Image by elana's pantry via Flickr

Smoothies are an excellent way to ensure that we are meeting the nutritional needs of our bodies. The combination’s are endless and the result is a smooth, delicious treat that happens to be extremely nutritious.

You can pack smoothies with whatever you like. I prefer to prepare healthy smoothie recipes, making my smoothies as nutrient rich and low fat as possible. This means I leave out things like ice cream, yogurt and milk. But, if you are looking to make a treat, a smoothie that includes ice cream or yogurt will fit the bill.

To blend my smoothies, I typically will use coconut water. It is rich in electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus) and is nature’s Gatorade. It has a slightly sweet taste so it enhances the flavor of your favorite smoothie combination, without adding the bad fat and calories. It is loaded with potassium, more than you will find in a banana, has zero fat and is low in acid.

I drink a smoothie at least 4 times each week. I like to pack them with blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, banana, mango, kiwi and some type of green. Typically, I will use a handful of baby spinach. Often, I will add a scoop of green powder to pack in more nutrients.

The days that I drink my smoothie, I don’t need to eat breakfast. It is actually the same as eating 5-6 servings of fruits/vegetables each day. When I drink a smoothie, I am ensuring that I am certain to meet the recommended daily allowance of 5 fruits and vegetables. The amazing thing is that I am getting this nutrition in my first meal of the day!

Other great smoothie recipes include fruits such as pear, apple and even pomegranate. The sky really is the limit. The more you vary your smoothie ingredients, the more you are covering your bases as far as fitting in all of the nutrients that your body needs for good health.

Viva La Smoothie! They are delicious, nutritious and when coupled with the proper diet and exercise, will keep you fit and fabulous!

Nutritional supplements can be added to any smoothie as needed.  Good ones are:

2 tbsp. whey protein powder.  Growing children needs lots of protein.  Many attention deficit disorders can be greatly helped with added protein.   Amino acids are necessary for healthy brain development.  Adults rarely get enough protein.  Protein helps curb hunger  longer and aids in weight-loss.  It is like a natural appetite suppressant.

2 tbsp. brewer’s yeast. Brewer’s yeast is a natural  food source of Vitamin B complex.  It also is high in protein and loaded with other important minerals and vitamins. Cellular development is enhanced by the high nucleic acid count found in brewer’s yeast.  I wouldn’t add it in addition to protein powder.  Do one or the other.  Brewer’s yeast helps to reduce stress, lower cholesterol, and enhance metabolism and energy.

2 tsp. flax seeds. Flax seed is high in fiber and fun to chew on.  Flax seed  are rich in omega 3 fatty acids,  lignans and phytoestrogens which lower triglycerides and blood pressure.    Omega 3′s are great for you skin, brain, heart…just about everything.

flax oil. Some people don’t care for the taste of flax seed, so flax seed oil is a good option.  The oil contains less fiber than the seeds, but the benefits are still there.

lecithin. Add 2 tsp.  to your smoothie to help  promote weightloss.  Lecithin is an emulsifier.  Ithelps the liver breakdown and disperse fat in the body.  It’s also said to be beneficial for the reproductive system in both men and women and also good for the gallbladder.

aloe vera juice. Aloe vera is a very healing plant rich in calcium, iron, potassium, chromium, manganese, copper and zinc.  It’s great for the skin, the digestive track and the immune system. Pour 2 ounces into your smoothie for added benefits.

The basics of almost any smoothie is yogurt, ice, a fruit  and a liquid.  If you desire a more low-fat smoothie recipe, you can use low-fat or nonfat yogurt.  Then build from there, adding your favorite fruit and the nutritional supplements you desire. Here are some yummy recipes:

Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe
1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 frozen banana
1/2 frozen strawberries
1 teaspoon honey
2 tbsp vanilla whey protein powder

Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie Recipe
1/2 cup chocolate almond milk
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 frozen banana
3 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tablespoon chocolate whey protein powder (or vanilla)

Creamy Orange Smoothie Recipe
½ cup vanilla yogurt
½ cup orange juice
1 peeled and seeded orange
1 cup ice
2 tablespoons brewer’s yeast

Tips for Great Smoothies

-    Add ingredients to blender and pulse until desired thickness.  If too thick, add more liquid.

-    Crushed ice blends better than ice cubes.

-    Buy frozen fruit for any fruit smoothie recipes.     Then you don’t need to add ice and it blends better.

Read reviews for the best places to get discount supplements.