Summertime Smoothies

What should I have on a hot summer day? The kid in me screams, “ice cream” The adult in me says, “ice water”. So, when I tell you that I found a way to bring back some of those “kiddie favorites” in an adult wrapper, would you believe me?

Summer is fruit season and it really is possible to stay low carb and enjoy a little of nature’s candy. Fruit not only tastes delicious, it also has many health benefits. The recipes below contain blueberries, strawberries, peaches, and apples. All of these fruits are rich in vitamins, fiber, antioxidants, manganese and potassium. These recipes are also loaded with protein. My go to protein choices include: greek yogurt, cottage cheese, whey and collagen peptides. For a non-dairy replacement, consider your favorite brand of vegan protein powder or dairy free yogurt.For added fiber and omega-3s, I’ve also added flax seeds, chia seeds as well as avocado. While avocado is technically a fruit (because it contains a pit) it is considered a superfood. It’s high fiber content improves digestion and can also help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Additionally, fiber and fat are very satiating, making you feel full for longer.

So, when the kid in you is screaming for ice cream, don’t despair. Pull out the blender and mix up one of these fabulous creations. I triple dog dare you to find fault with these 5 summertime smoothies!

If you’re currently on our program, please speak with your health coach before trying these recipes. For each recipe, place all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Enjoy!

Creamy Key Lime Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. of Key lime Juice
½ Tbsp. of Stevia (powdered)
½ tsp of xanthan gum (thickener)
¼ cup of cottage cheese
½ cup of plain Greek Yogurt
¼ cup of frozen avocado
8 ounces of unsweetened coconut milk (unsweetened vanilla almond milk works too)
6-8 ice cubes

Calories 192 | Carbs 7g | Fat 3.5g | Protein 28g

Peaches & Cream Smoothie

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or other preferred milk)
½ cup frozen peaches
1 scoop vanilla-flavored protein powder OR 3/4 cup Greek yogurt plus additional stevia or monkfruit, to taste
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ tsp of maple extract
1-2 cups of ice (depending on how thick you like your smoothie)

Calories 149 | Carbs 13g | Fat 3g | Protein 19g

Blueberry Spice Smoothie

Ingredients:

1/4 cup frozen blueberries
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 Tbsp. chia seeds
2 Tbsp. of collagen peptides (Vital Proteins is great)
½ cup cottage cheese (2% is good)
½ tsp ground cinnamon
pinch of cayenne
Vanilla flavored liquid Stevia, to taste (can use ½ tsp of vanilla extract & regular Stevia)
7-8 ice cubes