6 Yummy Summer Smoothies

Some people enjoy smoothies as a breakfast on the go, while others use them for an afternoon snack or after-workout pick me up. They are not only delicious, but are often packed with nutrients, vitamins, and more. Need more protein in your diet or trying to get in shape? Add a scoop of your favorite whey protein powder to give your smoothie a healthy kick. These sweet (and not too sugary) smoothies are sure to be a hit even if you have a picky eater in your home. Here are our favorites to try this summer:

The Melissa Smoothie
Our Founding Editor Melissa Meyers makes a delicious smoothie for herself and family several times a week. If you are not a fan of bananas, feel free to replace with raspberries or blackberries for a yummy mixed berry smoothie.

• 1 cup cut-up fresh strawberries
• I ripe banana
• 1 Stoneyfield Farm fat free vanilla yogurt
• Organic Fat free Milk- 1/2 cup
• 8-10 ice cubes

Mix all ingredients in a blender for 2 minutes.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe
Sometimes you’re in the mood from something sweet and savory, rather than a fruity drink. Instead of grabbing a cookie or slice of cake, try blending up this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie. If you’re a vegan, or just enjoy the taste of soymilk, forget the chocolate syrup and just use Silk chocolate soymilk.

• 1 banana
• 2 Tbs. Peanut Butter (chunky or smooth… whatever you prefer!)
• 1-2 squirts of Hershey’s reduced calorie chocolate syrup
• 1 Tbs. wheat germ
• 6 oz. soy milk

Put all ingredients into blender. Blend until smoothie consistency is reached!

Mango Green Tea Smoothie
This antioxidant-packed smoothie not only tastes great, but gives you that caffeine kick you might need. Blended with mango and fresh lime juice, you’ll feel as though you’re on a carribean island. Plus, you can always replace a regular green tea bag with decaf if you want to enjoy this smoothie in the evening.

• 1 green or white tea bag
• 2/3 cup water
• 1/2 cup mango, cubed
• 1 wedge fresh lime juice
• 2 cups crushed ice

Heat water and brew tea. Let cool. Place cooled tea, mango, lime juice, and crushed ice in a blender and blend until thick and smooth.

Creamy Peach Smoothie
Peaches are my favorite fruit to have in the summertime. This combination of peaches, reduced-calorie (and delicious) vanilla ice cream, OJ and soy milk will end up tasting like a frozen creamsicle!

• 1 (15 ounce) can sliced peaches, drained
• 4 scoops Edie’s slow-churned vanilla ice cream (lower in calories & tastes great!)
• 2 cups vanilla soy milk
• 1/4 cup orange juice

In a blender, combine peaches, ice cream, soy milk and orange juice. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.

Coconut water seems to be the latest craze, and we completely agree! ZICO coconut water is not only tasty, but has great health benefits as well (Gisele Bündchen is a huge fan). It contains five essential electrolytes to help your body perform at its best while staying hydrated.

Zinnamon Apple Smoothie
Apples & cinnamon are already a great combination, so by adding the ZICO coconut water, almonds and vanilla extract, you’ll be getting nutrients without sacrificing the flavor. Plus this recipe calls for protein powder and flax seed, which builds lean muscle and aids digestion.

• 1 cup (8oz) Coconut water natural flavor (ZICO)
• 4 raw Almonds
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract no alcohol
• 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
• 1 cup chopped apple (firm type such as empire, granny smith)
• ½ scoop Natural unsweetened protein powder (Biochem)
• 1 TBSP flaxseed meal (ground flaxseed)

In a blender combine all ingredients and 3 ice cubes.
Pulse for approximately 10-15 seconds.

Chocolate Banana Berry Zmoothie
With cocoa powder, blueberries, banana, protein powder and more, this smoothie tastes amazing and is great for your body too! The rolled oats add additional consistency, similar to a milkshake.

• 8 oz ZICO Natural
• 1 scoop choc protein powder
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 ripe banana
• 8 oz lowfat milk
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon