Who doesn’t love a smoothie?! Did you know you can make them both healthy and great tasting? Smoothies are a great way for your body to receive the different nutrients your diet might be missing throughout the day, or give you that boost of energy you need in the morning.

A great body cleansing smoothie to drink in the morning is a “Green Smoothie”. To do this, first get out your blender, and then add your favorite greens such as spinach, romaine lettuce, kale, celery, or cucumber. Next add your favorite fruits such as apples, bananas, pears, mangos, etc for the sweetness! Last add about 1 to 2 cups of water, depending on the amount of greens and fruits. Be creative and switch it up often, trying new combinations and flavors.

GREEN SMOOTHIE MIX
70% greens
30% fruits
1-2 cups of water
blend on high and enjoy!

If you like to follow a recipe here’s one for Kimberly Snyder’s Glowing Green Smoothie.

Now if you have a toddler, child, teen (or spouse) that needs more protein, fat, or greens in their diet – smoothies are a great way to sneak them in! Here is a classic and favorite….

PEANUT BUTTER BANANA SMOOTHIE
1 ripe banana
1 tablespoon peanut butter or other nut butter
1/2 to 1 cup of almond milk (or milk of your choice)
1 cup ice cubes
optional: honey for extra sweetness, nuts of your choice for extra protein and fat, flax seed or chia seeds for extra protein and fiber, additional peanut butter for taste, additional greens (such as a handful of spinach) for higher vegetable intake

If you like to follow a recipe here’s one for a Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie.

The overall message when making smoothies is you don’t need to follow a recipe! Just follow your taste buds, trying different combinations, seeing what you like best. And of course adding those “extras” that you or a family member may need in their diet.