{"id":1880,"date":"2013-04-10T21:58:09","date_gmt":"2013-04-11T04:58:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/arizonafoothillsmagazine.com\/fitness\/?p=1880"},"modified":"2013-04-10T21:58:09","modified_gmt":"2013-04-11T04:58:09","slug":"how-to-make-a-healthy-smoothie-recipe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com\/health-and-fitness\/nutrition\/how-to-make-a-healthy-smoothie-recipe\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make a Healthy Smoothie (+ Recipe)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"stk151241rke\"<\/a>
\nI\u2019m having a love affair with smoothies. It\u2019s been going on since I got my Vitamix, the Rolls-Royce of blenders. It can whirl almost anything into submission. Press the button and voila<\/i>! you have a quick breakfast or easy snack in a flash. I use it every single day (no joke). And with all my smoothie experimentation, I\u2019ve learned a few tricks of the trade that\u2019ll can help make your next meal-in-a-glass healthier, faster and easier.<\/p>\n

1. Freeze your fruit. <\/b>Rather than tossing those grapes you didn\u2019t get around to eating, or those too-ripe bananas, freeze them! Frozen fruit adds natural sweetness, fiber, antioxidants and thickness. Tip: Peel bananas and cut in half before you freeze. And don\u2019t pile berries in a freezer bag; freeze on trays first for easy pickings.<\/p>\n

\"Berry-licious!\"<\/a>
Berry-licious!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. Veggify your smoothie.<\/b> I used to only drink fruit smoothies\u2026 then one day I felt like living dangerously and added kale. That changed everything! Now kale, spinach, parsley and cilantro make regular appearances. The secret is to pair bitter greens up with a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a green apple. Yum!<\/p>\n

3. Think outside the milk carton.<\/b> Unsweetened almond milk adds a nutty taste for half the calories of milk (yummy with bananas and peanut butter). Or try coconut milk for a tropical twist (delish with pineapple).<\/p>\n

4. Toss in an avocado.<\/b> Avocados aren\u2019t just for guac. These green bombs not only add potassium and healthy fats, they give smoothies a creamy texture. Plus they\u2019re a natural appetite suppressant. My favorite Avo<\/i>combo: Mint, fresh lime juice, kiwi, avocado and coconut water. (Psst: before avocados go bad on the counter, I peel, deseed, cut into chunks and freeze).<\/p>\n

\"Avocados<\/a>
Avocados put the smooth in smoothie!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. Don\u2019t forget protein.<\/b> Protein is especially important post-workout; it helps repair muscles. Plus, in the morning protein promotes satiety so you\u2019re less likely to overeat later in the day. My protein potions of choice: natural peanut butter, Greek yogurt (has the same amount of protein as a chicken breast), and pea protein powder.<\/p>\n

BEST GREEN SMOOTHIE RECIPE, EVER!<\/b><\/span>
\nDrumroll please\u2026 Now, for my new favorite smoothie recipe. It\u2019s the LiveWell Green Smoothie<\/a> from La Costa Resort<\/a>, a healthy haven in Carlsbad, CA. Don\u2019t be too fooled by the oh-so<\/i> healthy ingredients; the finished product tastes yum!<\/p>\n