Summertime Smoothies: Snacks and Meals

Summertime Smoothies: Snacks and Meals

Depending on what you add to it, the benefits vary. They also make for great meal substitutions and pre and post workouts. My daughter and I one summer made smoothies all the time. We would add our vanilla protein powder to them and we usually would make strawberry banana, or chocolate banana peanut butter. Both are delicious, but the chocolate banana peanut butter my favorite!

FORMAL DRESSES

I have yet to try the green smoothies, but the time has come for me to give them a shot. A friend of mine is really into making all sorts of smoothies he has given me a couple to try. One calls for spinach, avocado, coconut water and pineapple. Another calls for banana, apple, spinach, almond milk, and cinnamon and the last one is spinach, strawberries, banana, blueberries, water and orange juice. I forget the portions he told me but sometimes going off of taste is the best way to go.

One smoothie I really enjoy making is one from Dr. Oz; his energy boosting smoothie.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp cocoa powder

2 tbsp peanut butter


1 banana

8 oz Greek yogurt

Cinnamon

Directions: Add peanut butter, cocoa powder, Greek yogurt and ice cubes to the blender. Blend on high. Slice banana up, add to mixture and blend. Top with cinnamon for extra flavor.

FORMAL DRESSES

This is similar to the ones my daughter and I would make only we didn't use cocoa powder. Protein can easily be added to this as well and makes for a great post workout meal. Frozen fruit sometimes is better if don't want to add a lot of ice. Very berry is always good, the only downfall I have had when making it is that there are lots of seeds in it. Not a deal breaker but I really like when the smoothie is thick and creamy.

The great thing about smoothies is there are many reasons to make them. Gaining and losing weight, for breakfast or another meal replacement or just as a snack! From fruitier ones to rich and chocolatey ones, you can never go wrong!

I typically make more smoothies in the spring and summer due to the fact that they are cold. There is nothing like drinking an ice cold drink on a warm sunny day. I have yet to make my first smoothie of the New Year. I stick to warm soups to keep me nice and warm through the colder months.