Keep Things Cool with Refreshing Smoothies
Given the current situation across the US, most of us are practicing social distancing. With that, we’re left to wonder how to keep ourselves, and most importantly our children, occupied and engaged at all times. Making delicious smoothies can be healthy and loads of fun at the same time. Not to mention, it’s also immunity boosting!
A smoothie constitutes a thick & creamy beverage pureed from a variety of ingredients, including raw fruits, vegetables, dairy or dairy-alternatives (such as nut milks) and more, depending on one’s taste & creativity. It can be enjoyed as a meal substitute or a refreshing snack.
There are many advantages to having a smoothie. They can be healthy and easier for your body to breakdown. They also hold in the nutrients of fruits and vegetables which may die when prepared by cooking. Lastly, smoothies can be fast and easy to make, ensuring a great start to your day.
Everyone can enjoy a refreshing smoothie! There are some healthy smoothies for kids which contain all the required nutrients. Parents know it’s hard enough to get kids to eat their fruits and vegetables, so smoothies are a great way of hiding them in a creative and delicious way. Not only that, but kids will love to participate in the smoothie-making process, making them more likely to drink it. You can even mix them with dairy products, like ice cream, to make them even more appealing. For adults, coffee smoothies serve as an alternative for those that need that good cup of joe to jumpstart their day.
The true essence of a good smoothie is based on the fact that it is easily absorbed by your muscles after a workout and helps to rebuild broken down tissue. You can even add your favorite protein powder or workout supplements to increase the benefits. Also, smoothies for breakfast are said to be very effective for weight loss - they are a better substitute for food and broken down easier by the body, especially for those with slower metabolic rates.
Smoothies are even better with ice! Smoothies made with fresh fruit have a thinner consistency, so one of the best ways to thicken them, without adding calories, is to add ice cubes to the blender. This not only makes the smoothie thicker, but keeps you hydrated and cools you down.
With summer approaching, try some of these recipes to help keep things cool!
1. Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Recipe & Image Courtesy – Gimme Some Oven
Ingredients
- Frozen Strawberries
- Banana
- Milk
- Ice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender
- Blend until smooth (if the smoothie seems thick, add in a bit of extra milk or water, if too thin, add in more strawberries or banana)
- Serve
2. Iced Coffee Protein Shake
Recipe & Image Courtesy – Natalies Health
Ingredients
- ½ cup soy milk
- 1 cup brewed cold coffee
- 1 frozen banana
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup (optional for taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth and desired consistency is reached
- If the shake is too thick, add a little more liquid (coffee, water or milk) and blend again
- Serve
3. Strawberry Spinach Green Smoothie
Recipe & Image Courtesy – Cooking Classy
Ingredients
- 1 ½ very ripe bananas, peeled, diced & frozen
- 6 oz fresh strawberries (about 9 medium)
- 2 mandarin oranges, peeled and halved
- 3 cups packed spinach (baby spinach is sweeter)
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender with half of the ice and blend
- Blend until combined and then add remaining ice & blend until smoothie is pureed
- Serve
4. Frozen Mango Smoothie
Recipe & Image Courtesy – She Wear Many Hats
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks
- ½ vanilla or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 banana
- 6 ounces pineapple juice
- ½ cup milk
- 8 – 12 ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender
- Blend until smooth
- Serve