Midsummer Smoothies!

Beautiful summer fruit and luscious yogurt were destined for each other, and for small waistlines. These fresh, sweet, creamy treats are absolutely diet-safe. Experiment with the recipes to include your favorite fruits (and maybe even your favorite veggies and fresh herbs!).

As mentioned in an earlier post, if you don’t own a blender or a food processor, go buy one. As in, right this second. It will make your life (and your diet!) so much easier.

Banana Beauty
makes 2 servings
309 calories per serving, .5g fat
3 large, ripe bananas, sliced
1 cup orange juice
1 cup fat-free vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup light soymilk
2 reserved banana slices, for garnish

In a blender or food processor, combine all ingredients. Puree. Add a little more soymilk, if smoothie is too thick. Garnish with reserved banana slices, and enjoy, or chill until serving.

Green Goodness
serves 2
154 calories per serving, 6g fat
1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
1 small seedless cucumber (referred to as “hothouse” or “English”), peeled and chopped
1/2 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, and sliced
Juice of 1 lemon
Handful chopped fresh mint
1/2 cup plain, fat-free yogurt
1/2 cup light soymilk
2 slices reserved kiwi, for garnish

Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor. Puree. Garnish with kiwi slices, if desired. If not serving immediately, chill. (Note: if left to chill, remember that the cucumber will release some water. Give it a quick stir before serving, if this is the case.)

Simple Strawberry
serves 2
101 calories per serving, .5g fat
1/2 pint strawberries, trimmed and sliced
1 cup fat-free vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup light soymilk
Strawberry halves, for garnish

Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor. Puree. Garnish with strawberry halves, if desired. Enjoy, or chill until serving time.