Liquid nutrition is the “Food Fad” of the future. In this fast paced life, for folks who want to eat healthy with minimum food prep and fuss, a smoothie may be the way to go. Whether it’s a high protein fat blasting drink or a 
frosty fruity summer cooler you’re craving, you can find it in a smoothie. I do occasionally enjoy store bought smoothies, but am sometimes a little wary of the sweeteners used in them which can turn them into a high calorie monster drink. I am big into ‘making your own smoothies’…. cheaper by the dozen, plus you can control what goes in and get creative too! Not convinced? Here are a few more reasons why I think Smoothies are “The New Black!!”Convenience – Okay, I am big into family eating together ….dinner is our favorite family meal, but weekdays, with the morning rush when you have kids leaving for school at different times between trying to get them to eat and getting out on time, who has time for a full-fledged breakfast? Just the reason that I being a strong believer in” Breakfast being the fuel meal of the day” resorted to smoothies. For almost 8 years now, my staple breakfast smoothie (with a few variations) has been a yogurt/soy milk shake with whey protein, flax oil and frozen fruit. Prep time is 3 minutes and while my youngest is tying her shoes my smoothie is in my travel mug ready to go! Sipping my smoothie and listening to my favorite radio channel on my 20 minute drive to the metro is a great start to my day.
Fat blasting: Seriously – try replacing one of your meals or even two with a fat blasting or power smoothie and you could lose some serious weight. The reason being : these smoothies can be nutrient dense, while being lower in calories and with additives like whey protein, can keep you full for a longer period of time. Flax oil and lecithin are serious fat blasters. On the flip side because they’re not heavy they are ideal for convalescents and people without much of an appetite. With the right healthy additives, they can be a way of gaining weight and strength ‘the healthy way.’
A superior Multi-Vitamin – This is especially true of fruit and veggie based smoothies where you can get a mega dose of bio-available nutrients and antioxidants, not to mention the fiber and ‘brain fuel’ in the form of fructose.
Strengthen your immune system and your gut with a healthy dose of probiotics as in yogurt/Kefir based smoothies.
Setting up a smoothie friendly kitchen
Some must haves:
Additives like protein powders, flax oil, lecithin, nutritional yeast, or nut butters for those of you who want those “high powered” smoothies. Sweeteners like Stevia and Agave nectar may be a good alternative to sugar. I use brown sugar or honey occasionally to sweeten my kid’s smoothies.
Freezer full of frozenfruit: work better than fresh…. don’t let anyone con you into thinking fresh is better. While I do think eating fresh produce is great, nutrient wise flash pasteurized frozen fruits and veggies retain nutrients far more than their fresh counterparts. Or, go for a combo of both! Use fruit in season!! Most fruit, veggie based smoothies can be frozen to make delicious pops.
Hundred percent juices can be used to liquefy your smoothies. Juices like apple and white grape can sweeten drinks really well, while the addition of crushed ice gives it a frosty feeling.
Creativity – try out different combos … be adventurous…mix and match. Pair a kiwi with a banana and watermelon with carrot juice and when you hit jackpot and you find a recipe that’s fabulous, please share!!
Just a word of caution … if your’e diabetic … may want to stick with the high protein kind or add a scoop of protein to your fruity smoothies as this will help stabilise sugars. You could also pair a fruity smoothie with a protien snack like cheese or nuts. I do that since I have a strong history, and have had gestational diabetes with both my kids. To be on the safe side check with your physician as to how much fruity stuff you can have.
I am sharing two of my favorite recipes…. a Melon Frosty and a Pina-colada drink. Click on the purple button to see the recipe card in action. Feel free to “mute” the music if you want.
 |
 |
| This recipe card personalized with Smilebox |
 |
|
| This recipe page created with Smilebox |
Hi there! I’m Sunithi, AKA Sue, a registered dietitian with a sweet tooth and a passion for eating healthy (quite a combo) currently working as an independent consultant in the DC Metro area. I’m also a blogger, health nut, nutrition geek who jogs to keep sane :)! I love to revamp recipes and add some ‘Nutrition Bytes’ to them. All my recipes are gluten free! I also blog on natural health and fitness! Visit often and drop me a note if you have any nutrition queries!
Thanks! You've made my day! I'm going for the fat blast recipe! Thanks for the warning for diabetics!
Dig the musical recipe cards !! Any reason you use whey protein ? I use soy based protein that am not too crazy about . Looking for a low carb switch!
Thanks Steve ! I like whey protein because it mixes really well into smoothies without feeling heavy. Have tries soy based and never liked it since they had a funny aftertaste. Try GNC, Vitamin Shope for good brands. CVS has a nice one called " American designer whey " Check for carbs on the label.
Hi Sue,I bought a Vitamix machine and it mixes these smoothies up fast and furious. Last night my grandkids had yogurt with frozen strawberries and they loved it..The Vitamix is an amazing machine, juices and smoothies with all the good stuff in them.Cant wait for the hot summer days… mmmm! watermelon with mango and all the other possibilities.
Hi Pam , so glad to have found another Vitamix lover !! Isn't is awesome ?… my most used kitchen appliance !! Pricey, but worth it !! I put walnuts, flax seeds, dried fruit like prunes and my kids don't even know it cause it blends up soooo smooth! can't live without it !! Do share any other magic things that you add to it ! and do enjoy it … hot summer days coming !
Helpful n informative post dear…thanks for sharingFirst time here..u hv a wonderful space..visit mine as time permits..Sanyuktahttp://creativesanyukta.blogspot.com/
Love the spring theme on the " melon madness recipe " card. Sent it to my Godmom in Arizona !! Keep them coming sue …Miss ya :)!
Hi Sanyukta, did check out your space …. and you have an awesome recipe collection !! Keep it going .. will visit your space often !! Love the backdrop and I just became your follower.
Hey Penny, Glad you like it !! Hugs to your godmom and ping me sometime ;)!
Hi sue, lovely new blog design ..very cool !! love the slide show . Hwo did you install that ?
Thanks Susan ! The slide show is a plug in for Studio Press and Word Press themes…it can be installed into any WP theme I believe 🙂
The pina colada recipe is a must try for me ! Very informative post ! Like the tips.The musical cards are awesome 😉 shared it on my Fb page !;)
Thanks for sharing the recipe Mark … very nice of you ! Appreciate it 😀
Hi! I just now saw your post in the Triberr bonfire. I'll be sending an invite soon. If you've already joined other tribes. I understand. I don't remember ever getting a notice about this! But, I'll send invite just in case!
Thanks !! got it and joined too 🙂