Summer – Sexy & Smoothies

Summer means shorts, bikinis and generally showing more skin. I’m overly conscious about my weight all year, but it’s less practical to cover up with an oversized sweatshirt in the summer. So this time of year I really try to watch what I eat and improve my diet (ironically as I write this, an employee comes in and puts a chocolate cupcake on my desk….*sigh*). Smoothies are a great way to get more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Protein smoothies derived from natural sources are an excellent component of wholesome eating.

Fruit and veggie smoothies are easy. You can pretty much throw any appealing combination of them into a blender with some ice and you have an instant tasty treat. Fruits are a natural source of energy. They also provide vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. The antioxidants in fresh fruits help combat pollutants and harmful substances in the body. Adding fruits to your drinks and smoothies is a great way to boost your energy levels and help your body get rid of toxins. Fruits are also rich in many vitamins such as C, E, A and B-complex.

I personally find that protein smoothies sustain me longer and can make a healthy meal substitute. Protein sources can be any kind of nut butter (all natural – no added hydrogenated oils or sugar), whey protein, tofu, tahini (especially for folks on a raw diet) and yogurt.

And try adding wheat germ or ground flax seed to your smoothies. They contain essential fatty acids that are good for the heart. They also provide dietary fiber to help the body flush out toxins and prevent colon cancer and digestive problems. Vitamin E in wheat germ and flax seed nourishes and rejuvenates the skin. Healthy omega-3 fatty acids in these foods help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

If you feel the need to splurge, you can make a dessert smoothie without sabotaging your diet. A base of either ice cream or sherbet can make a smoothie go from delicious to decadent.

Melissa’s Favorite Smoothie – I usually make this for breakfast and it keeps me feeling full all morning
1 ripe banana
1 T. natural peanut butter
1 c. milk
1 scoop protein powder (optional)
4 ice cubes

Shove it all in a blender and blend until smooth. If you need a chocolate fix, add a squirt of Hershey’s syrup before blending.
The Wrinkle Fighter – This berry-based beautifier will get a thumbs-up from your dermatologist for its skin-smoothing combo: anti-aging vitamin E from wheat germ, sun-damage- fighting omega-3 fatty acids from flax seed, and vitamin C from berries. Vitamin C is essential for making collagen, tissue that literally holds your skin together and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Plus, the oleic acid (a type of monounsaturated fat) in avocado has been linked to reducing wrinkles. (courtesy of Women’s Health)

1 c blueberries
1 c pitted cherries
1/2 c strawberries, hulled
1/4 avocado, peeled and pitted
2 Tbsp wheat germ
2 Tbsp ground flax seed
1/2 c plain low-fat yogurt
1 c ice

Makes 3 servings. Per serving: 153 cal, 5.6 g fat(1 g sat), 23 g carbs, 35 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 6 g protein

The Immunity Builder – Loaded with boosters like beta-carotene and vitamin C from mango, cantaloupe, and pineapple, this smoothie primes your infection-fighting army for action. Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells and antibodies. Finally, the duo of almonds and almond milk delivers plenty of defense-fortifying zinc. (courtesy of Women’s Health)

1 c peeled, pitted, cubed mango
1 c chopped cantaloupe
1/2 c cubed pineapple, fresh or canned
1/3 c ground almonds
1/2 c unsweetened almond milk
1 c ice

Garnish with sliced almonds after blending.

Makes 3 servings. Per serving: 150 cal, 6.8 g fat (0.5 g sat), 22 g carbs, 41 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 4 g protein

Detox Smoothie – This recipe is definite to cleanse your liver and flush out the toxins in the bowel and bladder, leaving you feeling rejuvenated.

1 cup papaya (not too ripe) cubed
1 cup watermelon, deseed and cubed
1/2 cup beetroot juice
1 tablespoon of spirulina

Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.

Adult Indulgence Smoothie – Banana Colada (sometimes you just want a fun smoothie)

2 ripe bananas, mashed
4 fluid ounces cream of coconut
6 fluid ounces rum
4 fluid ounces banana liqueur
3 cups crushed ice

In a blender, combine bananas, cream of coconut, rum, banana liqueur and ice. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.