Mixed Berry-Pineapple Smoothie

I'm always surprised at how high the calories are in a smoothie. This one comes in at approximately 440 calories! I've been having a smoothie for at least one of my meals every day this summer. They really fill me up and I don't seem to snack as much in between meals.

I change up what kind of fruit I use. For this smoothie these are the amounts I used:

Mixed Berry-Pineapple Smoothie

1 cup Chobani plain yogurt - 140 calories
1 cup Dole Baby Spinach - 7 calories
1/4 cup So Delicious Coconut Milk - 18 calories
1/2 cup Great Value Berry Medley frozen fruit - 35 calories
1/2 cup Dole Pineapple Chunks frozen fruit - 47 calories
1/2 Tbsp LouAna Coconut oil - 60 calories
1/4 cup Quaker Oats Old Fashioned Oatmeal - 75 calories
1 Tbsp Agave Nectar - 60 Calories

I just toss all ingredients in my blender and mix it up. I have to stop and start to make sure it starts blending. Sometimes I have to add a little extra milk to get it going. This is where a heavy duty Ninja would come in handy! Hopefully that will be my next kitchen purchase.

This one had a great flavor! I don't add ice if I use frozen fruit, only when I use fresh. I don't always use coconut oil either. One of the reasons I add it is because I count that as part of my fat for the day. What ingredients do you add to your smoothies?

This post is linked to this party: Think Pink Sunday

Blueberry Yogurt Smoothie {Crazy Cooking Challenge}

This month's Crazy Cooking Challenge is fruit smoothies and/or shakes. I chose to make a blueberry yogurt smoothie that I found here. If you think you'd like to join the fun, click the button below and check out all the details! You're not required to participate every month.

There are so many delicious recipes out there in blogland for smoothies. I had such a hard time narrowing down which one I was going to use. One of the requirements is that we find a recipe from another blogger. My choice became easier when I remembered that I had an over abundance of blueberries to use up.

Blueberry Yogurt Smoothie
adapted from The Pioneer Woman Cooks!

1 cup plain, unflavored yogurt (I used Chobani greek yogurt) - LOVE that stuff!
1 cup fruit, your choice
1/4 cup milk  (I used Almond milk)
dash honey
ice

Place yogurt, fruit, milk, a handful of ice and honey to taste in blender. Blend until smooth. Taste for sweetness and add more honey if needed. One serving.

Enjoy!

This one was so delicious, thick and creamy! I can't wait to try other fruits and/or fruit combinations. Next up will either be raspberries or strawberries.

I love making smoothies. Last summer I made a ton of them. After doing this challenge I have smoothie fever! Stayed tuned throughout the summer because I'm sure I'll be sharing all the yummy ones I find to make.

This post is also linked to these parties: Delightfully Inspiring Thursday, Full Plate Thursday

Be sure to check out all the fabulous recipes below!

Green Smoothies

The other day I saw two recipes for green smoothies on Pinterest. I've been doing alot of pinning lately. I really like that I don't have to save things as a favorite on my computer. I like setting up boards for different categories to access at a later date. It is soooo addicting though.....I can get lost for hours in my own little world!

I've also been under the weather for pretty much the whole month of January. I ended up getting Shingles. Quite a few people told me how awful they were and quite frankly I didn't believe them. I had no energy, not much of an appetite and pain. That was what I questioned most of all. I really didn't understand why there would be all this pain. Well, now I know! When it was really bad I either felt like someone was sticking me with needles or throwing scalding hot water on me. And if that's not horrible enough, at times it felt like someone was taking a knife and just jabbing it into my sides. Needless to say, it's been a nightmare. It seems that for every step I took forward, I would take five more backwards. When I'd feel pretty good, I'd be up doing things. Soon after I'd know that I'd overdone it.

I've done little blogging, no crafting and very little cooking. I think I'm finally over the hump. I still have a little pain, but I feel alot better than I have. Hopefully I'll be back up to full speed soon. In the meantime check out this smoothie. It's so good with tons of different fruit possibilities. I found the recipe here.

    

I really liked this one. It has a nice thick texture to it. Right after I made this one I came across another recipe. It's basically the same, but uses pineapple instead of an orange and it uses water.

This version is not quite a thick, but I loved the taste! I like the mix of banana and pineapple.

I have to admit, I wasn't sure if I'd like a smoothie with spinach in it.  

I've made quite a few of these in the last week or so. I love them! The site that was referenced for this one is Green Smoothies Power Blog. I didn't find the recipe there though. There are alot of variations. The person that pinned this one on Pinterest had this recipe included with it:

Take two handfuls of baby spinach, 1 cup of chunk pineapple, 2 bananas, 1 cup of yogurt and 1 cup of filtered water. Blend and enjoy!

