A smoothie is to weight watchers what protein shakes are to strength trainers; an elixir that keeps you moving from one hour to another, with the desire to be healthier and fitter in the long run.
But, in a world where we’re almost always pressed for time, smoothies have also become a great save for those who are constantly on the move and don’t have the time to stir up meals from scratch.
Diet, fitness, and nutrition have evolved to the new-age of power walks, power naps and power meals, all of which maximize the advantages while minimizing the time spent indulging in the activity.
Taking cue from the super-short workout craze, we serve up simplistic ways to use fresh ingredients, healthy fruits, and vegetables to pack in a punch for the busy-bee who is constantly on-the-move.
Paging the smoothie operator—here’s all the assistance you’ll need to find a power drink for every eventful hour of the day.
1Banana & Walnut Bliss—A Pre-Workout Powerhouse
Get energized for a workout with this banana smoothie. Bananas are packed with antioxidants, potassium and multiple nutrients while adding walnuts is a great way to increase your intake of protein and healthy fats.
All you have to do is blend 2 cups skim milk, 1 large banana, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, and a handful of walnuts (or 7 halves) till it’s smooth, and you’re set.
2High-Protein Cheesecake—A Post-Workout Reload
After every workout, our bodies need to replenish the energy and fluids that we’ve lost while exercising. This protein-loaded smoothie does just that. Besides, it also satisfies your sweet tooth and is utterly delicious.
Add 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 3/4 cup 2% organic cottage cheese, 1 tbsp sugar-free cheesecake instant Jell-O pudding mix, 1/2 cup organic skim milk, and 5 ice cubes to a blender; blend on medium-high until smooth.
3Nutribullet Green Smoothie—An In-Between Meals Snack
This guilt-free smoothie is loaded with vitamins and minerals and is great for when the tummy rumbles.
Add 1 cup spinach, 1/2 a large banana, a handful of almonds, 1/4 cup cherries, 1tbsp hemp seeds, and 2 cups almond milk, or as per the consistency you prefer; blend till smooth and it’s done.
4Probiotic Kefir Smoothie—A Power-Packed Kick-Starter
This smoothie has numerous benefits: Kefir is loaded with calcium and protein, and the cucumber and lemon juice have natural detoxing benefits.
Add 2 cups organic unsweetened whole milk kefir, 1 cup peeled and chopped cucumber, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or mint leaves, the juice of 1 lemon, 1/4 to 1/2 tsp ground cumin and a pinch of salt to a blender; whiz till it’s smooth, and make it your morning wake-up call.
5Ultra Chocolate Smoothie—For Those Midnight Cravings
About an hour before bedtime, you have this overwhelming urge to dig into something greasy, which has you scouring the refrigerator for all things unhealthy.
Next time, try this smoothie instead. Don’t worry, it’s not some green slime; it has chocolate! Take 3/4 cup chocolate low-fat frozen yogurt, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa, and 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk. Blend till it’s smooth.
