By Katrina Tomacchio // @thenortheastginger
If you’re short on time in the mornings, smoothies are one of the easiest ways to build a nutrient-dense meal with very little friction. When done well, they deliver protein, fiber, healthy fats and micronutrients in a form that’s easy to digest and quick to consume.
I love smoothies on a busy morning, as post-workout fuel or even for those times when the kids are struggling to meet protein goals. In the summer, they are my go to breakfast.
A well-constructed smoothie can support steady energy, better focus and more stable blood sugar compared to conventional grab-and-go options that mostly rely on refined carbs and added sugars.
But, and I don’t say this lightly, smoothies can quickly go downhill if you don’t build them properly. We want real nutrition, not a sugar bomb.
The key to keeping smoothies healthy is structure. Prioritize a solid protein source, include a natural fat to slow digestion and balance carbohydrates with fiber from fruit or whole-food add-ins.
Remember: this isn’t a liquid dessert. Skip artificial sweeteners and limit natural sources, skip flavored syrups and choose real ingredients.
A note on choosing your ingredients: reading labels matters immensely; we want to choose products and foods that are as close to the natural source as possible. For instance: when choosing a Greek yogurt, I recommend finding one that is made from whole milk and has no added ingredients. And I always recommend buying organic produce (when your budget supports it).
As for the supplements I’ve included in these recipes, here are the products I personally use (click on the name to be directed to the product):
Here’s seven real-food smoothies to get your day started properly:
I love utilizing mason jars as the glassware in my kitchen because they have so many other uses—canning, dry goods preservation, meal prepping, making condiments like salad dressing, and so much more. It’s a really practical item to always have on hand. We use this style for smoothies, and opt for stainless steel straws instead of plastic (we’re always trying to reduce where we’re exposed to plastic in our kitchen! This post dives into that topic a bit deeper). Plus, these straws fit the 40 oz Stanley tumblers, helping use reduce plastic exposure even further!
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Hey kids! Just a heads up that this post may contain affiliate links to products I love and use. If you take action after clicking one of these links (i.e. subscribe, make a purchase, etc.) I’ll earn a bit of a commission, which helps me keep this blog up and running – so you can keep finding dope recipes and helpful information! Thanks in advance for supporting The Northeast Ginger – xoxo Gossip Girl
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