Delicious Smoothie Recipes

Smoothies are full of so many nutrients and excellent for meal replacements. They're also great for you if you're always busy on the go and don't always have time to get your daily intake of fruits and veggies in. Most of the smoothies I make are green, but I realize many people can't stand the idea of drinking anything green. Your smoothies don't have to be green in order to be healthy, they just need to have the proper balance of ingredients. 

Here are some simple tips to keep in mind when making your own well balanced smoothie:

A liquid base
Milk -- 1 percent or nonfat -- because it's rich in vitamin D and calcium, which can help your body break down fat. But nondairy milks, like soy and almond, are fine too.( unsweetened almond milk is a great option.)

Lean protein
Getting protein at every meal helps you maintain lean muscle mass, which means you burn more calories throughout the day. Try one of these: plain nonfat yogurt or unflavored protein powder.

Healthy fats
These give you energy, make your smoothie satisfying, and help your body absorb vitamins. (Avocado, seeds, or nuts)

High-fiber carbs
Any fruit will do, but raspberries and blueberries deliver the most fiber and the least amount of sugar. As for veggies, spinach and cucumber have the mildest, easiest-to-mask flavors.

PB&J Smoothie

4 ounces plain nonfat Greek yogurt
2 cups chopped fresh or frozen strawberries
1 frozen banana, chopped
2 teaspoons smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup ice

Nutrition facts per smoothie: 327 calories, 18g protein, 55g carbohydrate, 7g fat (1.4g saturated), 9g fiber, 94mg sodium

(If your allergic to peanut butter try this one)

Tropical Morning Smoothie
6 ounces plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks
1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
1 frozen banana, chopped
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed

Nutrition facts per smoothie: 368 calories, 22g protein, 60g carbohydrate, 7g fat (0.9g saturated), 9g fiber, 68mg sodium

Recipes courtesy Fitness magazine. Check out the link below for more delicious smoothie recipes:

Smoothie Recipes

For even more nutrients try adding 2 scoops of It Works Greens to your smoothies. 

It Works Greens has the equivalent of 8+ servings of fruits and vegetables in each serving also helps with energy and serves as an all natural light detox. In addition to smoothies, greens can be added to juice or water.

Hope you Enjoy! Leave comments below if you have questions :)

Live Fit Be Free!

Eboni