Smoothies are the delicious calorie-contentious alternative to the sweet treats we crave any time of year. The growing popularity of these frothy be
verages has earned them a home on drive-thru and coffee shop menus alike, and rightfully so. Who doesn’t love smoothies? Although, as I visited my favorite smoothie stops, I started to grow tired of the limited selections they offer, not to mention their soaring prices. With some shops using more sugar than real fruit, the calorie content resembles more of a dessert rather than a healthy choice, which is a shame when the idea of blending fruit and yogurt for a nutritious mini-meal is genius.
In a hectic lifestyle with schedules and deadlines, it is nice to know that you can always depend on your blender for a wholesome pick-me-up snack anytime you need it. Since the 1970’s these drinks have taken the health food world by storm, offering doses of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants in every delightful sip; and since they are so easy to make, you don’t have to wait until your next outing to enjoy one!
The smoothie is usually composed of four “base” parts. Fruit, fruit juice, a dairy product, and ice. Once you know these main ingredients, you can play with any combinations your heart desires. Usually yogurt is used with smoothies, but frozen custard has been substituted for a creamier texture. If you use frozen fruits you probably will not need to add ice, as the fruit will create enough thickness without it. You can add your favorite extracts or honey to the blend for an extra boost of flavor.
Here are some smoothie recipes that are sure to please, but remember, you can use any fruits and flavors you want to create your own personal masterpiece!
Yummy Banana-Blueberry Smoothie
* 1 medium banana, peeled
* ½ cup blueberries
* ½ cup low fat vanilla yogurt
* ½ cup ice cubes
Add all ingredients to the blender and blend for about 30 seconds.
Pineapple-Banana Delight
* 5 Tbs. coconut milk
* 2 ½ cups pineapple juice
* ½ cup low-fat yogurt
* ½ banana slices
* 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks
* ½ cup ice cubes
Blend all ingredients.
Orange Smoothie
* 3 mandarin oranges peeled and unseeded
* ½ cup of low fat yogurt
* 1/4 cup orange juice
* 1 cup of ice cubes
Blend all ingredients.
Article Image by: S. Schleicher
Christine loves to cook for her friends and family, and she is always experimenting in the kitchen. She has always loved to write and she hopes you will enjoy reading her articles as much as she enjoyed writing them.
I like to have a smoothie after a workout to restore my energy. I always make it at home to avoid the calorie-laden drinks at the smoothie shops.
I love smoothies. We like inventing our own. Your right kind of costly at a shop but their easy enough to make at home.