If you are the type of person who likes to follow a healthy lifestyle, then fruit smoothies may be a part of your diet. Smoothies can ensure that you are fitting in the recommended daily intake of fruit. In general, healthy adults should eat about two cups of fruit every day. If you want your smoothies to be even more packed with nutrients, try using smoothie mixes and adding some of the following ingredients.

Ice

If you use frozen fruit to make your smoothies, then you may not think about adding ice as well. However, you should try adding at least three or four cubes of ice to every smoothie you make. While fruit does have a fairly high water content, it is always wise to add more fluid to your diet. After all, a large percentage of Americans do not drink nearly enough water. According to a study conducted by the CDC, 43% of adults drink fewer than four cups of water a day. While needs and recommendations do vary, you should be drinking up to about 7 or 8 cups of water a day. 

If you do not drink as much water as you should, then adding ice to your smoothie is an easy way to increase fluid intake. Also, think about adding in some whole fruit that contains a great deal of water. A few good options include watermelon, strawberries, peaches, and cantaloupe. 

Not only will the added water and ice hydrate you, but they will fill you up quicker. This means that you will consume less calories overall but still feel full. This is helpful if you are trying to lose weight or watch how many calories you consume.

Kale

If you simply do not like the taste of vegetables, then you may avoid some of the most nutritious foods. Kale is also one of the healthiest vegetables you can consume, and it can be easily added to your smoothies. In fact, one cup of kale can provide you with more than enough of your daily value of vitamin K, A, and C. It also contains a good deal of calcium, iron, and protein. Omega fatty acids and lutein are contained in the food as well.

To add kale to a smoothie, add about one-half cup of it to about two cups of fruit, your mix, and other ingredients. Kale does have a bitter taste, so you want to mask it with other ingredients. Also, add the kale to the blender first with about two or three teaspoons of water. This will help to cut the kale fine so it will mix evenly throughout the rest of the smoothie.

If the kale is too bitter for you, you can add a bit of almond or peanut butter to the mix. This will help to overpower the taste of the kale while also adding some sweetness to it.

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are another good addition to a healthy smoothie. Like water, the seeds help to create a feeling of fullness so you are less likely to feel hungry after consuming your drink. The high fiber content in the seeds helps you feel full. Also, since flaxseeds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, they can help to regulate your digestive system. 

Flaxseeds contain healthy fats as well as antioxidants. The seeds can also reduce your cancer risks. Raw and whole flaxseeds provide the most health benefits, but they can a bit of texture to your smoothie. If you do not like the texture or the idea of seeds getting stuck in your teeth, then add about one teaspoon of flaxseed oil to the blender instead. 

To purchase ready-made smoothie mixes, check out a company like Sunfood.

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