5 Healthy Smoothies for the Summer

What’s better than a cold tasty smoothie on a hot summer day? Smoothies are often advertised as healthy but some can contain a huge a amount of sugar and fat. Yet, healthy smoothies with the right ingredients can add nutrients to your body without the excess sugar and calories.

In fact some smoothies can be more than 600 calories and contain enough saturated fat to rival a double cheeseburger!

Here’s a few guidelines to make a healthy smoothie. Use low fat dairy, or if you are skipping the dairy use almond or soy milk. Add fresh or frozen fruit, not canned fruit in syrup. Don’t be afraid to add veggies to your smoothie. Surprisingly, spinach and kale don’t really affect the overall taste when blended.

A tablespoon of flaxseed meal goes a long way to add both fiber and inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids. To keep you full, you can add a little bit of unsaturated fat such as a quarter of an avocado, or a tablespoon of nut butter. These are high in calories so don’t overdo it.

Last but not least, you want your smoothie to taste good. Fruit should make it taste sweet but you can also blend in a teaspoon of organic honey, a little vanilla extract, or some unsweetened cocoa powder or cinnamon. We’ve got 6 of the healthiest smoothies to enjoy this summer. Check it out and drink up!

Health Update

1
Peachy Green Protein Smoothie
This delicious and yet beneficial protein smoothie is an easy make. All you need are frozen peaches and the simple addition of kale and ground flaxseed.
2
Orange Creamsicle Protein Smoothie
Dessert for breakfast? Yes please! Mix calcium fortified orange juice and two scoops of whey protein and badabing badaboom, you’re morning dessert is done!
3
Mango Blueberry Protein Smoothie
Mangos and blueberries are a perfect combination. Mixing these together will create a delicious vitamin packed powerhouse of a smoothie.
4
Key Lime Pie Protein Smoothie
Who doesn’t love key lime pie? Well, if you mix a banana, half cup of greek plain yogurt, lime juice, and graham cracker crumbs you can have yourself a delicious smoothie.
5
Raspberry Lemonade Smoothie
This smoothie is a fan favorite. However, most places don’t make it right. Adding two cups of fresh raspberries and lemons can turn this simple drink into an incredible smoothie.
6
Avocado Smoothie
Especially good if you want to stay fuller longer, this green smoothie will do the trick. Mix vanilla or plain low fat Greek yogurt, avocado, banana, juice from three oranges, a little honey and some ice.