Smoothies are a fantastic way to get more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. The amount and combinations that can be blended into a single drink are often far more than you could sit down and eat at one time, especially in the morning when a salad might not sound to appetizing. Smoothies, much like salads, are also a way to incorporate other super foods into your diet, such as healthy fats from nuts, avocados, coconut and also from seeds.
Seeds are super high in essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and often plant-based omega-6, as well as being high in anti-oxidants. They blend easily into your smoothies, without changing the flavor or texture too much.
While there are a ton of seeds you could add to your smoothie, the 3 easiest and most versatile are: flax, chia and hemp. They are readily available at most grocery stores, super centers such as Target, and even bulk stores like Costco.
1) Flax:
- high in fiber
- healthy fats (omega-3s)
- adds a slight oily flavor to your smoothie, so only use about a tbsp
- works great with berry smoothies
2) Chia:
- healthy fats from omega-3s
- high in iron
- adds a bit more thickness to your smoothie
- works well in all smoothies
3) Hemp:
- high in healthier omega-6 essential fatty acids
- plant-based protein
- slightly grassy flavor
- works well in green smoothies
To add these to your smoothies, simply pick your favorite recipe and blend them in. Use about a tbsp of your chosen seeds, opting for just one variety of seeds per smoothie. These are also great for adding to oatmeal, granola, baked goods or sprinkled over yogurt.
For smoothie recipes using these seeds, grab your sample copy of The Smoothie Life and all the other smoothie tips featured in the House of Healthy Resource Library.
Jessi Andricks, author of Detox 101 and The Smoothie Life, is an emerging leader in the field of modern healthy, whole living. Through her training in Health Coaching, Yoga, and mind-body fitness, she's able to blend together the best of all worlds to create innovative online wellness and private coaching programs. Jessi fuses together clean eating basics, empowering fitness techniques, and expert wellness tips to help clients live the happier, healthier lives. Get in touch with Jessi at thehouseofhealthy.com.