There is no doubt that you have seen or been to a smoothie establishment. There are healthy options, seemingly healthy options, and glorified milkshakes. Some of the recipes even state that they contain juice and ice cream. Those smoothies do not do anything for your overall health. In fact, they only make you crave unhealthy foods and increase your sugar intake. 

On the other hand, a smoothie can be an excellent source of easy-to-digest fuel for the entire body, especially your muscles. That should be of great interest if you are focusing on your gains in the gym. With the following ingredients, you can ensure your smoothies will be nutrient-dense, instead of detracting from your progress. 

Spirulina

It’s possible that this ingredient may not be a go-to selection for you, but it is one of the most nutrient-dense ingredients on this list. Familiarize yourself with spirulina, which is a blue-green algae that is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, zinc, iron, beta-carotene, and so much more. Just remember that a little goes a long way and it can have a seaweed-like taste, so don’t treat this like protein powder. 

Beets

Yes, you can add beets to your smoothie and make it taste good! Beets exhibit anti-inflammatory activity and are rich in iron, folate, and several B-vitamins. A one-cup serving of beets also offers 442 milligrams (mg) of potassium, which may help lower blood pressure. The body can better absorb iron when you consume it with vitamin C, so pair beets with citrus fruits, apples, and carrots for better nutrient absorption.

Cinnamon

Fruits and vegetables get a lot of love and support as smoothie ingredients, but spices like cinnamon are typically neglected. Cinnamon is as versatile as it is aromatic and flavorful. According to several studies, cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar, making it an excellent choice for people with diabetes. It may also reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. It is also a warming spice that goes great with bananas, almond butter, maple syrup, chia seeds, pears, and more.

Bananas

Believe it or not, every smoothie does not have to contain bananas, but it is a useful ingredient, both nutritionally and texturally. Frozen or soft, bananas bring both a natural sweetness and creamy texture to your smoothies. They are also rich in potassium, fiber, complex carbs, and vitamin B6, which is integral for optimal brain and immune function. 

Almond Butter

If you have the option to purchase raw almond butter, please do so because other varieties can include added sugars and problematic oils. Almond butter is a great smoothie ingredient because it contains monounsaturated fat and doesn’t have nearly as much saturated fat as peanut butter. It is also rich in protein and fiber, two nutrients that help keep those hunger pangs at bay. 

Non-Dairy Milk

Although water is a perfectly acceptable liquid to use in a smoothie, non-dairy milks make smoothies more creamy and filling. One of the primary benefits of non-dairy milks is that they increase calcium absorption. Regarding protein content, soy milk is the best option, but soy can be inflammatory for many people. Both almond milk and cashew milk are great options for smoothies as well. Whichever non-dairy milk you select, make sure to buy unsweetened varieties, as many contain added sugars, stabilizers, and other processed ingredients. You can also make your own non-dairy milks, which is the best and most nutritious option.

Chia Seeds

These seeds may be small, but they are mighty, packing a lot of heart-healthy omega-3s and fiber per serving. Research suggests that chia seeds may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Don’t add too many chia seeds to a smoothie, or else the texture of the smoothie may feel closer to chia pudding. As a side note, chia pudding is a great pre- or post-workout snack to fuel your muscles. 

Spinach

Popeye was leading the charge about popularizing spinach! It is a great green to add to smoothies because it doesn’t really flavor your smoothies. Add bananas and some other fruits and you won’t even know the spinach is there, besides the color. Spinach is a great source of protein, magnesium, folate, iron, and more. It also contains lutein, which promotes healthy eyesight. Spinach is also a great source of vitamin K, with one serving providing nearly 200% of the daily value. 

Raspberries

To round out the list, we have raspberries, which are low in sugar (five grams per cup) and full of fiber (eight grams per cup). Raspberries are also rich in potassium, vitamin C, and a variety of antioxidants. Pair raspberries with a protein source and your smoothie will be great for muscle building and anti-aging.

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Are you ready to escape to a tropical paradise without leaving your home? If you answered yes to that question, then you are ready for our delightful mango coconut chia pudding. Some might call it summer’s sweetest secret, while others call it a nutritious breakfast that you can take on the go. It is a creamy, vibrant treat that combines juicy mangos and velvety, full-fat coconut milk for a flavor explosion that’s as refreshing as the ocean breeze. Plus, the chia seeds offer valuable omega-3s and fiber, helping to keep you feeling full between meals to avoid unnecessary snacking. The antioxidants in mangos help to boost your immune system as well, making this breakfast or snack the perfect guilt-free indulgence to keep you cool and nourished all summer long!

