Simplify your smoothie with this easy guide to making delicious and healthy smoothies.
Ideally, I’d like to be a trend setter not a follower. Don’t we all, though? My only street-cred in this category is that I was gluten-free before it was cool (or before people even knew about it). Of course, I didn’t have a choice in that matter but I think I have the right to use my pre-celiac pain for something now.
For the most part I really DO do my own thing. I’m far from the college stereotype, I’m an introvert, I enjoy waking up early when everyone is sleeping in and brunching. However, when it comes to a few food-related trends, I 100% admit to jumping the bandwagon. I’m also 100% OK with it.
I fully credit my amazingly creative friend Georgie for introducing me to the world of smoothies and smoothie bowls. Obviously I knew smoothies existed before, but I didn’t know they could be THIS good. Check Instagram any day and you’ll see a plethora of smoothies. All different colors. All different toppings. Actually, I think smoothies, avocado toast and coffee are the most popular (i.e. #basic) things to Instagram. They are all healthy and delicious so I don’t think this is a problem in the least.
Ok, smoothies. There are a million other posts about how to make smoothies but for someone like me who can be THE epitome of lazy, I want to ensure you all that making smoothies doesn’t have to be a hassle. I used to dismiss making smoothies and blame it on “not having a blender,” just because I would rather have gone to JugoFresh to spend $8-$10 on one. What I didn’t realize until Georgie mentioned it, is that you can make smoothies with a food processor, which I had sitting in my cabinet. I didn’t have any more excuses. Eventually I “invested” a good ol’ Andrew Jackson ($20) to buy this baby, which now gets used every day.
As you’ve all probably figured out by now, I like to stick to the basics. My motto: K.I.S.S. Here are my necessities (plus the not-really-necessary but strongly encouraged toppings) for smoothies and smoothie bowls.
The details:
-1 cup liquid of your choice. I like CocoLibre coconut water, Pacific Foods Almond Milk (and the coconut flavored!).
-Frozen fruit. I use 1/2 or 1/3 frozen banana and a large handful of frozen berries.
-Nut butter of your choice. The options are endless…
-Toppings. Not necessary but they are the most fun part! I like Purely Elizabeth granola, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut flakes, fresh fruit and goji berries, which I just tried.
-Other ingredients I like that are not featured: spinach and/or kale (which I promise you can’t taste!), cinnamon and acai.
Directions:
-Place liquid in FIRST
-Add frozen fruit
-Add any additional ingredients (like nut butter or spinach)
-Add another splash of liquid (or just water) on top
-Blend
-Top-it-up
-Eat
So now that everyone knows how to make a smoothie bowl, go make yourself one for a second-breakfast. If you haven’t gotten on the second-breakfast bandwagon, you’re seriously missing out. Check out the Instagram hashtag #bgbcommunity for more smoothie (and food) inspiration from some of my favorite bloggers.
Smoothie out of a BOWL always!!! And yes Miss Georgie is the queen of smoothie bowls, but yours look pretty amazing too…Have a great Tuesday! XOXO
She Rocks Fitness recently posted…Why Hard Works Beats Luck – The Blissful Balance
I’m always amazed by her creations. And yes, bowls ALWAYS win.
I am 100% on the second breakfast bandwagon, but I haven’t gotten on the smoothie bowls yet! I know I need to, but they look so good I’m scared their going to be addicting! I got a Ninja for Christmas last year though so I know I need to put it to good use.
Margaret @ youngandrungry recently posted…Cross Training: Climbing
Smoothies are my favorite second breakfast. Ah yes put it to use!!!
I have a smoothie every single day! I try to mix it up and have fun with them. Such a great way to pack in some fruits and veggies. I also have protein powder in mine.
Crystal Renaud recently posted…7 Life Lessons That Running Has Taught Me
There are endless combinations and it’s great that you can get in a lot of fruits and veggies first thing in the morning.
Great post, and your graphics are seriously great in this post. Way to step it up girl ;)
Gretchen recently posted…Story Behind the Pic #2
Thank you :) I’m actually a graphic design minor but NEVER do anything with my blog because I’m burnt out from school. I’m hoping to do more like this after graduation.
