Full of flavour, these will keep you full for longer
The world feels like a pretty miserable place to be right now, doesn’t it? While none of us can control what’s happening, we sure can start our day a little better. A happy stomach is a great mood elevator! Smoothies make for a convenient, portable and easy meal (or snack) with no cooking skills required. All you need is a blender and some key ingredients! Here are five excellent breakfast-smoothie combos that are loaded with all the good things to keep you healthy and full for long WFH days!
This one will taste like an apple pie in a mason jar sans the sugar and with 58 grams of protein! Leave the skin on the apple for extra phytonutrients—chemicals produced by plants. Foods with phytonutrients have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. This recipe is also a sneaky way to add spinach into your diet. Popeye’s favourite leafy green is full of vitamin K and iron.
INGREDIENTS
1.5 cups water
2 scoops sugar-free vanilla-flavoured whey protein
1 apple, core removed and cut into wedges
1 cup spinach
2 tbsp almonds
¼ cups uncooked oats
cinnamon to taste
ice as needed
Want to fuel up for a super long day of work? Start your day with a coffee-based smoothie loaded with the good stuff to keep you going like whey—which is a multifunctional protein powerhouse—especially for people who train hard. It also has walnuts, the brain-food, which is said to have the highest omega-3 fatty acid content and antioxidant capacity compared to all other nuts.
INGREDIENTS
1.5 cup cold coffee (without milk or sugar)
a large frozen banana
1 heaped tbsp unsweetened cocoa
6 tbsp chocolate whey protein powder
¼ cup walnuts
1 cup ice or as needed
This is like Piña Colada minus the booze and the hangover! Pineapple is said to have anti-inflammatory properties and reduces excessive coagulation (clotting).
INGREDIENTS
1.5 cups water or 350ml milk/yoghurt
2 scoops vanilla-flavoured protein powder
½ banana
1 cup pineapple
1 cup spinach
1 tbsp flax seeds, finely ground
2 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes
½ cup plain yoghurt
The perfect recovery breakfast post a revitalising workout. Loaded with protein, potassium and flavour, this dessert-in-jar is the ideal first meal of the day! Bananas are full of potassium, fibre, and vitamin B6 and an essential-smoothie ingredient—which gives a touch of sweetness and creaminess to it.
INGREDIENTS
1.5 cups water, milk/yoghurt
2 scoops chocolate-flavoured protein powder
1 banana
1 cup of spinach
2 tbsp of natural peanut butter
1 tbsp cacao nibs or dark cocoa powder
Can a smoothie list be ever complete without one with juicy berries? This version is packed with protein, fibre, healthy fats, phytonutrients and probiotics. You can freeze strawberries, blueberries and blackberries when they’re in season. This drink works for brekkie, lunch or even as an evening snack!
INGREDIENTS
1.5 cups water
1 cup spinach
2 cups frozen, mixed berries
½ cup plain low-fat yoghurt
2 scoops vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp walnuts
1 tbsp flaxseed, ground
Smoothies can be a source of easy-to-digest fuel for your muscles. They provide everything you need—protein, healthy fats, vegetables, and fruits—all in one convenient package. Just make sure you DIY at home, as most store-bought ones have added artificial sweeteners, flavours and calories!
Disclaimer: Please consult your nutritionist/physician before changing your diet if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or food allergies.
[Image Credits: Shutterstock]
Eva Pavithran
Vertical Head - Lifestyle