By Raine Paul | A&E Editor
Spinach, oatmeal, peanut butter, almonds and squash — adding unexpected ingredients to smoothie blends enhances an already healthy snack by giving it extra nutritional value.
For students at California Baptist University, having a quick meal to eat on the go is useful. Smoothies are a great option for students because they are nutritional and can act as a meal replacement when the right ingredients are used.
Christina Young, senior kinesiology major, utilizes smoothies to make sure she has the necessary diet to perform at her best during her water polo practices and games.
“I drink smoothies at least every other day, if not every day of the week,” Young said. “They are a good lightweight way to feel full but not weighed down, which makes them a great mid-afternoon or pre-practice snack.”
For Young and other smoothie enthusiasts, these blended snacks are the perfect opportunity to sneak extra nutrients into their diets.
“Whenever we have spinach or squash, I throw a bunch in because I am getting the benefit of the vegetables without tasting them; their flavors are easily overpowered with almost any fruit,” she said.
Allyson Souza, senior kinesiology major, drinks smoothies throughout the week and is always looking to try new recipes.
“I hope to start adding spinach to my smoothies,” Souza said.
Souza said she tries to keep her smoothies as healthy and natural as she possibly can.
While some CBU students use smoothies as a snack, others use them as meal replacements by incorporating oatmeal, granola, peanut butter or protein powder to add extra calories to the blend to make it more filling.
“I am always up to try more veggies and other creative ways to get the nutrients I need,” Young said.
Smoothies are a great opportunity to experiment with different produce. Do not be afraid to get out of a comfort zone and see what delicious and healthy combinations can be made the next time a quick, but satisfy, meal is needed.
