When is the Best Time to Have a Smoothie?

Are smoothies a critical part of your morning routine? Are you wondering if there are better times to have a smoothie? Whether you’re on-the-go, getting ready for a workout, or just trying to get some extra fruits and veggies for the day, what’s the best time?

Smoothies can fuel us throughout the day. Not only do they taste great, but they are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s also a great way to add extra fruits and veggies. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, or the CDC, “poor diet quality is a leading risk factor associated with death and disability in the United States.” We can change this by boosting our diets with produce. Did you know that only 1 in 10 adults meet the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables? This means that only 1 in 10 adults are having, in total, five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Less than 10 percent of high school students meet the fruit recommendation, and only 2 percent meet the vegetable recommendation. No matter when you drink smoothies, your body will benefit from having the extra nutrients it needs throughout the day.

Let’s take a look at some of the different benefits.

In the Morning

If you typically have a hard time getting started in the morning, prepping your smoothie ingredients in your blend cup or pitcher in advance makes things easier. Simply add your favorite milk in the morning and go. You’ll start your day with at least a couple servings of fruits and veggies to get you going.

Try our classic Breakfast Smoothie for the perfect balance of banana, oats, and greens. For those looking for an extra caffeine boost, try the Banana Brew.

Before and After a Workout

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, it’s best to fuel your body with carbohydrates and some protein before a workout. Your body needs carbs to fuel your muscles. Post-workout snacks or meals should focus on nutrients lost, including protein that helps build and repair muscles.

For pre-workouts, try these snacks 30 minutes to three hours before to energize your workout.

• Apple/Banana and Peanut Butter
• Oatmeal and Berries
• Yogurt and Nuts/Seeds

For post-workouts, try this protein-packed Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie.

Here are some more ways on How to Fuel Your Workout.

Lunch On-The-Go

Everyone has those busy days where you can’t seem to find the time for lunch. Don’t sacrifice the nutrients your body needs to keep you going.

Try our Blueberry Avocado Breeze or our PB&J with added nuts and seeds for an extra boost of heart-healthy fats.

If you’re looking for ways to stay healthy while working, here are 5 Tips for Staying Healthy at Work.

Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth

When you’re craving something sweet, satisfy your sweet tooth with dessert smoothies that are free of added sugars. Add more ice to your blends to get slushier smoothies, or make them into smoothie bowls with your favorite toppings.

• Caramel Apple Smoothie
• Mint Condition
• Sweet Chocolate Smoothie

For Sleep and Relaxation

You might not think about drinking smoothies in the evening, but this may become part of your new bedtime routine. Try pairing your next post-dinner smoothie with a small handful of these foods to help positively impact sleep.

• Tart Cherries – In a 2012 study in the European Journal of Nutrition, participants who drank tart cherry juice slept longer and had a better quality of sleep.
• Pistachios – In a study conducted at Louisiana State University, researchers found that pistachios contained significant amounts of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate our body’s biological clock and sleep cycles – much more than most fruits and vegetables.

Read 7 Foods to Promote Sleep to learn about other foods that help promote sleep.

No matter how your day unfolds, drinking smoothies can provide the fuel your body needs, all while helping you meet your recommended fruit and vegetable intake.