Are you looking for a way to make a quick and healthy drink or snack? Look no further than a smoothie. A smoothie is filled with a variety of fruits blended into a drinkable liquid. It is like a milkshake, but packed full of nutrition. You can also add protein powders or other healthy supplements to make it even more nutritious.

If you are not sure how to make the perfect smoothie, read on. It is really quite easy and all you need to get started is a blender. Next, head to the grocery store to stock up on ingredients. You will want a combination of a few fruits. Most smoothie lovers use a banana and a couple of other fresh or frozen fruits. You can use peaches, mangos, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or any other fruit you prefer. You also may want to add some fresh fruit juice. Be sure to pick up some low-fat or non-fat yogurt as this adds nutrition and creates a creamy texture. Don’t forget the protein powder or supplements for an extra boost of nutrition.

When you have collected all of the ingredients you need, the fun begins. It is time to make your smoothie! If you need to follow a recipe, you can find plenty online, in newer cookbooks, or even on the back of yogurt containers. If you do not need to use a recipe, just experiment and have fun! Try different combinations of fruits and different amounts of each fruit until you find something that pleases your taste buds. Simply put all of the ingredients into your blender and blend away. For a more icy texture, try adding a few ice cubes. When you have the smoothie blended just right, simply pour it into a glass and enjoy with a spoon or a straw. It is that easy!

Even kids love smoothies, especially if you place them in fancy cups. The natural sugars in fruit make the smoothies taste as good as ice cream or desserts, while still being nutritious.

The next time you need a quick and healthy snack in a hurry, look no further than your blender. Throw in a unique combination of fruit, juices, yogurt and healthy supplements to enjoy a satisfying and delicious smoothie.

Triple Fruit Smoothie

1 kiwi or starfruit, sliced
1 banana, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup blueberries
1 cup strawberries, hulled
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup ice cubes
1 cup vanilla frozen yogurt

In a blender, blend fruits, orange juice, ice and frozen yogurt until smooth. Top with a dollop of frozen yogurt and a few blueberries. Garnish with a slice of kiwi or starfruit. Yields 4 servings.

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

2 bananas, chunked and frozen
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup soy milk
2 tablespoons honey

In a blender, combine banana, peanut butter and soy milk. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and drizzle with honey for garnish. Yields 2 servings.

Mango-Pineapple Smoothie

1 cup vanilla yogurt
1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
1/2 banana, sliced
1 mango, peeled, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup nonfat milk
2 tablespoons cream of coconut

In a blender, blend the vanilla yogurt, pineapple juice, banana, mango, milk and cream of coconut until smooth. Yields 4 servings.

Cran-Orange Power Smoothie

1 cup cranberry juice
1 large banana
1 medium orange, peeled and segmented
1/2 cup strawberries, hulled
1/4 cup raspberry sherbet
1 cup ice cubes
1/4 cup whey protein powder

In a blender, combine cranberry juice, banana, orange, strawberries, sherbet, ice  and protein powder. Blend until smooth. Yields 2 servings.

Recipes from www.AllRecipes.com

Written by Belina Storrey
Printed July/August 2007
Web September 2007