If you enjoy smoothies and can get past the fact that they are green, you will love them! They're pretty filling, so I've just had them for lunch a few times. You can't even taste the spinach. I like how healthy they are!

This post is linked to these parties: Whatever Goes Wednesday, What I Whipped Up Wednesday, These Chicks Cooked, Full Plate Thursday, What's Cooking Thursdays?

Thanks for stopping by!

Mango Madness Smoothie

I know I've been posting alot of smoothie recipes. I can't help it, I'm addicted. They're filling and I love them!

This one I whipped up because I'm trying to use up ripe fruit. I also had an orange that needed help since I had used the whole thing for zest in a recipe. I know...I could have just ate it, but that would have been too easy. Because I used a mango in this one, thus the name Mango Madness.

If interested, I figured the Weight Watchers Points at 3 PointsPlus for approximately 6 ounces.

Mango Madness Smoothie
makes about 24 ounces

1 cup strawberries, cut up
1/4 cup blueberries
1 orange, cut up
1 banana
1 cup mango, cut up
1 Tbsp raw wheat germ
3 Tbsp plain low-fat yogurt
3 Tbsp orange juice
3 Tbsp light cranberry juice
1 cup ice

Toss all ingredients in blender and mix until smooth or consistency that you like. Enjoy!

This post is linked to these parties:
Full Plate Thursday
What's Cooking Thursdays
Sweet Treats Thursday
Chic & Crafty Party

High Energy Morning Shake/Smoothie

This smoothie may look similar to the Mixed Berry Smoothie I made the other day. I assure you they are not the same, nor do they taste the same.

On Tuesday I took a 'Summer Cooler' class that was offered at the local College. Oh my! It was so fun! The instructor made five different drinks and tuille cookies. I went away with recipes for all of them plus a few more. We were also given alot of different ideas and many tips and tricks.

The smoothie I made today is adapted from her recipe. I've added more fruit and raw wheat germ and skipped the salt. I also call mine a smoothie versus a shake. In the overall scheme of things I don't think it matters. Hers was delicious and I like my version equally as well. They are so filling! I made this later this morning, so it's actually my lunch today.

This made about 24-1/2 ounces and if you are following Weight Watchers the PointsPlus per approximately 6 ounces would be 3. If this is too much for you to drink, you can save it in the fridge for maybe a day or freeze it in a container and eat it like ice cream. You could always put it in the little popsicle containers or use small dixie cups and just add a stick.

High Energy Morning Shake/Smoothie
Makes 24-1/2 ounces

1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup blueberries
3/4 cup strawberries, cut up
1 peach, cut up
1 banana, cut up
1 orange, cut up
3 Tbsp low fat plain yogurt
1 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp raw wheat germ (optional)
ice

In a blender, combine all fruit and other ingredients. Mix well. Add as much or as little ice as you prefer. Pour into glass and enjoy.

Raspberry & Strawberry Smoothie

This is what I had for breakfast and it was fantastic....

.....in all it's raspberry-strawberry-almond goodness! If you love the taste of almond, it really adds a wonderful flavor to this smoothie. If you don't like it, just omit it.

Raspberry & Strawberry Smoothie
serves 2

1/3 cup raspberries
1/2 cup strawberries, hulled
1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup milk (I used Almond milk)
1 tsp almond extract (optional)
2-3 tbsp honey, to taste

Press the raspberries through a nylon stainer in a bowl using the back of a spoon. Discard the seeds in the strainer. (I skipped this step as I don't mind the seeds).

Put the raspberry puree, strawberries, yogurt, milk and almond extract, if using, into a blender and blend until smooth and combined.

Pour the smoothie into chilled glasses, stir in honey to taster, and serve.

This post is linked to:
Sweet As Sugar Cookies Sweets for A Saturday #25
Melt In Your Mouth Monday #21
Mouthwatering Mondays
Made By You Monday
Mingle Monday
Homemaker Monday
Mangia Mondays
Menu Mondays

Thanks for stopping by!

*Adapted from the book Delicious Smoothies, ISBN 978-1-4075-3308-7

Berry Smoothie

I'm trying out a few new smoothie recipes. If you like cranberries and blueberries you'll love this one.

I used a lower calorie juice and low-fat yogurt.

Berry Smoothie
serves 2

1-1/2 cups blueberries
2/3 cup cranberry juice
2/3 cup plain yogurt

Put the blueberries and cranberry juice into a blender and process for 1-2 minutes, until smooth.

Add the yogurt and blend briefly again until thoroughly combined.

Pour into chilled glasses and serve.

This post is linked to: Sweet As Sugar Cookies: Sweets For A Saturday #25

*Adapted from the book Delicious Smoothies, ISBN 978-1-4075-3308-7

Refreshing Smoothies

Wow! The books you come across that you forget you ever had! I found this book called "Smoothies: 50 Recipes For High-Energy Refreshment" while unpacking. Here are three recipes that are excellent.

