I have been a big fan of smoothies for quite some time. They're super healthy. You can put the best stuff in there and they are delicious. I drink them as a snack, after a workout, or sometimes as a meal replacement.
Here is the recipe for one of my own blends. This one (or variations on it) is my favorite:
2/3 C Vanilla Yogurt
2/3 C Frozen Strawberries (or blueberries, blackberries, etc)
3/4 C Frozen Mixed Fruit
1 TB Orange Juice Concentrate
1 Banana
1/3 C Milk
This is enough to make about 24 oz. I usually give 8oz to my wife and drink 16oz myself. All 24 oz or so that it makes has about 465 calories and 15g of protein. I throw some protein powder in to up the protein sometimes, especially if it's post-workout.
Here are some recipes from Men's Health that you might like as well. Experiment with the ingredients and come up with your own go-to smoothie as a delicious and healthy snack or meal.
BRAIN BOOSTER
The berries here aren't just super food for your brain; they offer an important cancer-fighting bonus.
1/2 c fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 c fresh or frozen raspberries
1 c pineapple OJ
1/2 c low-fat vanilla yogurt
1 c ice
BERRY BERRY
Using all unsweetened fruit, this recipe delivers an antioxidant whallop without the sugar.
1/2 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries
1/2 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries
3/4 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
1 cup soy milk or 1% milk
MEMORY AID
This low-calorie smoothie is a good source of fiber, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Blueberries in particular contain compounds that can help prevent cataracts, cancer, constipation, and memory loss.
1/2 c orange juice
1 pint nonfat vanilla or peach frozen yogurt
2 1/2 c sliced peaches
3/4 fresh or frozen blueberries
MUSCLE BUILDER
This mix features the brawn-building power of protein from both peanut butter and whey.
2 Tbsp peanut butter
1 banana
1/3 c whey protein
1/2 c fat-free chocolate frozen yogurt
1 c fat-free milk
BETA BLAST
This smoothie is a muscle-rejuvenating, beta-carotene-filled, orange-colored wonder.
3 small ice cubes
2 apricots (sliced and pitted)
1/2 papaya (frozen in chunks)
1/2 mango (frozen in chunks)
1/2 cup carrots
1 tablespoon honey
HEART HELPER
The fiber from the fruit teams with the artery-protecting antioxidants and healthy monounsaturated fats of the peanut butter to keep your ticker tickin'.
1 banana
1/2 c raspberries
1 Tbsp peanut butter
1/2 c nonfat chocolate frozen yogurt
1 c fat-free milk
KICKSTARTER SHAKE
This recipe helps produce wake-up chemicals in the brain.
1 c skim milk
2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate
1 c strawberries
1 kiwifruit
SMOOTH OPERATOR
The yogurt aids digestion, while the mango and juice boost immune response.
1/2 c pitted cherries
1/2 c mango
1/2 c low-fat vanilla yogurt
1 c pineapple OJ
1 c ice
MOOD MAKER
An all-fruit smoothie, packed with carbs to boost your serotonin levels. Add a handful of flaxseeds for an extra dose of mood-boosting omega-3 fatty acids.
1/2 c fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 c fresh or frozen mango
1 c pineapple OJ
1 c ice
