Summer Smoothies

Warmer weather, last-minute meals, picky eaters, wild and crazy schedule… there are many reasons to include a smoothie! Here are a couple of smoothies I blended up recently to meet the nutritional needs of my bunch.

Smoothie 1 - Blueberry Bonanza

• Spinach

• Frozen blueberries

• Bananas

• Cinnamon

• Yogurt (nut, soy, or dairy base)

• Water (to desired thickness)

• Fermented protein powder

• Handful of ice cubes

I will put as much spinach in as I can with some liquid, then blend, and add more.

It’s a win whenever we hit a sale. We stock up and will use an entire container per smoothie.

After adding all the spinach, I add the blueberries, powder, cinnamon, etc.

Smoothie 2 - Peanut Butter Banana

• Kale or spinach

• 2 bananas

• Yogurt (nut, soy, or dairy)

• 1 Tbsp peanut-butter

• Liquid: soy milk, water, or dairy

• Cinnamon

• Fermented protein powder

• Optional (but recommended) cacao powder or dark chocolate square

• Handful of ice cubes

I am not exaggerating when I say I mix a 16 oz box of spinach or kale into this smoothie and my kiddos drink every drop like it’s a milkshake. This smoothie more than makes up for any "meal fails.” : )

Smoothie 3 - Strawberry Shake

• 2-4 chilled bananas

• Fermented protein powder

• Vanilla soy milk

• Large bag of strawberries

• Water

• Handful of ice cubes

This really does taste like a strawberry milkshake!

Smoothie 4 - Pumpkin Pie

• Cooked and chilled pumpkin, butternut squash, or sweet potato

• Cinnamon and pumpkin pie seasoning

• Vanilla yogurt (of your choice)

• Water or vanilla soy milk (or dairy milk)

• Cacao powder

• Banana

• Fermented protein powder

• Handful of ice cubes

There are so many refreshing smoothie combinations out there that it’s hard to go wrong. The key is packing it with as many nutrient-dense fruit and vegetables as possible. I don’t always add protein powder. It will depend on if it is a snack or meal enhancement. I like using fermented protein powder because of its benefits for gut microbiome health.

Stay tuned for more recipes, information, and adventures ... buon appetito!

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