Trio of Summer Smoothies
Smoothies are satisfying on so many levels, I just can’t get enough of them. Not only are they delicious, cooling, filling and a fun way to get needed nutrients into our system, they are also easy to make, so fast to prepare, they can serve a breakfast, a snack, it can even fill in for a meal every once in a while. That in itself is a run-on sentence as well as a recipe for happiness.
I will admit that over the years I have also turned into smoothie snob. I take it seriously. The consistency, the colours, the flavours, the texture they all have to be just right. However, serious can be boring and so it can also be really fun to just open your freezer, fridge, pantry, see what you have and start tossing things into your blender. Pretend you’re a witch brewing up a secret potion. If that works for you.
Because smoothies are so versatile, we often eat them when we are on the go. Remember that smoothies are food blended into liquid form. Your body can’t just take it back like water. Chew your smoothie, let the flavors hang out in your mouth, get all the enzymes and digestive fluids dancing, your body will be able to distribute all the nutritious ingredients much more effectively.
Here are three smoothie ideas. I say don’t get too hung up on measuring the right amount of everything, the best smoothies turn out when you add a little o' this, a little o' that.
Berry Good Smoothie
You cant get more local than picking blackberries from the blackberry bushes that grow all around the city. I know, I know they are not quite ready yet but when they are get out there and start picking!
· 1.5 C strawberries
· 1 C blueberries
· 1/2 C raspberries or blackberries
· 1 Tbsp. honey
· 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
· 1 frozen banana
· Water or nut/rice milk
Blenderooo! Add as much water/nut milk until desired consistency.
Banana Nut Breakfast
· 2 frozen bananas
· 2 tbsp. nut butter, I like almond.
· ½ cup oatmeal cooked and cooled or soaked overnight
· ¼ cup yogurt (to stay in the healthy region of yogurts, get one without added flavors or sugar or low fat)
· 1/4 tsp cinnamon
· Water or nut/rice milk as needed.
Blend, blend, blend, eat, eat, eat. This one look pretty with a few sliced bananas on top.
Go Go Green
Ideally eat something green and leafy every day. They feed and nourish us in a way no other vegetable can so don’t be shy when adding them to a smoothie. Kale will make the smoothie more gritty and chewy where as spinach usually turns it into a smoother consistency.
· juice from ½ lemon
· 1 grated apple
· 2-3 stalks kale (stems removed) or 2 handfulls of spinach
· 1 avocado
· Water or nut/rice milk
Blend, add water/milk as needed. I wanted to give a banana free option, but to be honest this tastes a little better with one in it.
xoSusanne