Frozen yogurt, sorbets and ice cream can be used to thicken smoothies. Though delicious additions, expect extra calories as well.
To lower the fat and calorie content of your smoothie, use skim or soy milk instead of whole milk; plain, nonfat yogurt in place of regular fruit yogurt; frozen yogurt or sorbet rather than ice cream; and unsweetened fruit instead of sweetened frozen fruit. For example, a basic smoothie made with 1 cup fruit yogurt, 1 cup frozen sweetened strawberries and 1 cup ice cream contains 740 calories compared to 290 in a smoothie made with similar amounts of plain low-fat yogurt, unsweetened frozen fruit and fruit sorbet.
Are you looking for a quick yet nutritious way to get your kids to eat something good for them for breakfast?
How about a recipe for an after-school snack that kids can make themselves? Or, would you love a dessert idea that didn't involve loads of sugar and heating up the kitchen?
The answer to all of these challenges is already in your kitchen just waiting to be discovered — smoothies.
These thick, cold blender beverages made from a variety of fruits, juices or dairy products and ice are tasty, refreshing and, if made with the right ingredients, nutritious. They are easy to make with ingredients you likely have on hand. And while the sky is the limit when it comes to creating a smoothie, there are a few things you can do to maximize both nutrition and flavor.
- For optimum flavor, start with high-quality fresh fruit at the peak of ripeness. Always wash fruit before adding it to your smoothie. Also, cutting fruit into either slices or chunks before putting it into the blender will make it easier to blend.
- When blending ice into your smoothie, it is best to start with crushed ice or small ice cubes. If you only have large ice cubes, place them into a strong, self-sealing plastic bag and crush down into smaller pieces with a hammer or the bottom of a heavy metal pan before adding to the mixture to be blended.
- For a thicker smoothie, blend in cubed or pureed frozen fruit. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, melons, bananas and peaches are all excellent fruits to freeze ahead for use in smoothies. To freeze fruit, first wash it and cut it into cubes, slices or chunks. Sprinkle light-colored fruit, like bananas, with lemon juice to help prevent them from darkening. Place the fruit in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, pop the fruit into self-sealing plastic bags and store in the freezer. You can also puree fresh fruit, freeze it in ice cube trays and then store it in freezer bags.
- Boost the fiber content of smoothies by leaving the skin on well-washed fruit and/or by adding ground flaxseed, wheat germ or wheat bran.
- Increase the calcium content by choosing a milk product as the smoothie's base and/or by mixing in nonfat dry milk powder.
- For added sweetness, blend a touch of honey or maple syrup into the smoothie. Adding half of a very ripe banana will also make the smoothie sweeter.
- For a twist, try using flavored ice cubes. Flavored ice cubes can be made by pouring fruit juice, lemonade or nectar into ice cube trays and freezing.
- Experiment with different flavorings, such as extracts, cinnamon, nutmeg or cocoa powder. Keep in mind a little goes a long way.
- Avoid adding raw eggs because they can harbor salmonella enteritis, a disease-causing bacterium. To get the protein eggs provide without the cholesterol or bacteria, try using pasteurized eggs or a pasteurized egg substitute.
Adapted from: Colorado State University Extension
Debbie Wilburn is county extension agent in family and consumer science with the Hall County Extension. Contact: 770-535-8290.