7 Fresh Ways to Upgrade Your Smoothie

Give your smoothie the boost it needs with these healthy options.

By Leah Goldbatt · Sep 8, 2015

Smoothies can be a convenient, healthy way to have a snack or meal replacement on the go, but if you are looking to give your favorite recipes an added boost, nutritionist Jess Cording has recommended her seven all-star ingredients you must try!

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Flaxseeds

These tiny little seeds really pack a punch. “High in fiber and a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds can help keep you feeling fuller longer,” says Cording.

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Cinnamon

“Sprinkling a little cinnamon into your smoothie may help you stay satisfied longer,” says Cording. “Aside from tasting great, cinnamon has been shown to stabilize blood sugar levels, which is great if you have a long stretch between your breakfast smoothie and lunch.”

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Coconut Water

Go for an easy swap. “A lot of people think fruit juice is a healthy addition to smoothies, but it comes with a lot of calories, mainly from sugar,” says Cording. “Unflavored coconut water provides around 40 calories per cup versus about 100 calories per cup of fruit juice, and is a great source of potassium and other electrolytes, which promote hydration.”

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Spinach

It’s not just for salads anymore. Cording says, “Packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and even a little protein, spinach is a no-brainer for smoothies. If you’ve been hesitant to add veggies to your blended drinks, it’s a great first step. And the best part is, you can barely taste it!”

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Chia Seeds

Another seed also packed with fiber and omega-3s are chia seeds, which Cording says are a good source of potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron.

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Matcha

Looking for a boost? Try Matcha. Cording says, “This powder made of ground green tea leaves offers a variety of health benefits from powerful antioxidants, potential weight loss, and even a concentration boost.”

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Plain Greek Yogurt

If your looking to add a little protein to your drink, Cording suggests trying greek yogurt, which provides around 20 grams of protein per cup. “The creamy texture can make any smoothie taste like a rich treat and the probiotic bacteria in it promotes good digestive health.”