Smoothies for You and Your Family

Do you smoothie? If you are like most people, in the rush to get everyone out of the house in the morning, you forget what an easy, tasty and nutritious breakfast smoothies can be. Smoothies are the fastest way to whip up a couple of servings of fruit with a healthy dose of fiber and protein, getting your day off to a great start.

Smoothies are wonderful because they satisfy your sweet tooth, but are packed full of good things your body needs. In the morning, your body is in a fasting state. Eating breakfast is the best way to jump start your metabolism and keep your body running in high gear all day long.

Smoothies are easy to make. All you really need is a blender and a banana. From these humble beginnings, you can add any fruit, juice, yogurt, milk or frozen delicacy you want. Protein powder is a good addition for an extra boost of protein. Packing around 23 grams of protein per scoop, adding protein powder to your smoothie helps to build muscles, burn fat and keep you full until lunchtime or beyond. Protein powder can be found in the supplement section of your grocery store. Look for vanilla or unflavored protein powder, they mix well with many fruit flavors. Protein powder is also available in the bulk section of many natural food stores.

Bananas are really essential to ensure a nice smoothie. They lend a creamy, substantial taste that turns a smoothie into a meal, instead of just a collection of pureed fruit. Bananas that are too ripe to eat fresh can be tossed into the freezer, peel and all. The peels will turn black, but the insides are perfect for smoothies. Simply cut off the peel with a knife and break your banana into chucks, before tossing it into the blender. Same banana taste and texture, no more wasted bananas.

Here are some Smoothie combinations that you might enjoy:

Fresh peaches, banana, vanilla yogurt, milk and frozen blueberries. Lemon yogurt, frozen blueberries, poppy seeds, milk and banana Pineapple, coconut, banana, orange juice, ice cubes and Pina colada yogurt Apples, cinnamon, banana, vanilla yogurt and milk Frozen or fresh raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, banana, ice cubes and blueberry yogurt Strawberries, kiwi, banana, vanilla yogurt and milk

To assemble your smoothie, toss all of your ingredients into the blender with a scoop of protein powder, pulse until smooth and enjoy!

- Julie