If your morning ritual is anything like ours, there’s probably a blender whizzing gently in the background. Smoothies are the portable breakfast choice of thousands, but let’s face it: they’re not always easy on the wallet.
By the time you’ve sprung for organic produce, a specialty milk (macadamia, anyone?), protein powder and the endless list of add-ins designed to give your chosen mix a quick flavour and nutrition kick, you may have parted with a fair amount of cash. While store-bought powders and mixes definitely have their place, you can get more nutritional bang for your buck by switching out expensive and hard-to-source products for ones you can find in the supermarket. And it’s as easy as ditching goji berries for blue!
THE SPLURGE: CACAO NIBS
THE SWAP: COCOA POWDER
WHY: Unsweetened cocoa powder delivers the same flavour and hefty dose of magnesium, which helps your body produce mood-lifting serotonin. It’s basically happiness in a glass!
THE SPLURGE: GOJI BERRIES
THE SWAP: FROZEN BLUEBERRIES
WHY: Blueberries boast plenty of brain-boosting polyphenols and anthocyanins, which also improve your heart health. These icy fruits are packed at peak ripeness, so they may have more nutrients than a punnet.
THE SPLURGE: CHIA SEEDS
THE SWAP: FLAXMEAL
WHY: We love chia, but flaxseed is also packed with the phytochemicals, omega-3s and fibre that can help lower cholesterol levels. Pop it in the trolley at just over $5 for a 500g bag.
THE SPLURGE: EXXY SUPERFRUIT POWDERS
THE SWAP: KIWI FRUIT
WHY: Powdered baobab and camu camu are praised for being rich in vitamin C, but using just one of these fuzzy green fruits instead will deliver more vitamin C than you need in a day. Just scoop the flesh and blend.
THE SPLURGE: COCONUT OIL
THE SWAP: PEANUT BUTTER
WHY: Coconut oil isn’t cheap, but you can find a jar of natural peanut butter, full of healthy fats, protein and vitamin E, for around $5. Plus, you get to lick the spoon after you add it in!
THE SPLURGE: GREEN POWDERS
THE SWAP: FRESH GREENS
WHY: Powders add a quick punch, but spinach, Swiss chard, kale, celery and parsley cost just a few dollars and deliver plenty of vitamins like A, C, and K. Squish in as many as will fit in your blender for maximum benefits.
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