Not only does this chia pudding delight your taste buds, but it also offers a lot of healthy fats from the coconut milk. These fats work to support skin health and energy levels. Full-fat coconut milk is not sweet, but it is very creamy and offers a subtle nuttiness that complements the natural sweetness of the mango. The mango contains natural sugars, so you can choose to omit the agave if you choose. Some mangos are sweeter than others, so try the chia pudding without the agave first and then add it if it needs a little extra sweetness.

Let’s not forget the visual component of this delicious coconut mango chia pudding. The mango cubes look like little treats within the speckled tapioca-like pudding. Is it Instagram worthy? Well, that’s up to you to decide! Take a picture and tag us when you post it so that we can love it as much as you do. It is truly your summer-ready breakfast that will transport you to a tropical beach.

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There are many foods, both unhealthy and healthy, that can easily spike blood sugar levels. If you have type 2 diabetes, then you probably know those foods pretty well, as counting carbohydrates can help you control blood sugar levels. The number of carbs in a certain food, however, is not the only determining factor that affects blood sugar. 

All carb-rich foods convert into sugar in the body, but a food’s fiber, fat, and protein all influence that food’s impact on blood sugar levels. All of those nutrients play a role in a food’s glycemic index (GI), which is a ranking of how drastically it can raise blood sugar levels compared with pure glucose. Pasta and sports drinks, for example, rank high on the list of high-GI foods. Lettuce, dark chocolate, peanuts, and other foods have a lower GI rating. Below, you’ll learn about six foods that tend to spike blood sugar levels, in addition to better ways to approach them to regulate blood sugar.

Fast Food

The common thought is that hamburgers and French fries are calorically dense and rich in unhealthy fats. That is true, but these foods are also rich in sugar and refined carbs, both of which can raise blood sugar levels. Many popular fast food chains sell burgers that contain as much sugar as a candy bar! A cheeseburger from a fast food place may contain seven grams (g) of sugar and 32 g of carbs, compared to a two-ounce Snickers bar, which contains 29 g of sugar and 35 g of carbs. Unfortunately, there is no recommendation for approaching fast food places in a healthy way. We recommend that you avoid these establishments at all costs.

Dried Fruit

Fruit can spike blood sugar levels if you consume a lot of it, but you don’t have to completely eliminate it from your diet. Many fruits offer fiber, beneficial vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants that help protect cells. When you do consume fruit, make sure that you only enjoy a single serving, as opposed to an entire bowl of fruit salad. Choose whole fresh fruits because they are not processed and don’t contain added sugars. Plus, you have the added nutrients that may help you manage type 2 diabetes. 

Dried fruit tends to have a lot of sugar and processed ingredients. That is especially true for the varieties in trail mixes and such. A whole apricot, for example, contains a little over three g of sugar, while half of a dried apricot has nearly two g. If you want to enjoy dried fruit, choose the varieties that are free of preservatives and added sugars. 

Starchy Vegetables

In large amounts, starchy vegetables like corn, potatoes, and peas can have a greater amount of carbs than non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Don’t eliminate starchy vegetables from your diet; rather, eat them in moderation. Starchy vegetables still provide beneficial nutrients and are usually higher in fiber than non-starchy vegetables. Pair your starchy vegetables with foods that contain healthy fats, fiber, and lean protein. In doing so, you will dramatically reduce the likelihood of a big blood sugar spike. 

Sugar-Sweetened Drinks

We get it: soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks are delicious. It is very difficult to control your blood sugar if you drink those beverages, though. Ignore the heavy amounts of sugar in soda, sweetened juices, or teas for a second. These beverages do not contain any fiber, protein, or healthy fats. They also do nothing to fill you up and they may even increase the risk of dehydration on sunny days. The only thing they may be beneficial for is if someone needs to quickly raise blood sugar when experiencing acute hypoglycemia. Instead of drinking sugary sodas, opt for soda water, which is sugar-free and still provides carbonation. You can also add fresh fruit to water to naturally flavor the water and increase the healthy benefits. 

Some Non-Dairy Milks

Some people decide to consume non-dairy milks to reduce their consumption of dairy products. In an effort to be healthier, people who drink more non-dairy milks may raise their blood sugar levels. These milks are not low-GI foods, with oat milk being the highest in sugar. Rice milk is the second highest in sugar, exhibiting a GI of 86. If you want to drink a non-dairy milk, opt for unsweetened versions. Unsweetened soy milk, for example, contains 0.5 g of sugar and 3.5 g of protein per serving.

