How to Make a Quick & Easy Smoothie

Smoothies are a refreshing way to add vitamins and nutrients to your diet, adding a full serving of fruits and vegetables to a nutrition plan. They are great for people who tend to skip meals, and can curb afternoon or late night snack cravings. A diet can be balanced out with a nutritional smoothie. One great thing about making smoothies at home is being able to try new combinations of foods for added flavor. Dare to experiment.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 cup assorted fruits and/or vegetables 1/2 cup non-fat milk 1/2 cup ice 1 tbsp. honey (optional) 3 tbsp. wheat germ

Instructions

1. Choose fruits and vegetables which complement each other in flavor, like bananas and strawberries or pineapple and mango. The fruits do not have to be fresh but can be canned or frozen, such as peaches or pears. Carrots, spinach and cucumbers are great additions to a smoothie. Try mangos, carrots and peaches for a sweet treat. Oranges and pineapple blended with some bananas have a tropical flair.

2. Cut up fruits and vegetables into bite-size pieces.

3. Combine the fruit/vegetables, milk, ice and honey in the blender. Blend on high for two minutes. The consistency should be that of a thin milkshake.

4. Add the wheat germ slowly, while blending for an additional minute. This makes the smoothie more filling, while adding extra fiber to the diet.

5. Pour into a tall glass and serve. Garnish with chunks of fresh fruit like oranges or whole cherries, if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Low-fat yogurt can be substituted for milk, if desired. Do not be afraid to be creative. Coconut milk can be substituted for the milk, as well.

• Watch calorie intake when making a smoothie. It is not hard to turn a healthy drink into a large calorie shake.

Resources

• About Smoothies
• How to Prepare Healthy Smoothies