Plus a delicious Island Breeze Smoothie recipe

Photo of Island Breeze Smoothie recipe in smoothies, juices, or milkshakes.

Have you wondered which drinks — smoothies, juices, or milkshakes are better for you?

Whether trying to improve your diet, lose weight, or just exploring a healthier lifestyle, there are many drinks to choose from. But there are key differences, and depending on your goals, it’s worth knowing how they impact your body.

One of my fond memories from my childhood was going to Bridgeman’s restaurant. It oozed old-school charm, and they served the best milkshakes ever.

Sometimes my uncle brought me as a special treat, letting me order anything from the menu. I once took on a Lala Palooza challenge (an eight-scoop ice cream sundae). I didn’t win the prized button, but still, it was the best loss ever. Most times, I ordered a strawberry milkshake topped with whipped cream and a cherry, along with onion rings I’d smother in ketchup.

Best. Meal. Ever.

I’ll always treasure those special memories. From time to time, I’ll still eat a milkshake and onion rings. They’re not health food, but one of my favorite nostalgic comfort foods.

And those matter to our health too.

Health is more than food; our traditions and rituals also play a role. Being consistent with healthy food choices matters, but it’s also important to allow ourselves indulgences. Being too rigid isn’t good for our peace of mind.

When I was younger, I ate whatever I wanted without any concern for my weight. But as I got older, that changed. As someone who loves eating good food, I wasn’t sure what to do. So I started reading and exploring options.

So, I began my healthy journey in my mid-twenties and haven’t looked back. They’ve been fluctuations and deviations over the years, but I always get back on track. Our food choices impact our emotional, mental, and physical health.

It matters what we eat, especially as we age.

Below, I’ve included information on smoothies, protein shakes, juices, and milkshakes so you can decide which is better for you and your health goals. I’ve also included a must-try tropical smoothie recipe that packs a punch of energy and good-for-you nutrients.

Getting your sip on

Smoothies

Green smoothies are an excellent way to get important nutrients and essential vitamins to start your day right. You can load them with healthy fats, proteins, and good-for-you greens. It’s a breakfast of pure nourishment.

Smoothies are powerful — especially green smoothies.

My go-to green morning smoothie has fresh fruits and vegetables, leafy green vegetables, almond milk, walnuts, and flax seeds. It’s a nutritional powerhouse.

I also make pure fruit smoothies — they make a great snack and a delicious sweet treat. It’s a good way to settle that craving for that little something sweet.

Both treat, and green smoothies can be made into an anytime smoothie bowl. It’s a delicious meal replacement for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I often add oats, seeds, fruits, veggies, and almond or peanut butter to meet nutritional needs. You can also add protein powder for an extra boost of vitamins and protein.

Protein Punch

There are also protein shakes, which have a lot of good going for them. Whether for weight management, muscle repair and growth, or improved athletic performance, they’re a great way to meet your goals.

Protein shakes are often made with protein powder, dairy-free milk, fruit, and some type of healthy fat, like almond butter.

Smoothies are amazing for nutrients, energy, skin, and overall health. Because smoothies are a big part of my diet, I set up a smoothie bar to make it easy.

When things are easy, we do them more often.

Juices

Like smoothies, you also have the option for green juice, fruit, or vegetable juice. With juicing, you extract the liquids from the fruits, greens, or vegetables to make a drink packed with nutrients.

The main difference between smoothies and juices is fiber.

Because juicing removes the fiber, it’s important to include healthy fats and protein to reduce blood sugar spikes. I either eat nuts or top my juice with chia, flax, or hemp seeds to slow down sugar absorption.

I often juice beetroots, celery, cabbage, greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, ginger, and turmeric for a nutrient-dense drink. Herbs, such as mint, basil, cinnamon, and cayenne make an intriguing flavor.

It’s a delicious and fast way to boost your energy levels, and the nutritional value of juicing is quite impressive. To reduce food waste, you can also use leftover pulp to make veggie burgers, crackers, bread, etc.

I suggest starting with yummy juices like apple and carrot, cantaloupe, honeydew, or pineapple.

Once you’ve gotten used to it, add some vegetables and greens. With greens, start with lettuce or spinach, as they’re milder. Also, make sure to add a lemon with greens to counterbalance the flavors.

Milkshakes

A milkshake is a delicious treat I prefer to reserve for once in a while.

If you frequent ice cream parlors, you know it’s the perfect place to enjoy an indulgent treat.

They’re sweet and thick, usually made with a milk base. The sugar content is high, as they often have added sugar, in addition to being high fat. It usually involves scoops of ice cream with a blend of fruit, candy toppings, chocolate syrup, etc.

It’s not the healthier option, but it’s not always about that.

You can make your own milkshakes at home with healthier substitutions. If you’re lactose intolerant, you can easily substitute dairy-free milk and ice cream.

Happy sipping

Smoothies and juices are the perfect go-tos if you’re looking for a way to feel energized throughout the day, contribute to your health, and peak your performance.

Below is my favorite tropical treat smoothie — yet it still delivers lots of nutrients and benefits.

Island Breeze Smoothie

Bottoms Up

If you’re still wondering which is better for you, the best way to know is to try it out.

Track how you feel and see what gives you the best results. What agrees with you, energizes you, and makes you feel good? Our bodies are excellent at telling us what works best for us; we just need to pay attention.

Depending on your goals, it’s worth knowing how they impact you.

Whether you’re trying to improve your diet, lose weight, or just beginning your healthier lifestyle, smoothies, juices, and protein shakes are an excellent addition to your healthy routine.

But that doesn’t mean you have to eliminate milkshakes in the name of health. My uncle and Bridgman’s are an important and cherished part of my past — and that matters when it comes to what nourishes our soul and body.

Sometimes the best meal for us is the: Best. Meal. Ever.

Smoothies, protein shakes, juices, and milkshakes can all contribute to your health. Be consistent with the good-for-you-nutrients but allow for some nostalgic indulgences.

I hope you enjoy the Island Breeze smoothie recipe. It packs a punch of good-for-you nutrients and goodness — and it’s a great place to begin.

Smoothies, Juices, or Milkshakes, Which Is Better?