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Nutrition Triathlon

Ironman Nutrition: Add Grains to Your Smoothies

Banana smoothie with oats and hazelnuts.
Banana smoothie with oats and hazelnuts.

Whole grains are good for you! Here’s how to add them to your smoothies without sacrificing texture or taste.

Adding more whole grains to your diet can increase the amount of vitamins and minerals your body gets. Whole grains are rich in iron, magnesium, selenium, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, thiamin and dietary fiber, all important parts of a complete diet according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

If you’re struggling to add these beneficial grains to your daily diet, consider incorporating grains into smoothies. Although hearty, these nutrient-rich ingredients can be paired with sweeter flavors for a great tasting smoothies. Try the below pairings.

Oats and honey

If you’re a fan of oatmeal, but no longer have the time to chow down on a bowl of the mushy breakfast food, consider making a smoothie instead. This on-the-go breakfast option lets you reap the rewards of whole-grain oatmeal along with banana, yogurt and anything else you want to add to your smoothie. However, if the flavor of drinking blended oats is too boring for you, consider adding some honey to your personal blender to sweeten it up.

Black quinoa and blackberries

Whether you’re more familiar with the red or white varieties of quinoa, any color can provide you with fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins. Try making a smoothie with a scoop or two of black quinoa as well as some matching berries. The blackberries, along with yogurt or juice, can help make a protein-packed treat that tastes sweet.

Flaxseed, strawberries, and bananas

Some people don’t like the taste of flaxseed or don’t think it has a taste at all, but with fatty acids, fiber and an array of nutrients, it can be a great addition to your diet. Add your flaxseed to an already flavorful smoothie made with strawberries and banana—both which can help hide the flaxseed taste.

Source: Ironman.com