I thought spring would never get here. But here it is and it’s time to get out in the backyard, boatyard or to wherever you keep your boat and start getting ready for launching. I’m looking forward to this summer as I have plans to finally get out sailing with friends over to various ports in Connecticut. I haven’t done that in years! Very excited.
All that hard work on the boat calls for a quick snack or pick-me-up during the day, so this month, instead of sandwiches or lunch foods, I have a few smoothie recipes that are not only refreshing, but good for you. For me, sometimes eating a full lunch can leave me wanting a nap before doing anything else with my day. That’s not good. 😊 These drinks are also the perfect way to get a good dose of fruits and vegetables into your meals that you might often neglect in your everyday diet.
First of all, it is important to use a blender that can break down the ingredients without you having to do a lot of cutting and slicing. I use a Vitamix. There are many other types of blenders and juicers on the market that will get this done for you, but a regular old-fashioned blender won’t.
These recipes call for flavored yogurt and nut milks. I prefer to use plain yogurt and unflavored milks and will add a little pure vanilla or almond extract to get the flavor the recipe is aiming for. If I am looking to use a shake for a meal, I will also add my protein powder, collagen and maybe some ‘greens powder’ (if the blend has greens in it). Always use fresh vegetables. The fruits can be frozen, but I prefer fresh. If you find that the shake is a little thick, add more ice cubes or a little water until you get the consistency you desire. Once you have your drink made, just pour into a thermos or whatever you use for a to-go bottle.
Enjoy these pick-me-ups and have fun getting ready for all those fun days you’ll have this season.
Go Green Smoothie
1-1/2 cups of ice cubes
1 cup of packed torn spinach
1/2 vanilla almond milk
1/4 cup of vanilla low-fat yogurt
1/4 of an avocado, peeled and pitted
1 tsp. of fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. of honey
Combine ice, spinach, almond milk, yogurt, avocado, lemon juice and honey in a blender and blend until smooth. Makes 1 serving
Creamy Strawberry Banana Shake
1-1/2 cups of ice cubes
1⁄2 banana
1⁄2 cup of fresh strawberries, sliced
1⁄2 cup of orange juice
1⁄4 avocado, peeled and pitted
Combine ice, banana, strawberries, orange juice and avocado in blender and blend until smooth. Makes 2 servings
Blue Kale Smoothie
1-1⁄2 cups of ice cubes
1 banana
1 cup of packed stemmed kale
1⁄2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries
1⁄4 cup of vanilla low-fat yogurt
Combine ice, banana, kale, blueberries and yogurt in blender and blend until smooth.
Makes 2 servings
Apple Carrot Zinger (try this if you want a little zing in your afternoon)
4 carrots
2 green apples
1/4 of a cucumber, peeled
1-inch piece of peeled fresh ginger
Combine all the ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a container that will keep it cool. Makes 2 servings.