Smoothie Ideas to Keep It Fresh

Smoothies and summer are the perfect combo, and they’re hard to resist for good reason: Smoothies are refreshing and delicious, take just minutes to make and are ideal for breakfast or lunch, especially when you’re on the go. Making your own smoothies is not only more affordable than buying them from the local smoothie shop, but it allows you to control the quality of ingredients and maximize nutrition. Of course, we love adding toasted wheat germ to smoothie recipes like our new Protein-Rich Smoothie with Wheat Germ and Chia Seeds, but there are many other tasty ways to take your smoothie to the next level.

Here are some new ideas to add bolder flavors and a bigger burst of nutrition to your DIY smoothies:

Fresh herbs: Many people grow herbs right in their own backyard but reserve them for savory recipes like pesto, salad dressings and marinades. Adding fresh mint, basil or parsley to smoothies provides health-enhancing antioxidants, almost zero calories and an interesting flavor twist. Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger also offer wonderful flavor without any additional calories.

To try: Kiwi Basil Smoothie Recipe  

Nutritional boosts: Smoothies allow you to sneak in extra nutrition without sacrificing flavor. Toss in a tablespoon of ground flax seed for heart-healthy omega-3 fats, two tablespoons of wheat germ for folic acid and vitamin E or a sprinkling of chia seeds for extra protein, fiber and crunch. Leafy greens like kale or spinach, cucumber, broccoli, canned pumpkin, celery and even beets work well in smoothies when paired with sweet items like fruit and honey.

To try: Double Berry Banana Smoothie

Healthy fats: If you’re trying to cut cholesterol-raising saturated fats from your diet, switching from full-fat yogurt to low-fat or fat-free varieties is a smart move. But don’t stop there. Fresh avocados and natural nut butters bring a creamy texture to smoothies (not to mention great flavor), and they’re brimming with the good-for-you monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that can actually help to lower cholesterol levels.

To try: Peanut Butter Bomb Smoothie for Two

What are your favorite ways to maximize flavor and health benefits in your smoothie? Leave a comment below. We’d love to hear your ideas!