Smoothies have become synonymous with healthy eating. Whether you make one in the morning for breakfast or it’s your go-to fuel for post-workout recovery, blended concoctions are a convenient way to fast-track nutrients into your body. However, your smoothie is only as good as what you put in it. You can completely customize smoothie recipes to satisfy what your body needs and tastebuds want, tailoring the ingredients to help maximize nutrients, build muscle, or lose weight. Thing is, discerning what’s wholesome versus what’s clever marketing has become a harebrained endeavor.
As a sports dietitian, I’ve spent years crafting smoothies for athletes. So let’s dive into some of the add-ins that get top marks, why they’re good for you, and how to combine them into the ultimate smoothie for your goals. Note: Ideally these supplements should be taken daily to get their full effect since many aren’t stored in the body to be used on subsequent days.