Menu
SENIOR LIFE ODYSSEY: I'm doin' smoothies
I’m doin’ smoothies to satisfy the summertime creamy, cool, cravings without the harmful effects of processed sugar.
I’m doin’ smoothies to feel healthy, light and energized.
I’m doin’ smoothies as a nutritious fast food option for on-the-go breakfasts, lunches or snacks. Quick prep. Easy clean-up. And out the door.
I’m doin’ smoothies because all you need is a good blender and great ingredients.
My Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie recipe has three ingredients:
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoon creamy peanut butter (Check labels for no added sugar or oil.)
• 1 banana, frozen or fresh (if using fresh, add ice cubes)
TIP - Purchase ripe bananas. Peel them, break into chunks and place in a gallon size freezer bag in a single layer. Once frozen, it is easy to add your desired quantity of bananas to any smoothie.
Smoothie options are as wide-ranging as your imagination allows. Using fresh, ripe, local fruit in season adds a burst of flavor. Including protein elevates the smoothie into a meal. Adding a variety of fruits, greens, herbs, superfoods and natural sweeteners, like raw honey and real maple syrup, increases nutritional value.
Create your own smoothies by starting with eight ounces of your choice of liquid, then mix or match from the following options:
LIQUID: Water, coconut water, almond milk, coconut milk, cow’s milk, kefir, etc.
PROTEIN: Peanut butter, almond butter, yogurt, chia seeds, pea protein powder, etc. (NOTE: I use FeelFit Pea Protein Shake Simply 1, which is less than one gram of sugar. Check website for flavor options: jeannaanglin.arbonne.com).
FRUITS: Banana, strawberries, blueberries, pitted cherries, pineapple, papaya, peaches, avocado, etc.
GREENS: Spinach, kale, beet greens, etc.
FRESH HERBS: Parsley, mint, cilantro, basil, etc.
SUPERFOODS: Lemon slice, fresh ginger, coconut oil, raw cacao, flax seeds, etc.
SWEETENERS: Raw honey, real maple syrup.
TIP: If you have fresh fruit or greens that you cannot use before they go bad, freeze in a single layer on a tray. Then store in freezer bags to use in future smoothies.
Using frozen fruit creates a shake-like texture without having to add ice. For creamy textures, add avocado, bananas or yogurt. Adding yogurt or kefir provides probiotics which are good for the gut microbiome.
TIP: Diced avocados are available in the freezer section with the fruit. This option allows you to add any amount without waste.
TRUE STORY: I was making a chocolate smoothie for my breakfast one weekend. As I was adding half of a fresh avocado, per the recipe, I was wondering, “What am I going to do with the other half that is already cut?” So, I decided to throw it in the blender too. Much to my surprise the smoothie was too thick to pour into my glass! That morning, I enjoyed chocolate pudding for breakfast! Not necessarily a bad outcome.
(NOTE: I have a real recipe for rich, creamy chocolate pudding that utilizes avocados, dates and cacao on my website jeannaanglin.com)
Fun idea for a gathering with children and the young at heart: Supply a variety of smoothie-making ingredients and do smoothies. Name your creations and write down your recipes. Do a comparison taste test. Experimenting will help you develop the ideal texture and flavor of your favorites. Create your own smoothie recipe book.
Being healthy doesn’t have to be hard. This summer, do smoothies.
Jeanna Anglin is a health coach residing in Putnam County who supports individuals and small groups in making lifestyle changes to improve their health. jeannaanglin.com.