Smoothies With Nuts

Add nuts to a smoothie for a healthy twist.

Smoothies are a good option to add a healthy element to your diet. Whether you are drinking smoothies as snacks or replacing meals with them, consider adding nuts for both flavor and protein. Because nuts are much firmer than the fruits you are likely using in your smoothie, be sure to blend them thoroughly before adding the fruit. Also, choose raw, unsalted nuts for smoothies for the best flavor.

Chocolate Divine Smoothie

This smoothie works as a dessert drink or even a breakfast replacement. Place 1/3 cup of cashews into your blender, along with seven dates, 1 tbsp. of raw cacao and 1 cup of water. Blend all of these ingredients until they are completely smooth and incorporated. Taste the smoothie base and add sugar to taste. Place 10 ice cubes into the blender and blend everything again until smooth.

Banana Nut Smoothie

Most people have had banana nut bread, and with this smoothie you can enjoy the same flavors without the added fat. Place 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts, 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon and 1 tsp. of honey inside a blender. Cut a frozen banana into chunks and place it into the blender as well. Add 1 cup of low-fat vanilla yogurt to the blender and blend all of the ingredients until they are smooth. Pour the drink into a glass and top it with a dusting of nutmeg.

Raspberry Nut Smoothie

You don't have to use whole, raw nuts in a smoothie to get the same flavor and protein. Using nut butters can be easier to blend and can add a creamy texture to the smoothie. For a raspberry nut smoothie, place 3/4 cup of low-fat milk, 3/4 cup of frozen raspberries, half of a frozen banana and 1 tbsp. of almond or peanut butter, depending on the flavor that you prefer. Add 1 tbsp. of honey or agave nectar for sweetness and blend until smooth.

Tropical Walnut Smoothie

This healthy smoothie is perfect for a snack or a meal replacement because it has plenty of protein in it. Place 1 cup of orange juice, 1 cup of frozen mango chunks and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts inside your blender. Add 1/3 cup of tofu and blend all of the ingredients together until they are smooth. Pour into glasses and top with more chopped walnut pieces.

References

• Smoothie Handbook: A Healthy Chocolate Smoothie Recipe? Can It be True?
• Group Recipes: Banana Nut Smoothie
• Real Simple: Raspberry and Nut Smoothie
• Walnuts: Tropical Walnut Smoothie