My favorite smoothies

With the weather (kinda sorta) warming up, I've been starting my day with smoothies.  Here's a quick roundup of a few of my favorites.

Pineapple Lassi

Serves 1

 

Lassi is a traditional Indian beverage made with yogurt.  There are many kinds, some savory and spiced, others fruity and sweet.  Usually, lassi is thinner, but I like it thick.  If you like, add 1/4-1/2 cup coconut milk to thin it a bit. 

2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
1 cup nonfat, plain yogurt
1/4 tsp ground ginger
dash of cardamom

Blend all ingredients together until smooth.  

Berry Protein Smoothie

Serves 2

Adapted from Cooking Light 

Somehow, protein has become synonymous with health.  Despite the fact that the vast majority of the population is eating waaaay more than they need, protein powders and shakes are a multimillion dollar industry.  Look past the sculpted body on the package and what you'll find is an ultra-processed "food" spiked with added sugar, artificial colors and sweetener, unpronounceable ingredients and, uhhh, heavy metals??    If you really need the extra-protein, use silken tofu instead, which blends perfectly to make an ultra-creamy (and arsenic free) smoothie. 

1 cup frozen or fresh blueberries
2/3 cup milk or dairy alternative
1/2 cup silken tofu
2 tbsp all-fruit raspberry jam
handful of spinach
3/4 cup non-fat plain yogurt, soygurt, etc

Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth and serve. 

Fruit Smoothie

Serves 2

Adapted from Jamie Oliver

This is the smoothie that satisfies.  The addition of nuts and oatmeal adds healthy fat and fiber, which promotes satiety and makes for one deliciously creamy smoothie.  

1 frozen banana
1 glassful of frozen fruit (mango, strawberries, blueberries)
1 glass milk or dairy alternative
handful of almonds or walnuts
handful of oats
1/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt
2 tbsp wheat germ

Blend all ingredients together until smooth and and serve.