5 Ingredients You Should Always Add To Your Smoothies

Protein smoothies are the easiest and fastest way to fuel your body. Solid foods take time to digest, and to fully break down the protein and send it to the muscles. Protein smoothies only take about 30 minutes to reach the muscle after ingestion.

Whether you're trying to build muscle, lose weight or just jump start your day with a nutritious breakfast, protein smoothies are a nutrient-packed choice that can provide you with great health benefits.

To really get the fuel your body needs, here are the 5 key ingredients you should always add to your smoothies:

A Protein Source

Our body uses protein to build and repair tissues; it is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood. Our body does not store protein; therefore we need a daily dose of protein in order to maintain healthy levels.

Some sources of protein that can be used in smoothies are whey protein, casein protein, nonfat yogurt, and Greek yogurt. Egg white protein is another popular type of protein.

A Liquid

Depending on your nutritional needs or preferences, there are a variety of liquid sources to add into your smoothies. These choices include water, coconut water, almond milk, juices or even green tea. When choosing which liquid to use, be mindful of the ingredients used in certain liquids such as juices or milk options.

Fruit

Fruit is a great source for adding a bit of sweetness and flavor. Fruit is also packed with rich nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium and folate.

Some of the best go-to fruits that you should try using are bananas, berries, apples, pineapple, cherries, peaches and dates.

A Green Vegetable

We should always try to incorporate more greens into our everyday diet. Though not many enjoy the taste of greens, adding them to our protein smoothies make it easier and more bearable.

Kale, spinach, broccoli, alfalfa, and chlorella are all great vegetables to try the next time you make a smoothie.

A Nutritional Boost

Lastly, you should always incorporate some nutritional boosts to your protein smoothies. Some popular boosts are flax or chia seeds, nut butters or avocado, a fiber source or supplement, or even additional fruit.

Using these 5 key ingredients will definitely ensure you meet your daily protein intake. Our bodies need protein in order to live, and it's also important that our body is fully fueled with additional nutrients.