4 Healthy, Refreshing Summer Smoothie Recipes

Fitness MagazineBy Marianne Magno

There's something about smoothies that make them almost irresistible as a meal, a drink, or a snack, especially on a hot summer day. Get your blender ready for these healthy fruit smoothie recipes you can make in minutes.

Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie
On the go? Blend a banana, peanut butter, and milk for a healthy breakfast you can easily take with you.

Nutrition facts: 303 calories, 9g fat, 45g carbohydrate, 4g fiber, 16g protein

Ingredients
• 10 ounces skim milk or plain soy milk
• 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
• 1 medium banana
Make it:
In a blender, combine all ingredients and mix until smooth. Use 6 ice cubes for a thicker consistency.

Related: Get More Summer Smoothie Recipes

Fitness MagazineStrawberry, Banana & Flax Smoothie
Adding flaxseeds to you diet is a great way to increase your intake of omega-3s, which are associated with a lowered risk of heart disease, cancer, and depression.

Nutrition facts: 278 calories, 7g fat, 43g carbohydrate, 7g fiber, 16g protein

Ingredients
• 1/2 medium banana
• 1/2 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries
• 1 1/2 cups skim milk or light soy milk
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
Make It:
Blend all until smooth.

Related: 7 Greens to Add to Your Diet

Chris Gallo/Fitness MagazineChocolate and Peanut Butter Smoothie
Chocolate for breakfast -- why not? This smoothie has chocolate soy milk to satisfy your sweet tooth and frozen berries to give you a healthy boost of antioxidants.

Nutrition facts: 355 calories, 14g fat, 41g carbohydrate, 15g protein


Ingredients
• 3/4 cup frozen berries
• 1/4 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup low-fat chocolate soy milk
• 2 tablespoons reduced-fat all-natural peanut butter

Make It:
In a blender, combine 3/4 cup frozen berries, 1/4 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt, 1/2 cup low-fat chocolate soy milk and 2 tablespoons reduced-fat all-natural peanut butter.


Related: Dinner in 20, Easy, Healthy Recipes for the Work Week

Fitness MagazineHoneydew-Kiwifruit Smoothie
Save on calories and leave out the sugar in this recipe for a delicious all-fruit smoothie. Moreover, you'll get a hefty dose of vitamin C and potassium, which is great for healthy bones and teeth.

Nutrition facts: 110 calories, 0g fat, 27g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 2g protein

Ingredients
• 2 cups cubed honeydew
• 1 small Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and cut up
• 1 kiwifruit, peeled and cut up
• 2 - 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Honeydew and/or kiwifruit slices
Make It:
1. In a blender container, combine honeydew, apple, kiwifruit, sugar, and lime juice. Cover and blend until smooth.
2. Add ice cubes; cover and blend until cubes are crushed and mixture is slushy. Garnish with additional honeydew and/or kiwifruit slices, if desired.

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