Crushed a morning workout and want something to tide you over? Smoothie. Had a really big lunch and aren’t really in the mood to eat, but know you have to? Smoothie. Broke both of your arms in a freak skiing accident and can’t use a knife and fork? A.) We’re really sorry and B.) smoothie.
But, wow…there are A TON of varieties. Want to know the difference? Read on to find out how to order your favorite smoothie.
Build from the base up
From dairy-free milks like coconut and almond to creamier, probiotic-packed yogurts and kefirs, the base of a smoothie is essential to align with your desired smoothie consistency. If you’re looking for a sweeter smoothie, go wild and use frozen yogurt as your base. Whether you’re building your own or selecting a featured smoothie, keep an eye on the foundation.
Veggie, veggie, fruit, fruit
The two major categories for smoothies are fruits and vegetables. And yes, a lot of times it’s a combination of both.
- Vegetables: You healthy eater, you. Kale and spinach are smoothie MVPs to sneak in some veggies into your morning routine. But, let’s be honest, you often need to pair these green goddesses with a fruit (like mango, pineapple, or bananas) to quell the bitterness.
- Fruits: Fruit is obviously the smoothie staple and there are endless combinations. Some popular options you might see are: strawberry and banana or pomegranate and blueberry.
All the mix ins
You’ve got your core smoothie order now…but don’t forget to amplify all its inherit benefits with popular mix ins:
- Powders: spirulina, maca, hemp or whey are great to tack on for added nutrient and energy boosts
- Seeds: chia or flax aid in the added absorption of all your smoothie veggies/fruits
- Antioxidant-rich add ons: açaí, goji or blue if you’re going for berries or cacao nibs–all of the above will help kick those free radicals to the curb
- Sweeteners: From vanilla extract to honey or agave, a little drizzle goes a long way
Pro tip: Add some special instructions. If you’ve never ordered a smoothie for delivery before and want to try out a specific seed or powder, ask the restaurant to package these separately. That way, you’ll get to manage the amount you put in and see if the flavor profile and consistency is to your liking.
