Smoothies are a delicious and great way to start your day and get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables.
I personally love to have a smoothie for breakfast, but I also enjoy having them as an afternoon snack, lunch or even as a light dinner at times.
But the big question is: what should you eat with them?
In this blog post we’ll go over seven different types of flavourful foods that you can eat with your smoothie!
Oatmeal
First up is oatmeal. Oatmeal is a great way to start your day and it’s perfect for pairing with a smoothie, especially as a breakfast meal combination.
It’s filling and will help keep you satisfied until lunch time.
There are many different types of oatmeal to choose from, so find one that you like and add it to your smoothie routine!
You can either warm up the oatmeal with some (plant-based) milk and add cinnamon and honey for sweetness or you could prepare some tasty overnight oats to have with your smoothie in the morning.
An even easier way to incorporate oats with your smoothie is to actually mix them in with the smoothie. This will create a more filling and hearty drink that will keep you satisfied for longer.
This way, if you happen to be in a hurry and looking for a quick fix, you can just drink your smoothie and know that you’ll probably feel full for at least a few hours.
Toast
Another great option is toast. Toast is also a great way to start your day and a very tasty match with a smoothie.
I personally like to eat two pieces of toast along with my smoothie as it helps keep me satisfied until my next meal, but of course it depends on how hungry you are and how big of a smoothie you’re drinking.
Toast can be paired with many different toppings such as peanut butter, jelly, or honey. You could also top it with some savoury flavours such as avocado or tomato.
Other ideas for toast toppings include: chocolate spread, banana or cheese.
A piece of toast with melted cheese on top is one of my favourite go-to quick meals to enjoy with a smoothie as a light dinner when I don’t feel like cooking up a full dish!
Nuts And Seeds
If you’re looking for a crunchy bite to eat with your smoothie, consider eating some nuts or seeds.
Nuts and seeds are packed with protein, fiber, and good fats, all of which are important for keeping you energized throughout the day.
Examples of nuts you can eat along with your smoothie are almonds, walnuts, cashews and pistachios. Some good seeds to eat are chia seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds and hemp hearts.
Fruit
Another great option is fruit. If your smoothie contains mostly vegetables, eating a piece of fruit is a great way to add some sweetness to your meal and is of course also a great source of vitamins and minerals.
If you happen to drink a green smoothie with spinach and avocado for example, eating a banana topped with some nut butter would be the perfect snack on the side if you ask me!
Vegetables
If you’re looking for something a little more savoury to eat with your (fruit)smoothie, consider eating some (raw) vegetables.
Vegetables are a great way to get in some extra vitamins, and they’re perfect for pairing with a sweet smoothie.
Vegetables such as roasted cauliflower or carrots would be a great addition to your smoothie routine and can also be combined nicely with some spicy hummus!
I personally also love to eat some cucumber or celery sticks with tahini dip alongside my smoothie. The nutty and tangy flavour of the tahini is the perfect combination in my opinion. Absolutely worth to try it out of you haven’t yet!
Protein
If you’re looking for a complete meal to eat with your smoothie, consider eating some protein.
Protein is important for keeping your energy levels up throughout the day and it’s perfect for pairing with a nutrient-rich smoothie.
Good sources of protein to eat with your smoothie are eggs, chicken, beef, tofu, or salmon.
You can either cook up some eggs (additionally with toast) and have them with your smoothie or you could prepare a quick piece of grilled chicken.
If you’re in a rush, you can also buy a pre-cooked chicken breast from the grocery store and have it with your smoothie.
Another great option is salmon. If you’re in the mood for some seafood, grilled salmon goes great with a smoothie. You could either cook it up or pop it in the oven for a quick and easy meal.
If you’d like to have a vegetarian protein food on the side with your smoothie, some great options are tofu or black beans.
Tofu is a great source of protein and it also absorbs the flavours of the foods it’s cooked with. Black beans are also a great source of protein and they’re high in fibre.
Yogurt
Lastly, another great option to eat with your smoothie is yogurt. Yogurt is a very versatile food and it pairs well with many different things.
You can eat yogurt as a standalone snack or meal next to your smoothie by adding some granola to it to give it some extra bite and crunch.
There are many different types of yogurt to choose from such as Greek yogurt, coconut yogurt, or regular yogurt.
Experiment with different flavours and see which one you like the best!
What To Eat With A Smoothie Bowl
Even though smoothie bowls tend to be quite filling already, they are perfect for pairing with a light snack when you feel in the mood for a bit more substance.
Some of my personal favourites are rice crackers, apple slices, and roasted chickpeas.
Also, if you are looking for a complete meal to have with your smoothie bowl, I would suggest cooked quinoa or buckwheat with some grilled vegetables on the side.
As always, these are just suggestions and you can mix and match as you please!
Snacks To Eat With Smoothies
Sometimes you just want to munch on a quick snack while you’re drinking your smoothie, I can totally relate!
