Balanced Strawberry Smoothie
This balanced strawberry smoothie is a quick and delicious meal replacement designed to keep blood sugar stable while providing essential nutrients. It combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with protein, healthy fats, and fiber for sustained energy.
For 1 serving
Gather all your ingredients and ensure your blender is clean and ready for use. Measure out the frozen strawberries, unsweetened almond milk, protein powder, almond butter, and chia seeds.
Pour the unsweetened almond milk into the blender first. This helps the blades move more freely and prevents thicker ingredients from sticking to the bottom.
Add the frozen strawberries, protein powder, almond butter, and chia seeds to the blender. If using, add the optional ice cubes at this stage.
Secure the lid on your blender and start blending on a low speed, gradually increasing to high. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no visible chunks of fruit or ice.
If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash more almond milk (1-2 tablespoons at a time) and blend again until desired consistency is reached. If too thin, add a few more ice cubes or a tablespoon of chia seeds and re-blend.
Pour the balanced strawberry smoothie into a tall glass and serve immediately. Enjoy as a satisfying meal replacement or a nutritious snack.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For optimal creaminess, use a high-speed blender. If you don't have one, ensure your frozen strawberries are slightly thawed for easier blending.
- 2Adjust sweetness naturally: If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, add half a ripe banana or one pitted Medjool date. Avoid added sugars to maintain its diabetes-friendly profile.
- 3Meal prep hack: Portion out dry ingredients (protein powder, chia seeds) into individual bags or containers. In the morning, just add frozen fruit and liquid to blend.
- 4To boost fiber and nutrients, consider adding a handful of spinach or kale. It won't significantly alter the strawberry flavor but will add a vibrant green hue.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fruit Swap
Substitute frozen strawberries with other low-glycemic berries like blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry blend for different flavor profiles and antioxidant benefits.
Protein BoostProtein Boost
Replace almond butter with peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different healthy fat source. You can also add 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt for extra protein and probiotics.
Spice It UpSpice It Up
Add a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of ginger, or a few mint leaves to introduce new aromatic dimensions to your smoothie.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Blood Sugar Management
The combination of fiber from strawberries and chia seeds, healthy fats from almond butter, and protein powder helps slow down glucose absorption, preventing sharp blood sugar spikes.
Rich in Antioxidants
Strawberries are packed with Vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, supporting overall cellular health.
Sustained Energy & Satiety
High protein and fiber content contribute to a feeling of fullness and provide a steady release of energy, making this an excellent meal replacement that keeps hunger at bay for longer.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries, but you'll need to add more ice cubes (about 1 cup) to achieve a cold and thick smoothie consistency. Frozen fruit is preferred for texture.
