How to Make The Best Smoothie Ever

Smoothies are a great way to pack in loads of raw, health-promoting nutrients into a single meal. Plus, if you have a veggie aversion, smoothies are the perfect vehicle for sneaking in those leafy greens, leaving your tongue none the wiser.

Here are a few tips to consider for a smoothie so good you’ll even impress yourself:

• Consider your ingredients.

Fresh fruits and veggies make the tastiest (and most nutrient-dense) smoothies. That said, if you find your produce has aged just a bit past its prime, don’t hesitate to seal it up and throw it into the freezer for a future smoothie. Some ingredients (like banana and avocado) actually result in a creamier smoothie when you use them frozen. Just make sure to peel and halve those bananas and avocados before you freeze them!

 

• Consider the order.

When you add certain ingredients into the blender makes a difference in the quality and texture of the smoothie. Ice should always come last. Otherwise you risk over-blending the ice, which makes for a watery smoothie as opposed to one that’s icy and frosty. As for the remaining ingredients: add liquids first, followed by frozen fruit, then powders or other mix-ins, and finally any fresh veggies/fruit (fresh produce should be minimally blended). This allows the blades to chop freely and evenly blend your drink (especially important if your blender is anything short of a pro-grade machine).

 

That brings us to…

 

• Consider investing in a really good blender.

A high quality blender makes all the difference for a good smoothie, especially when you get into the sphere of blending in vegetables. No one likes a mouth full of partially pureed, stringy spinach stems in a drink. A professional grade blender can get pricey, but if it means the difference between getting in your greens each day and not, it might be worth the investment.

 

Feel you’re ready to blend like a pro? Try this out this recipe!

 

 

Peach Sorbet Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

½ cup ice

About 8 frozen peach slices (or one fresh peach)

1/2 avocado

2 large handfuls spinach

1 tablespoon shredded coconut

1 tablespoon freshly ground flaxseed

Optional: 2 tablespoons protein powder

 

Method:

Combine all ingredients in blender and blend on high until smooth. Enjoy!