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Vegan Brazilian limeade is the refreshing, dairy-free twist on the traditional Brazilian classic “Limonada.” Unlike traditional limeade that is only made with lime juice, sweetener, and water, Limonada is a vibrant drink that utilizes the entire lime fruit (even the peel), sugar, and condensed milk. In this recipe, we leave the granulated sugar and condensed milk behind and use incredibly creamy coconut milk, which creates a delightful balance of sweet and tropical flavors. It is the perfect vegan drink for warm weather. Sip it at a backyard BBQ or with a friend by the pool!

To prepare this vegan take on Brazilian limeade, you will need two limes. Make sure to clean them well because you will be using the entire fruit. If you do not feel comfortable using the peel, you can remove it. Blending the limes with coconut milk adds a smooth, slightly sweet, and nutty undertone to the drink. For the sweetener, we listed pure maple syrup, but you can use agave syrup if you prefer that flavor. You can also start with less sweetener, taste, and add more until you find the right balance. There should be a little zesty flare, though, so don’t let the sweetness overpower the limes.

This beverage not only offers a unique flavor profile but also provides nutritional benefits. Coconut milk is rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making the drink both delicious and nourishing. Whether you serve this drink at tropical-themed parties, summer barbecues, or simply as a cooling refreshment for you and you alone, this vegan Brazilian limeade is a flavorful drink that captures the essence of summer.

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Is this dandelion pesto nature’s green powerhouse in sauce form? We’ll leave that for you to decide. What we can tell you is that this highly addictive sauces is crafted from dandelion greens, which bring a wild, bitter-green twist to a classic sauce. Forget the basil and cheese, because they aren’t needed here. It still contains pine nuts, lemon juice, olive oil, and other seasonings, but the dandelions require other ingredients to tame the subtle bitterness.

Often dismissed as pesky weeds, dandelions are rich in antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and K, and other minerals like calcium and iron. That makes this pesto a superfood sauce in disguise! Blended with heart-healthy olive oil, crunchy pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, turmeric, nutritional yeast, and sea salt, this pesto strikes a great balance between bold, rustic flavors and bright citrusy tones. It’s a great sauce, whether you decide to pour it over zucchini noodles, use it as a dip, or pile it onto a tray of roasted veggies. It truly awakens the palate!

Best of all, it does not contain preservatives, dairy, and artificial additives, which are common ingredients in most store bought pesto sauces. This sauce is pure plant-powered goodness straight from the garden to your plate. Now, that does not mean you have to go foraging for dandelions, but they are a common weed that people discard. Just forage for flavor! Play it safe and buy dandelion greens from the grocery store, a move that will also ensure you have enough greens free of pests for the pesto.

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What do you need to make one of the best seed milks you’ve ever tasted? Two ingredients, although we added a few extra just to enhance the flavor. Hemp milk is quick and easy to make, and the best part is that you don’t have to strain it like you would almond milk or cashew milk. It is smooth, creamy, and rich, making it a great choice for smoothies, baking, or even cooking. You could even take it to the next level and make a hemp cream, but we don’t have time for that recipe today.

If you have never had hemp milk, you are probably wondering what it tastes like. It has a similar nutty flavor to almond milk, but is creamier than both almond milk and soy milk. Hemp milk also exhibits subtle earthy notes, which is similar to the flavor of hemp seeds themselves. That’s why we decided to add raw agave nectar and alcohol-free vanilla extract to distract your taste buds from those earthy notes. Flavor notes aside, hemp milk is incredibly nutritious, exhibiting impressive amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Hemp seeds are also rich in vitamin E and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, and potassium.

Hemp seeds are very tender, which means that they break down easily during the blending process. No soaking required to soften them! Simply add the hemp hearts and other ingredients to the blender, blend, and serve! You don’t need a nut milk bag or cheesecloth because there is no pulp!

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Oh my goodness! Is this about to be the best vegan treat of the holidays? Good tidings and even better flavors we bring to you and your kin. We wish you a happy holidays and an even happier eating experience. This vegan eggnog chia pudding recipe is not only delectable, but also creamy and filled with holiday spices. Unlike traditional eggnog recipes, this one is free of added sugars, preservatives, dairy, and unhealthy fats. It is also alcohol-free!

Sweets are all the rage during the holiday season. Would Christmas be what it is without a cup of hot cocoa and some cookies, or a glass of eggnog? Yes, of course it would! Don’t fall into that classic holiday mentality of “well, I only eat this during this time of year, so it is perfectly acceptable to have it whenever I want it.” Because people love their holiday treats, though, we decided to create one of our own. You can enjoy it for breakfast or eat it as a dessert. There is no wrong way to eat this eggnog chia pudding.

