are usually low calorie, it may be a reason why you’re not feeling full when you use them. That makes what comes next so important. 

For a really filling smoothie, I definitely add something with a little bulk. A frozen banana does a good job here, by adding nutrients, plus that frozen texture I like. A mix of frozen berries is another good choice. 

To make it truly filling, I usually use Patriot Power Protein, nut butter, or both. This is giving me more of a “meal” than a snack, and it will curb hunger well. 

For additional good fats, and filling fiber, you can add things like chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds. Each has terrific health benefits, though they’re slightly different in taste and texture. 

If you do choose chia, be sure to check your teeth afterwards. Those little buggers have a way of sticking around. 

For additional nutrition, I’ve been known to throw in leafy greens, a scoop of Patriot Power Greens, other fruit I may have on hand, or things like turmeric, cinnamon, cacao, or even CBD, if I’m feeling stressed or sore.

An avocado is a good substitute for bananas if you don’t like them. But they’re a little temperamental in the freezer, so here’s a tip I found recently that’s another good swap: frozen zucchini chunks. 

I don’t know about you, but during gardening season, I end up with more zucchini than I know what to do with. And as much as I like it, I really shouldn’t have zucchini bread in the house (I tend to inhale it).

But if you chop fresh zucchini into chunks and freeze it, it adds texture and nutrition, and truthfully… you can’t even really taste it. So it blends well with nearly anything.

Do you have any smoothie tips you’d like to share? Let me know – I’m always looking for new things to try.