This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Have you ever looked in the same kitchen cabinet three times, trying to figure out the best CHEAP and QUICK snack to grab to fill you up and provide fuel for the rest of your day?
Buying coffee seems like a good option because it is convenient, but it’s not going to fill you up, it won’t be nourishing in any way, and the energy will be temporary before requiring another boost.
What is the better solution for a budget-friendly power snack?
The best convenient and cheap snacks are POWER SMOOTHIES! I make myself a power smoothie nearly every day to stay full and energized throughout my work and classes. I am confident that once you learn the fundamentals of making a power smoothie your life will be significantly better!
What is a Power Smoothie?
Power Smoothies are the perfect vehicle to sneakily incorporate many of your daily macronutrients and fill you up for multiple hours! It is easy to load in multiple fruits and veggies, along with any additional protein, and delicious smoothie add-ons that make for a good time.
Why Power Smoothies Are Ideal For Students
As a student I am often in a hurry and have a hard time making full meals, that is why making a quick and easy smoothie, that meets my caloric and nutrition requirements, is such a great option. It also provides me with clear energy for the rest of my day.
“But aren’t smoothies expensive?”
Daily Power Smoothies are a must for me because they are such a cheap and is an economical meal for my student budget! What can become expensive is when you go out and buy smoothies, whenever you see “cold-pressed superfood smoothies” you know you will be paying a very expensive price tag. The great news is you can enjoy delicious superfood power smoothies by making them at home!
“In life, much like smoothies, you get out what you put in.” – Bolthouse Farms
Take these tips and make it yours!
Feel free to take these tips that I am about to share and turn the recipe into your own unique recipe! Adding in different fruits and kinds of milk can really change up the entire smoothie and make it unique to you.
How Do You Make A Power Smoothie?
You must start with your base of the smoothie, what is going to give your smoothie body and creaminess. And then from there, you can add in the other important ingredients. Here’s what I do.
Bananas // $0.24 per banana
Bananas are AMAZING in smoothies, they add a thick and rich base and are so cheap! To change it up from time to time, you can also try using frozen bananas for more of a “milkshakey” consistency. I LOVE frozen bananas!
- Put 1-2 bananas into your power smoothie, depending on your mood you can go as hard as you want you with bananas. I will sometimes add 3-4 (especially if they’re frozen!)
Along with making for a delicious base, bananas are rich in fiber, antioxidants and several other nutrients. Another reason I love bananas in my daily smoothies is that they have high amounts of pectin, which reduces appetite and helps keep you full for longer.
Oats // $0.14 per ounce
Oats are delicious and so inexpensive! I like adding oats to my Power Smoothie because it upgrades it from a snack into a filling meal. Be mindful of your thickness preference here, I personally like thinner smoothies, so I have to be careful not to go too crazy with oats.
- Add 2-3 ounces (half a cup or less) per blender-full of smoothie for the ideal consistency.
Whole rolled oats blend well into smoothies, and you don’t have to cook them before adding them along with the rest of your power ingredients. I like adding oats to my smoothies because they’re great to add fiber to your smoothie without adding a ton of calories. Either throw the oats into your blender with the rest of your ingredients or soak them beforehand for at least an hour in milk or water (this softens them and will give your smoothie a smoother texture.)
Frozen berries // $0.12 per ounce
I LOVE FROZEN BERRIES! They are loaded with antioxidants, help fight inflammation, and are just flat out delicious. I like using a frozen berry blend, but all berries are delicious. Raspberries and blueberries are my favorites!
- I usually like throwing in 4 ounces (half a cup, or more!) of frozen berries to my smoothie.
Plant-based protein // $0.83 per scoop
I like incorporating plant-based protein into my power smoothies because it adds additional macronutrients and the added protein also has a filling effect that lasts me longer throughout my day.
- Add 1 scoop of plant-based protein to your smoothies.
This may be the most “expensive” ingredient in this smoothie, but it allows you to have peace of mind knowing you are getting adequate nourishment and are taking care of your health. Sunwarrior Classic vanilla flavor has always been one of my favorite plant based protein, but there are SO MANY OPTIONS available. Just find one you like and make sure you use it!
Non-dairy milk // $0.04 fluid oz
Using the a plant milk in your power smoothie will take this meal to the next level. I love plant milks because they are delicious and pack a large amount of nutrition. Some options include oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, etc.
- Add 8-12 oz (1-2 cups) of plant milk to your smoothie.
If you are still unsure which nondairy milk to use, I’m going to convince you to give oat milk a try… here’s why.
Oat milk is different from other kinds of milks, oat milk it is smooth and delicious, perfect for any food or occasion requiring milk. The best part is it doesn’t act weird or separate when you use it. Oat milk is by far my favorite milk (and chocolate oat milk is out of this world.)
BONUS INGREDIENTS
Spinach // $0.68 oz
I have never been the biggest green smoothie person. I prefer making delicious fruit smoothies, but over time I have come to appreciate the occasional handful or two into my smoothies. Adding any vegetable to your smoothie will boost the nutritional content and add more “power” to your power smoothie.
- I generally throw 1-2 handfuls of spinach into my power smoothies.
Dates // $0.25 per date
Dates are a delicious and cheap addition to smoothies that add natural sweetness and nutrition. They also add a delicious caramel flavor to your power smoothie!
- Add 1-3 dates to my smoothie, depending on how big the dates are.
If you don’t have a high-speed blender, then it is a good idea to soak your dates before making your power smoothie, or else the dates won’t blend well and will leave chunks. If you do have a high-speed blender, you can skip this step, as the dates will be instantly pulverized.
Best Blender To Make Power Smoothies?
Many people ask if you need a high speed blender to begin making Power Smoothies, and the truth is that any blender will work. Whether you have a small personal blender, a general kitchen blender, or a high speed blender, you will be able to make some form of this power smoothie.
If using an older blender, you may have to break the ingredients into smaller pieces, or add more liquid.
Pro tip: Don’t let the excuse of “not having the right blender” be a reason to stopping you from making a positive change. Start now and grow as you go. No one is perfect at anything when they first start.
Are High Speed Blenders Better For Making Power Smoothies?
Even though any blender will get the job done, a high-speed blender really will take your smoothie-making experience to the next level.
I don’t like clumpy smoothies, and for that reason alone, I would recommend checking out a high-speed blender because it blends everything clump-free.
My absolute favorite blender that I use everyday is the Vitamix. It is my most prized piece of kitchen equipment, and it is very durable and working great for almost a decade (talk about saving money on applianced!)
Is A High Speed Blender For You?
If you cook a lot and need a powerful blender that is durable and will last, I recommend checking out a high speed blender. Many of them are not too expensive, and if you need to get a new blender anyway, you should definitely take a look at the Vitamix.
There are so many great blenders out there, just find one that works for you so you can begin making your own Power Smoothies today!
Changing Your Lifestyle Without Disrupting Your Life
Now that you understand the fundamentals of building the ultimate budget Power Smoothie, you can begin incorporating them into your diet to provide energy and fullness all day long. By adding this simple daily routine, making a smoothie, you will be positively impacting your lifestyle, without disrupting your life.
Thanks for reading and happy blending! 👍
