Here' why smoothies with frozen and fresh vegetables are reigning supreme in our kitchens right now.
Go beyond kale with unexpected vegetables like beets, cucumber or cauliflower.
Try frozen vegetables or fresh vegetables.
Here’s a guide to making healthy vegetable smoothies including the best and worst vegetables to use.
And, find out if they’re good for weight loss and how to get picky eaters on board.
What are the best vegetables for smoothies?
Green smoothies are the most popular vegetable smoothies.
Vegetables with a high water content (fresh zucchini, cucumber and bell pepper) also blend well.
For heartier veggies like carrots, beets and cauliflower, gently steam them ahead of time.
you’re able to also buy flash-steamed frozen vegetables.
The frozen veggies will make your smoothie extra cold.
A general rule of thumb: Stick to vegetables with neutral or naturally sweet flavors.
That way they don’t overpower any naturally sweet fruit you have in the mix.
Not every vegetable is a good fit for a smoothie.
Hard vegetables like raw sweet potatoes won’t break down.
They may also overheat your blender in the process.
Avoid strong-flavored vegetables like peppery radishes, raw broccoli, asparagus and Brussels sprouts.
Fibrous vegetables like snap peas can be too stringy and bland.
Skip most canned vegetables altogether; they lack the texture and freshness smoothies need.Canned pumpkinis an exception.
Most blenders recommend adding liquid first, then the rest of your ingredients.
High-speed blenders should have no problem whipping up vegetables.
Start at a low speed and gradually increase as you go.
Once everything looks incorporated, blend for at least a full minute until very smooth.
Fruit covers up the veg flavor, with no extra sugar needed.
Volume-wise, you’re able to easily sneak about half a serving of vegetables into a glass.
Most of our vegetable smoothies call for 1 cup of greens.
For other vegetables, you might usually add 1/2 cup, and in some cases 1 cup.
The similar hues also make the veg even less noticeable.
Are vegetable smoothies good for weight loss?
Fiber helps fill you up.
We love vegetable smoothies at breakfast to front-load the day with vegetables, or as an energy-boosting snack.
Drinking meals isn’t always as satisfying as eating them.
Round out the rest of your day with healthy sources of fiber, protein and other nutrients.
Just be sure to account for calories in your smoothies.
Despite their healthful components, they can make it easy to go a little overboard with portions.
When steaming vegetables for dinner, make an extra batch and freeze it for blending.
Shop the frozen aisle to stock up on easy-blend veggies like steamed butternut squash and riced cauliflower.
If baby spinach is on sale, stash an extra bag in your freezer just for smoothies.
Save yourself time in the morning and get ahead by freezing measured fruits and vegetables in zip-top bags.
