Slimming Summer Smoothies

Seeking a refreshing summer breakfast to replace your warm, hearty bowl of oatmeal? Icy cold smoothies are an obvious choice, but there's a caveat.  Fruity drinks from popular chains or cafes may sound light and healthy, but they can pack a calorie and sugar punch that rivals fast food milkshakes.  Skip the smoothie bar and instead make your own at home using wholesome ingredients like fresh and frozen fruit, nonfat yogurt, skim milk, and natural nut butters.  Here are three simple blends to ramp up your energy level while cooling down your bod.

Blueberry-Pomegranate Freeze

This sweet-tart fruit smoothie unites two antioxidant superstars, blueberries and pomegranate, in one potent drink.  Antioxidants provide head-to-toe protection from damaging UV rays.

Makes 1 serving.
¾ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, unsweetened)
½ cup 100 percent pomegranate juice
¼ cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
½ teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
3 to 5 ice cubes

In a blender, combine the blueberries, pomegranate juice, yogurt, and lemon zest and juice, and blend until smooth.  Add the ice cubes and blend until smooth and frothy.

NUTRITION INFORMATION
Calories - 235
Protein - 2 g
Carbohydrate - 56 g
Total Fat - 0.5 g
Saturated Fat - 0 g
Cholesterol - 0 mg
Fiber - 3 g
Sodium - 40 mg

PB-Banana Energy Blend

A balanced meal in a glass! This smoothie provides an ideal combo of high-quality protein, slow-burn carbs, and heart-healthy fats to fuel your body for a marathon day.  Kids love it, too.

Makes 2 servings.
1 banana, sliced
3 tablespoons natural peanut butter
1 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
1 cup skim milk
6 to 10 ice cubes

In a blender, combine the banana, peanut butter, yogurt, and milk, and blend until smooth.  Add the ice cubes and blend until smooth and frothy.

NUTRITION INFORMATION
Calories - 280
Protein - 15 g
Carbohydrate - 35 g
Total Fat - 9 g
Saturated Fat - 1.5 g
Cholesterol - 0 mg
Fiber - 3 g
Sodium - 195 mg

Tropical Twist

One strawful and you'll think you're lounging on a beach in the Caribbean!  A combo of mango and orange delivers ample amounts of vitamin C and beta carotene, two nutrients that keep your skin healthy and vibrant.

Makes 2 servings.
1 mango, peeled and chopped (may substitute 1 cup frozen, unsweetened mango chunks)
1 orange, zested, peeled and chopped
1½ cups skim milk
1 lime, zested and juiced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
6 to 10 ice cubes

In a blender, combine the mango, orange zest and fruit, milk, lime zest and juice, and ginger, and blend until smooth.  Add the ice cubes and blend until smooth and frothy.

NUTRITION INFORMATION
Calories - 171
Protein - 8 g
Carbohydrate - 30 g
Total Fat - 0 g
Saturated Fat - 0 g
Cholesterol - 0 mg
Fiber - 4 g

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