How to Make a Great Fruit Smoothie with Less Sugar

Bananas can be used in a variety of tropical-themed smoothies

Fruit smoothies sold in markets and restaurants often have hidden sugars from the use of granulated sugar or packaged fruit juice. Make a low-sugar smoothie at home with fruit, ice, milk and the sugar substitute of your choice. Any kind of fresh fruit can be substituted into this recipe. Try a 3 berry blend of raspberries, blueberries and strawberries. Or use only bananas with an added teaspoon of honey for taste. Freeze your fresh fruit before adding it to the smoothie to keep the natural juices from diluting the consistency of the smoothie.

Things You'll Need

• 2 bananas
• 3 strawberries
• 1 cup low-fat milk
• 5 ice cubes
• 2 packets sugar substitute (optional)
• Fruit slices, garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Dice 2 bananas and 3 strawberries and place in a plastic bag with a seal. Place the bag in the freezer for 3 hours to overnight, until the fruit is frozen.

2. Pour 1 cup of low-fat milk into the blender. Add 5 ice cubes, frozen fruit and 2 packets of sugar substitute to the blender. Blend until the ice cubes have been crushed and combined with the other ingredients.

3. Taste the smoothie still in the blender. Add more sugar substitute if desired. Pour into glasses and garnish with whole pieces of fruit.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't want to use an artificial sweetener, simply increase the amount of fruit. In this recipe, increase the number of strawberries from 3 to 6. If you're using multiple kinds of fruit, increase the one with the sweetest taste.

References

• Healthy Diet Mom: Fresh Healthy Fruit Smoothies