So, here are a few of my favorite suggestions of snacks to eat with smoothies:
- Peanut butter energy bites
- Homemade granola bars
- Buckwheat pancakes
- Oatmeal cookies
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Pita chips and tzatziki sauce
- Hard boiled eggs
- Carrot sticks with hummus
- Berry salad with coconut flakes
- Nut mix (almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds)
- Oat bran or granola
- Sliced banana with almond butter
- Kale chips
- Trail mix (nuts, seeds, dried fruit)
- Sprouted grain toast with almond or peanut butter
- Overnight oats
- Cottage cheese
- Edamame
- Avocado on rice cakes
- Homemade energy bites
- Whole wheat pita with hummus or tzatziki
- Air popped popcorn with nutritional yeast or Parmesan
- Homemade chickpea or black bean snack mix
- Sweet potato fries baked with olive oil and sea salt
- Brown rice cakes with almond butter and banana
- Carrots, celery, bell peppers with hummus or guacamole
- String cheese and whole grain crackers
- Rice cakes topped with nut butter and banana slices
- Mini zucchini or banana bread muffins
- Celery sticks filled with almond or cashew butter
Other Questions You May Have
What are some healthy whole grains I can have with my smoothie?
Some great whole grain options that pair well with smoothies include toasted whole wheat or oat bran, plain or vanilla granola, toasted coconut flakes or unsweetened coconut chips. Look for brands with at least 2g fiber and no more than 3g sugar per serving.
Can I eat a granola bar with my smoothie?
Go for granola bars with no more than 150 calories, 3g or less of saturated fat and no more than 10g of sugar. Be sure to check the ingredients – the first ones should be oats, nuts or dried fruit rather than sugar. Pairing with a smoothie helps balance the sugars.
Can I add trail mix or nuts to my smoothie?
While trail mix or nuts provide healthy fats and protein, adding them to smoothies is not recommended as they don’t fully blend in. It’s best to enjoy them on the side for an extra crunch and to avoid an unpleasant texture surprise with each sip!
What are some healthy fats I can add to my smoothies?
Some great healthy fat options to add to smoothies include nut butters like almond or peanut butter, hemp seeds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, coconut milk or coconut water. These fats provide essential fatty acids and help keep you full.
Can I use fruit juice instead of whole fruit?
While fruit juice does provide vitamins like vitamin C, it is higher in sugar compared to whole fruit. It’s best to use whole or frozen fruit in your smoothies for fiber. If using juice, limit it to 4oz or less per smoothie.
How much sugar is okay in a breakfast smoothie?
Aim to keep the total added sugars under 15g per smoothie. Added sugars can come from ingredients like maple syrup, honey or store-bought fruit juices. Using whole fruits will provide natural sugars along with fiber to slow digestion.
Can green smoothies really taste good?
Absolutely! Adding ripe bananas or pineapple helps balance the flavor of leafy greens like kale and spinach. You can also use coconut milk, nut butters or citrus like orange or lime juice to enhance the flavor. Experimenting with different combinations of fruits and greens allows you to find flavors your taste buds enjoy.
What are some high-protein options to add?
Great protein boosters include Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, nut butters, a scoop of protein powder, chia or hemp seeds. For a piña colada twist, try blending pineapple, coconut milk and a scoop of whey protein.
Can smoothies be a meal replacement?
Smoothies can stand in as a meal, especially for busy mornings. Aim for a smoothie with 15g+ protein, 5g+ fiber and around 300 calories to keep you full until lunchtime. Adding a scoop of protein powder is an easy way to boost satiety.
Is using store-bought smoothies as convenient as making my own?
While store-bought options are convenient, they often contain a lot of added sugars. By making your own, you control the ingredients and can customize based on your nutritional needs and taste preferences. Blending at home allows you to use whole, nutrient-dense foods for the best nutritional balance.
Is it ok to have a smoothie every morning?
Having a smoothie every morning can be a great way to start your day, as long as you choose healthy, nutrient-dense ingredients. Smoothies are a convenient and delicious way to get essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants from fruit and veggies.
Be sure to watch your added sugar and focus on whole foods to fuel your body without overdoing calories or sugars. A daily smoothie is perfectly fine as part of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle.
In Conclusion
So, to conclude, there are many different things that you can eat with your smoothie.
Whether you’re looking for something sweet, savory, or crunchy, there’s always something that will pair nicely with your smoothie.
My favourite 7 foods to eat with a smoothie are oatmeal, toast, nuts and seeds, fruit, vegetables, protein (such as eggs, fish or tofu) and yogurt.
When I just want to snack on something quick, I usually reach for some peanut butter energy bites, homemade granola bars, or pita chips with tzatziki sauce.
Smoothies are a healthy breakfast option that provide essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein.
They make a great start to the day by fueling your body with nutrients from fresh fruit and veggies, as well as plant-based proteins and healthy fats.
Healthy breakfast smoothies are also an excellent way to work in extra servings of immunity-boosting foods like citrus fruits, berries, greens and ginger.
Whether you prefer fruit smoothies, green smoothies or meal replacement smoothies, blending your breakfast allows you to get the right balance of carbs, sugars, fiber and protein.
Smoothies also pair nicely with nutritious toppings for an on-the-go breakfast or snack, like oats, nuts, Greek yogurt or a hard boiled egg.
So that’s it! I hope my article inspired you to mix up your smoothie routine and try some new things on the side.
Get creative and have fun with it! Experiment with new combinations and see what works best for you.