Friday, May 10, 2013

Banana Berry Smoothie! Delicious Nutrition!

Sometimes, when I need a nutritional meal but don't want to cook, I make a smoothie. This one, a banana berry smoothie, is great because it combines low-fat greek yogurt with frozen chunks of bananas as well as frozen blueberries and strawberries. I take bananas just past their peak and cut into 2-inch chunks and freeze in a zippered freezer bag, so they're ready when I am. My freezer is always stocked with frozen berries, since I use them for baking all the time. A can of whipped cream is a staple in my fridge -  just a little bit makes so many things so much better!

You can come up with all kinds of custom smoothies, depending on what fruits you have available. Try adding even more protein and fiber with flax meal, wheat germ, or protein powder. You can even add peanut butter! It's completely your own designer smoothie!

Whenever you have fresh fruit that you can't use up, chunk it up and freeze it! You will be very grateful when the time comes to whip up a delicious meal in just a matter of seconds!

BANANA BERRY SMOOTHIE!

1 frozen banana, in chunks (3 to 4 2-inch chunks)
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
4 frozen strawberries (or 4 large fresh)
1/2 to 1 cup Greek yogurt, vanilla (or your favorite yogurt)
1/4 cup milk, skim to whole, your preference

In blender, pour milk.  Add yogurt, then fruit.  With cover on securely, mix well, and blend until completely smooth.  If it's too thick, you can add more milk, a few tablespoons at a time.

Pour into a tall glass, spritz with whipped cream, and drink through a straw.

Instant vacation!

8 comments:

  1. Mary Beth PrintskyMay 11, 2013 at 8:28 AM

    I have adjusted my diet recently and on one day all I drink are this type of smoothies. You are right about the frozen fruit,too. If you use frozen fruit,you don't need to add ice. I also add a little fresh spinach or kale to the smoothie for added vitamins. It doesn't change the taste.Thanks for posting. Happy Mother's Day. I am thinking of your Mom,too, She was a wonderful woman and always nice to me. XOXOXO

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    1. Thank you Mary Beth! My Mom really was fond of all your family, and I have nice memories of our time together on MacArthur Drive! Please wish your Mom a wonderful Mother's Day for me!

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  2. This is very similar to one of the juicing smoothies I had while on a 5 day detox. It was so good! Add in some pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds for a crunchy meal (something greatly appreciated after only having juice for 5 days). Might just have to have this again next week!

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    1. Teresa, I'm so impressed with the way you take such good care of yourself! I've been thinking of you and wishing you all the best during this exciting year! xoxox

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  3. Looks YUMMY, Jeannie! I love smoothies...make them nearly every day! I also put in spinach to get in veggies. Another new favorite combo of mine is frozen mango and pineapple with the banana and yogurt or skim milk. Delicious!

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    1. Carol, my daughter Katie also adds spinach to her smoothies. She has a Magic Bullet - I make mine in a big old blender! I also love using chunks of frozen fresh pineapple. It's such a feel-good drink, and whether it's breakfast or a meal later in the day, it really makes me feel like I've done something good for myself, and the fact that it is delicious is a bonus!

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  4. Mary Beth PrintskyMay 11, 2013 at 10:32 AM

    One more thing. I don't do much dairy so I use Almond Milk which I LOVE!!!

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    1. I've been thinking of trying almond milk. Maybe I'll pick some up this week when I'm shopping. Thanks MB! (Add your blog's link to the next post you comment on - I'd love to promote it!)

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