SMOOTHIESSSS. There are just endless ways to have them I am not sure I could ACTUALLY ever get sick of them. Plus, the toppings. All about the toppings. Your bowls look bangin’. <3 #bgbcommunity 4 LYFE ;-)
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen recently posted…Vegan Sweet Potato Black Bean Pumpkin Chili
THE TOPPINGS. Literally the icing on the cake (eeeerrr bowl).
99.9% sure I could live on smoothies year round.
Jamie recently posted…Hot Oil 5K Recap & Running Things
You are also a reason I’ve become addicted to smoothies! Just so refreshing any time of day/year/
This is a great post! I used to have smoothies all the time, but I usually stop when it gets cold outside. I’ll have to try it your way one of these days!
Kelly recently posted…The Best Healthy + Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie Recipe!
Even though it doesn’t get cold in Florida I like oatmeal in the summer and now smoothies in the winter!
Whenever I see your smoothies on my IG feed, I just stare at the beauty. They always look amazing! I’m actually not a huge smoothie person, but you make me want to venture out and try new flavors thanks to your pictures!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Recovery Resources
It’s really only recently that I’ve become obsessed with them. I think I’m just obsessed with all the toppings I can put on too :)
I missed the boat on the smoothie bowls but now I need to change it up and try this! We drink smoothies in our house every single day!
Kristin recently posted…Buddy Guy in Concert & Weekend Fun
My whole family just started drinking smoothies regularly. Even my dad likes smoothie bowls (and that’s saying a lot).
Mmmm I could totally go for a smoothie or smoothie bowl right now… I’ve been slacking on my smoothie game lately.
Liz @ The Clean Eating Couple recently posted…The Clean Eating Couple Takes on Italy – Part 2
I need to start putting the ingredients all together in plastic bags in the freezer. It would definitely cut down on time!
Smoothie bowls are the bomb! I used to not drink as many because they wouldn’t fill me up and I would still be left hungry but once I started adding toppings (like nut butter) they really started to fill me up and now I love me a good smoothie bowl!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Quinoa, Black Bean, & Corn Salad
I should have mentioned that I typically eat them as snacks because they don’t always fill me up. Extra toppings are needed for that!
I just can’t do it…no smoothie for me…but Maybe a super super thick bowl would be okay :P
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Gluten-Free Gifts For The Newly Diagnosed Celiac
I prefer thick too! Adding toppings helps because I like the crunch.
My NutriBullet arrived on Monday so smoothies will be a daily occurrence from now on! xx
Could there be a better package to receive on a Monday?! Excited for you!
I don’t think a food can really be “basic” in the contemporary context we use the word, so I don’t think it matters that you hopped on the smoothie bandwagon, they’re popular for a reason, they’re delicious! Your smoothie ingredients are perfect! I love frozen fruit, yogurt and a bit of spinach in my smoothies!
You’re right- they are popular for a VERY good reason.
Do you have any tips for people who don’t like smoothies? I want to like them really badly, but I can’t get over the texture (the taste is fine). Maybe I am missing something, but every time I have one, I have to choke it down.
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet recently posted…Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon: Week 14 (Lots of Rambling, Little Running)
I have a HUGE problem with texture. I won’t eat a lot of foods because of it so I completely understand. I’ve found eating it with a spoon (rather than drinking it) helps. Is it normally too liquidy or too thick for you? Or neither?
Great post! I’m the same, I wake up early and eat breakfast before anyone else is up. Smoothies are such a great way to start the day, but I have yet to try a smoothie bowl! The first picture looks delicious!
Jillian recently posted…Dani from Mermaid Waves: Chicago’s Fashionista
Thank you! Smoothie bowls are very new to me too. But I love eating food out of a bowl for some reason!
Beautiful graphics! I go through phases with smoothies, although starting to add coconut milk to them made me love them again. I’m a smoothie drinker, never much of a smoothie bowl person.
Laura @ This Runner’s Recipes recently posted…4 Tips to Stay Motivated in Your Running This Winter
Thanks, Laura! I haven’t added “real” coconut milk (from a can) but I can imagine that would make it so thick and creamy!
i love topping my smoothies with granola too, gotta have that crunch!
rachel @ athleticavocado recently posted…14 Healthy Sweet Potato Side Dish Recipes