5 steps to the perfect smoothie

Love starting the day with a dose of goodness? Make breakfast that much better, with Harriet Emily’s 5 steps to the perfect smoothie.

I love my morning smoothie, and I’ve definitely had my fair share of different ones, good and bad. Obviously, when the smoothie first rose in popularity, it was packed with only fruit and sugars. As great tasting as this is, it’s clear to tell that drinking something that sweet can’t exactly be healthy. However, as we grew to become more health conscious, it’s clear to see why we’d turn to drinking smoothies. Making it such an easy way to pack in your five-a-day, there’s no way you can’t make a perfect drink that’s nutritious and delicious. So, today I’m sharing with you my favourite five ways to sneak in the good stuff and make the perfect smoothie so you can feel good on the inside and out.

1. Nuts and seeds

Adding in a spoonful of nuts or seeds into your smoothie is a great way to pack in some extra nutrients and vitamins, as well as adding some good fats, so you can feel fuller for longer. A favourite nut of mine to add in would have to be cashews. Packed with iron and potassium, they’re one of the best nuts you can have. They also add a creamy texture, which is perfect if you want something a bit richer.

2. Leafy greens

Green smoothies are definitely all the rage at the moment, and it’s clear to see why. As most people tend to avoid these vegetables when placed on their plates, it makes perfect sense to sneakily blend them into a drink. Without too strong a taste, they’re great in smoothies. I like to blend some kale or spinach into mine for an extra calcium kick. For a winning combination, try pairing them with banana.

3. Berries

High in antioxidants, berries are definitely a must have in my mind. Asides from tasting delicious, berries such as blueberries, strawberries or raspberries are some of the healthiest fruits you can eat as they tend to have a lower sugar content. So if you want something tasty but are trying to lower your sugars, definitely sweeten your shake with some berries.

4. Superfood powders

Adding in a scoop of a superfood powder is an easy way to give your smoothie that real kick. Two of my favourite powders to add are spirulina and hemp protein. There’s nothing better for me than when you finish the last mouthful of your drink and have that amazing buzz, feeling full of health. Adding some superfood powders will certainly give you that, perfect if you have a busy day ahead.

5. Spices

Spices are a great flavour enhancer in any recipe. Although it may seem unusual to consider adding some spice into your smoothie, they actually work miracles in terms of taste and health. Try sprinkling some cinnamon and ginger into a citrusy smoothie for a subtle hint of heat, as well as emphasising any sweet flavours. I particularly love adding cinnamon as it helps to regulate blood sugar, making it the perfect pairing for fruit.