Healthy Summer Smoothies

While you’re working on toning that flat tummy for summer, don’t forget to stay cool with something tasty and refreshing. Smoothies are always a summer favorite- cold, creamy and they hit the spot. While it’s probably easier to run into your neighborhood smoothie shop, those health-minded smoothies are often packed with more calories, sugar and even sodium than you might have suspected, and it’s certainly going to save some cash by preparing them yourself.

AskMen.com (apparently guys like smoothies!) put together a guide for “Healthy Summer Smoothies.”

1. They point out that smoothies, made with the right ingredients, can provide multiple servings of fruit, vitamins and antioxidants- all powerful nutrients you need to push you through the hot, active summer days.

2. Save money and enjoy fresher flavor by selecting in-season fruits. Just because they’re available at the store, doesn’t mean it’s their time. Summer fruits to use include Bananas, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Figs, Grapes, Kiwifruit, Lemons, Mangos, Peaches, Persimmons, Plums, Strawberries and Watermelon.

3. Seek nutritious calories, not empty- as in smoothies not soda. Smaller portions, especially when made at home, can provide you less calories and be just as satisfying.

Our favorite of the AskMen.com smoothie recipes was the Blueberry, below. They also shared Lemonade Smoothie and Strawberry Smoothie.

Blueberry Smoothie
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup plain, low-fat yogurt
1/2 cup washed, stemmed blueberries
honey to taste
2 cups of ice
Mix all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve while it’s cold.
4 Weight Watchers Points, 214 Calories, 43.8g Carbs

Still looking for something a little lighter? Try this Something Strawberry smoothie, with only 140 Calories, 22g Carbs.