To have my fruit prepared in advance, I peeled the bananas and quartered the strawberries and froze them in plastic bags. This makes it much easier to quickly make the smoothie since all ingredients are ready to go.

Smoothie Classico

1 cup orange juice
1 cup hulled and quartered fresh strawberries, frozen
2 fresh bananas, frozen and sliced

Pour the orange juice into a blender. Add the strawberries and bananas. Blend until smooth. Serves 2.

I love the combination of flavors in this one. Very refreshing!

Per 12 oz serving: 145 calories; 0.9 g total fat; 0 g cholesterol; 35.3 g carbohydrates; 3.6 g fiber; 2.1 g protein; 3 mg sodium; 658 mg potassium; 28 mg calcium; 0.7 mg iron; 327 i.u. vitamin A; 108 mg vitamin C.

Banana Latte

1 cup soy milk (I used Almond milk)
3/4 cup strong-brewed coffee or espresso, room temperature or chilled
2 fresh bananas, frozen and sliced
6 to 8 ice cubes
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder for garnish
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon for garnish

Combine the milk and coffee in blender. Add the bananas. Blend until smooth. With the blender running, add ice cubes until they are incorporated and the desired consistency is reached. Pour into tall glasses and sprinkle with cocoa powder and cinnamon. Serves 2.

This taste great after a long walk in hot, humid weather!

Per 12 oz serving: 112 calories; 2.8 g total fat; 0 g cholesterol; 20.6 g carbohydrates; 3.8 g fiber; 4.3 g protein; 17 mg sodium; 526 mg potassium; 16 mg calcium; 1.2 mg iron; 99 i.u. vitamin A; 7 mg vitamin C.

Jitterbug

1 cup strong-brewed coffee, room temperature or chilled
2 cups nonfat vanilla frozen yogurt (I used Soy-Dream Chocolate Fudge Brownie non-dairy frozen dessert)
2 fresh bananas, frozen and sliced
1 tablespoon hazelnut-flavored syrup ( I didn't have any so I used Hazelnut Kahlua)

Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Serves 2.

Absolutely delicious!

Per 12 oz serving: 271 calories; .04 g total fat; 0 g cholesterol; 56.4 g carbohydrates; 1.9 g fiber; 8.1 g protein; 12 mg sodium; 378 mg potassium; 111 mg calcium; 0.7 mg iron; 216 i.u. vitamin A; 8 mg vitamin C.

Recipe Of The Day - Spiced Maple Banana Oatmeal Smoothie and Berry Morning Medley

I found some interesting breakfast drink recipes while paging through a "Best Recipes Smoothies and Summer Drinks" booklet. They're very short, so I will post two of them. The first recipe caught my eye because it has cinnamon in it and I love cinnamon. The other thing that sounded intriguing is the fact that both recipes have oats in them.

Spiced Maple Banana Oatmeal Smoothie

1/2 cup ice

1 frozen banana

1/2 cup yogurt

1/4 cup nonfat (skim) milk

1 tablespoon maple syrup, plus extra for garnish

1/4 cup quick oats

Dash of ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg

Crush ice in blender. Add banana and milk; puree. Add yogurt, maple syrup, oatmeal, cinnamon and nutmeg and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses; drizzle with maple syrup.

Nutrients per Serving: Calories: 128, Total Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: less than 1g, Protein: 5g, Carbohydrate: 26g, Cholesterol: 4mg, Fiber: 2g, Sodium: 57mg, Dietary Exchanges: 1/2 Milk, 1 Fruit, 1/2 Fat.

Berry Morning Medley

1 cup frozen mixed berries

1-1/2 cups nonfat (skim) milk

1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt

1 tablespoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cups granola or rolled oats, plus extra for garnish

Process berries and milk in blender until mixture is thick and creamy. Add yogurt, sugar and vanilla and blend until smooth. Add granola; pulse for 15 to 20 seconds. Divide into 2 glasses. Sprinkle extra granola on top, if desired.

Nutrients per Serving: Calories: 237, Total Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: less than 1g, Protein: 12g, Carbohydrate: 38g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Fiber: 4g, Sodium: 128mg, Dietary Exchanges: 1 Milk, 1 Fruit, 1/2 Starch, 1 Fat.

I'm anxious to make both of these smoothies but I will have to substitute soy milk for the skim. The other substitute I will have to make is to use soy yogurt, which I haven't been able to find here in Minocqua. When I make my next trip to Rhinelander I will have to stop in The Country Seed and see if they carry it. I had stopped in there last summer when I was just here visiting and thought it was such a fantastic natural store.