Because eggnog is very creamy and beautifully spiced, it lends itself to chia pudding. The hints of nutmeg and cinnamon almost give this chia pudding a flavor that is reminiscent to a classic rice pudding. Once the chia pudding sets, feel free to top it with your desired toppings. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top, add some diced apples or sliced bananas, or drizzle some nut butter on top. Need a little crunch to this recipe? Add some slivered almonds or pumpkin seeds! Lastly, this recipe will keep fresh in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to five days, so you don’t have to enjoy it immediately when it is ready.

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Have you ever taken a spoon to a pint of non-dairy ice cream and been utterly disappointed? If this unfortunate situation has happened to you, prepare to be amazed by a homemade dairy-free ice cream that is just as smooth and creamy as it is delicious. Some ice cream manufacturers just can’t seem to crack the code on texture. That’s why vegan ice creams are typically hard, icy, and not creamy like traditional dairy ice cream. The raw macadamia nuts help establish a creamy, nutty base for this to be one of the better raw vegan ice creams out there.

Macadamia nuts are rich in various vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, healthy fats, protein, and other nutrients. Researchers have found that macadamia nuts contain some of the highest flavonoid levels of all tree nuts. These antioxidant compounds work to fight inflammation and lower cholesterol levels. Macadamia nuts are also rich in tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E that exhibits antioxidant properties that may benefit cholesterol levels. Additionally, tocotrienols may protect against brain diseases and certain cancers.

One key step that you should not forget about while making this recipe is soaking the macadamia nuts. Take the extra two to four hours of soaking time in order to make your ice cream that much creamier. By soaking the nuts, you help soften them, which makes them easier to blend. Finally, use a food processor to blend your ingredients together, as this kitchen tool is better than a blender in this circumstance. Just make sure that you stop blending, scrape down the sides, and continue blending to incorporate all the ingredients!

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Finally, a potato side dish that does not have dairy! Potatoes are a staple ingredient in many kitchens around the world. There are Yukon gold potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, Russet potatoes, red skin potatoes, and purple sweet potatoes. You can use potatoes in myriad ways, roasting them, boiling them for a mash, frying them, etc. We think, and although this recipe is a bit more tedious, that Hasselback potatoes are top tier. Do they contend with your favorite potato side dish? You’ll have to be the judge of that.

We love these Hasselbacks because they are visually exciting and taste incredible. Load them up with spices and feel free to add your own set of herbs to enhance the dish. As far as cooking goes, the process is very easy. You roast the potatoes in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes and that’s that. The tedious element is how you cut the potatoes. The first thing you have to do is make sure that your knife is sharp. If your knife isn’t sharp, the preparation will be a lot more difficult. Once you have a sharp knife, take two wooden spoons and lay them flat on a cutting board.

One by one, place your potatoes between the handles of the spoons, ensuring that the potato is elevated about the cutting surface. Slice eighth-inch thick slices along each potato, making sure that you hit the spoon handles, not the cutting surface. Once your potatoes are successfully cut, toss them in a bowl with the olive oil and seasonings. Make sure you coat them liberally! Bake in the oven until soft (about 20 minutes) and then enjoy immediately.

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Yes, folks, that time of year has arrived. Pumpkin spice is here to stay for the next couple months, so you can expect some more pumpkin recipes to come your way. Some will be savory, utilizing actual pie pumpkins, and others will be on the sweeter side. The sweeter recipes, like this pumpkin pie pudding, tend to utilize pumpkin puree. Before we tell you more about this pudding, we have to make the distinction between pure pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling. One is 100% pumpkin, with no added fats, sugars, or preservatives, while the other rich in sugar, natural flavors, and, quite frankly, devoid of nutritional value.

Fortunately for you, this pumpkin pie pudding is a healthy, guilt-free dessert that you’ll be enjoying throughout autumn. It is a wonderful vegan creation that contains nutritionally-dense ingredients, including raw cashews, pumpkin puree, pure maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. Pure maple syrup is a much healthier sweetener to use in place of granulated sugar. It also adds a unique sweetness that works particularly well with fall flavors, such as pumpkin pie spice. Just make sure that you opt for pure maple syrup and not the unhealthy corn syrup ones that do not require refrigeration after opening.

This pudding is extra creamy because of the pumpkin puree and raw cashews. Make sure to soak the cashews for at least two hours in order to soften them. That makes them a lot easier to blend, but make sure to discard the soaking liquid before adding them to the blender or food processor. Cashews are great sources of copper, magnesium, manganese, vitamin K, zinc, and phosphorus. Plus, you get tons of vitamin A from the pumpkin!

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