Smoothies are great because you can really pack a lot of nutrients, vitamins, and flavour into one sitting. Plus it tastes really good! I also find it to be a great way to cool down on hot days, which Malaysia has a lot of. They are easy to make and require little to no preparation time. That’s why they’re also perfect for days when I’m rushing but still want something good and healthy. All I need to do is pop it in a travel cup and I can be on my way. Recently, we have also seen the trend of Acai bowls, also known as smoothie bowls, become more popular. Here are my favourite smoothies based on my mood and also how I make them!
Are Smoothies Healthy?
Firstly, let’s break down what a smoothie is. Many people might think it’s the same as a milkshake thus contributing to why they might think it’s unhealthy. Milkshakes are very dairy based, meaning there’s a lot of milk, ice cream, or yoghurt included. The dairy product makes up a large part of the drink and that’s how it gets its creamy texture. Furthermore, we’re used to seeing milkshakes on TV served with whipped cream, sprinkles, and cherries.
Meanwhile, smoothies focus more on the other ingredients which are usually fruits and vegetables. Milk can also be included but it is not one of the main ingredients. This drink gets its smooth and thick texture from the frozen fruits.
Healthy Smoothies
The beauty of smoothies is that you can throw in any vegetables or fruits that you want. I have seen recipes where they throw in avocados, carrots, and celery. While getting fresh fruit and popping it in the freezer is better, sometimes it can be quite pricey. Especially if you are looking for berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. You can look out for frozen berries that have a lower sugar content.
Other than frozen fruits, you can also put in some fresh fruit that has been chilled in the fridge. Bananas, mangoes, and other common fruits are much more affordable and taste better fresh. There are times when I still feel like eating the fruit itself and that is when I usually pour the smoothie into a bowl and top it with my fresh fruit.
Rather than using full cream milk, feel free to swap it out for any type of milk you prefer such as soy, almond, or low fat. Personally, I stick to full cream milk as I like the taste better. Sometimes, I also throw in some crushed ice if I already have ingredients that will make the smoothie thick. For example, bananas or avocados tend to create a thicker drink.
Less Healthy Smoothies
Occasionally, I can’t resist a little sweet treat like chocolate or cookies. While this is not a common ingredient, I have found my own ways of incorporating it in. You might be wondering now, isn’t this just a milkshake? Well, not really because it is still not dairy heavy. I’m just swapping out the fruits and vegetables for something a little less healthy.
Recipe for Happy Days
On happy days, you always want something that makes you feel good and for me, that’s something sweet and creamy. That’s why on my happy days, I go for an oreo smoothie! Cookies and cream is a classic flavour that can never go wrong. For my version of this, I use oreo cookies with the cream separated, musli or oats, and chocolate milk. It’s simple but it hits the spot.
For a medium sized cup I use:
- about 5 to 6 cookies
- a cup of milk
- 5 tablespoons of oats
Recipe for Sad Days
For these days, it’s good to go for a little pick-me-up to make myself feel better. This recipe was shared to me by fellow TallyPress writer, Michelle. We are both fans of chocolate! For this you will need:
- half a tablespoon of Nutella or cocoa powder
- a teaspoon of peanut butter
- slightly more than a cup of milk
- one to two frozen bananas.
If you dislike peanut butter, you can leave it out and still enjoy this drink!
Recipe for Gym Days
When I say gym days, I don’t necessarily mean days where I literally head to the gym. In fact, these are the days that you want to go for a healthier option and feel good about yourself. This focuses more on fruits but also involves vegetables! There’s actually no set recipe for it as I kind of depend on what I have in my kitchen. However, this is the standard basic recipe that I follow:
- one to two frozen bananas
- half a cup of frozen berries
- one big handful of baby spinach
- half a cup of milk
As you can see in the picture, I recently decided to pour it out into a bowl and sprinkle some sunflower seeds on top. Then I can just slowly eat it over an hour or two as I go about my day. Don’t worry, you won’t be able to taste the spinach and it’s a good source of vitamins!
Recipe for Productive Days
There are times that I wake up in the morning feeling ready to conquer the world and make the most out of the day. I’m sure many of you know these days when you feel like you can do anything. For my productive days, I prefer to go for a very berry smoothie because they make me feel energised while still satisfying my sweet tooth. My recipe is:
- one cup of frozen berries
- two frozen bananas
- half a cup of milk
- one tablespoon of honey
Go Smoothie Crazy!
When it comes to smoothies, you can get as creative as you want. Throw in your favourite ingredients and don’t be afraid to experiment. You can also try putting it in a bowl, drizzling some honey, topping it with dried fruits, and adding seeds such as sunflowers or chia. Be sure to try out different fruits and even vegetables to see what you like. You should also check out some of the most unexpected ingredients that can be used in smoothies!
