Smoothies are convenient, portable, and delicious. But have you ever enjoyed a smoothie for breakfast only to find your stomach grumbling a couple of hours later?

Often, smoothies contain too much sugar and not enough substance, leaving you feeling hungry far before your next meal.

Fortunately, adding the right ingredients can make all the difference when it comes to making sure your smoothie is filling, delicious, and satisfying.

 

How To Make a Filling Smoothie

To make a healthy smoothie that has the staying power to keep you full until your next meal, try including these three ingredients for the perfect smoothie.

 

1. Protein

Including protein in your smoothie is one of the most important ways to keep you satiated until your next meal.

Protein takes more energy to break down and helps initiate a hormone that make you feel full (peptide YY) and reduce the levels of ghrelin (the hunger hormone).

What are the easiest ways to add protein to your smoothie? Here are some of our favorites:

• Nut butter – A large spoonful of your favorite nut butter such as almond butter, cashew butter, peanut butter, etc. Nut butters are high in protein, healthy fats, and add a rich, smooth texture to smoothies.
• Greek yogurt – Great for adding a creamy texture along with high-quality protein.
• Legumes – Adding legumes such as chickpeas to your smoothie amps up the protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Soft silken tofu – A great option if you choose to avoid dairy products.
• Seeds – Chia seeds (be sure to soak them first prior to adding to your smoothie) or hemp seeds are a great way to add a dose of protein, along with a variety of vitamins and minerals.
• A scoop of IsaLean Shake – Adding a scoop of Isagenix’s IsaLean Shake is the easiest way to ensure your smoothie is packed with protein, nutrients, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and Omega 3s. IsaLean shakes are also free of gluten, soy, casein, fillers, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives.

 

2. Focus on Fiber

Since it digests slowly, fiber is key for keeping the digestive system running smoothly and keeping us feeling full.

Easy way to add more fiber to your smoothie include:

• Ground flax seeds or chia seeds – Flax and chia seeds provide fiber and a host of other nutrients such as healthy omega 3 fats
• Oats – Throw in a handful of old fashioned rolled oats (either throw them in raw or soak them in water or coconut or almond milk for a creamier texture)
• Apple – Chopped up apple with the skin on adds natural sweetness, vitamins, and minerals.
• Dates – Chopped up dates add natural sweetness and a host of vitamins and minerals along with a hefty dose of fiber (make sure they are free of pits).

 

 

3. Include Healthy Fats

Along with protein and fiber, healthy fats are a crucial component of staying full. Fat also makes smoothies taste delicious thanks to the creaminess and richness they add.

Easy ways to add healthy fats to your smoothie include:

• Nut butter – Nut butters offer protein, fiber, and healthy fats and make the perfect addition to healthy smoothies.
• Nuts and seeds – As with nut butter, nuts and seeds often offer all three of the important smoothie ingredients — healthy fat, protein, and fiber. Try hemp seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, or pistachios. Have fun and experiment with different nuts and seeds until you find the perfect combination.
• Full fat milk, coconut cream, or coconut milk
• Avocado – 1/4 to 1/2 an avocado will lend an indulgent creaminess to your smoothie along with a host of beneficial nutrients and healthy fats.

 

Other Ingredients for the Perfect Smoothie

Along with making sure to include protein, fiber, and healthy fats in your smoothies, here are some additional ingredients that add a dose of nutrients:

• A big handful of greens – If you are new to greens and are nervous about an overpowering flavor, opt for spinach. Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse that blends easily and almost undetectably into any smoothie combo. It has a neutral flavor but is packed with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Healthy carbs – If you use your smoothies as a post-workout supplement, consider adding a dose of healthy carbs such as old fashioned rolled oats.
• A variety of fruits – Yes, fruits can be high in sugar. Opt for lower sugar varieties such as berries, kiwis, honeydew melon, and avocados.

 

IsaLean Smoothie Recipe

Looking for smoothie recipe inspiration? Here’s one of our favorites. With a naturally sweet, delicious flavor and a vast array of beneficial nutrients, this smoothie provides a convenient, healthy start to your day or quick afternoon pick-me-up.

 

Berry Power Smoothie

Ingredients:

• Two scoops of Strawberry IsaLean Shake
• 1/2 cup of blueberries (frozen or fresh is fine and feel free to experiment with different berries and combinations such as strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries)
• One cup of coconut milk (consider using full fat to enjoy the benefits of healthy fats)
• Three ice cubes

Directions:

• Add the berries, coconut milk, ice cubes, and two scoops of Strawberry IsaLean Shake to your IsaBlender or blender
• Blend ingredients until smooth, about 30 to 45 seconds
• Enjoy!

 

 

Final Thoughts

Do you have any favorite smoothie ingredients or go-to smoothie recipes that you love? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!