Tired of eggs and oatmeal for breakfast? Take a break from traditional morning meals and prepare a healthy, delicious smoothie. A smoothie is a blended beverage that is typically made with milk and/or yogurt and fruit . Smoothies are so easy to prepare they’re a great option if you’re pressed for time.
How to Prepare a Smoothie at Home
When preparing a smoothie at home, use a food processor or blender, which will give this tasty beverage a thick, milkshake-like consistency. There are a variety of ingredients you can use in your smoothie. Here are some basic guidelines:
- Fat-free (skim) or 1% milk
- Nonfat or low-fat plain yogurt, including nonfat (0%) Greek yogurt
- Nuts or flaxseed
- Vanilla or almond extract
- Fresh or frozen fruit, such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, and one banana
How to Choose a Healthy Store-Bought Smoothie
While it’s best to prepare your smoothies at home (because you know they’ll contain only the healthiest ingredients), you can purchase smoothies in chain stores or grocery stores too, as long as you check the list of ingredients first. Be aware that some smoothie brands contain canned fruit with added sugars, sugary syrups, full-fat yogurt, whole milk, and/or ice cream, which may derail your weight-loss efforts.
While it’s best to prepare your smoothies at home (because you know they’ll contain only the healthiest ingredients), you can purchase smoothies in chain stores or grocery stores too, as long as you check the list of ingredients first. Be aware that some smoothie brands contain canned fruit with added sugars, sugary syrups, full-fat yogurt, whole milk, and/or ice cream, which may derail your weight-loss efforts.
Whether you prepare a smoothie at home or buy one, stick to a serving of 8 ounces — anything larger can affect your blood sugar and create cravings.
Smoothies
Some are too heavy.
Some are too weak.
Some are too bland.
Some are too bleak.
Some are too sour.
Some are too sweet.
Some are too loud.
Some are too meak.
Some don’t know the difference
from a day or a week.
But, the best one
is the one made for me
it is special, as you can see
The best one is YOU!
From the book, Awakening Love
written by Yolanda Pacheco Garcia
www.victoryp.com
