I have been on a smoothie kick lately. You may ask why. Well I’m finding that I feel better all day when I have a healthy breakfast, but I just don’t have the time to make whole gluten-free grain waffles or pancakes topped with fruit, (and I don’t mean the heavily processed gluten-free waffles you find in the local grocery store freezer), or even gluten-free oatmeal. So I just blend up a smoothie and away I go. I can even drink it in the car. 😉
Smoothies are a great way to pack in some extra nutrition, especially if you’re gluten free. Simply combine a number of vegetables and fruits, juice or milk, soy milk or even almond milk and perhaps some nut-butter.
Got some leftover smoothie? Don’t worry. Just freeze it. If you’ve got kids living with you, or grandkids who visit, you might consider freezing the smoothie in Popsicle forms. Or, place the excess in an ice cube tray. Add the cubes to your next smoothie concoction.
Here are a few smoothie recipes that are a hit with my family.
Chunky Monkey Smoothie
This is an excellent, on-the-go smoothie. It’s quick and nutritious, which makes it an easy option when you’re pressed for time.
Blend together:
* ½ banana
* 1 tablespoon nut-butter
* 1 tablespoon coco powder
* 8 ounces almond milk
Chunky Cow Smoothie
This is just like the Chunky Monkey – but without the banana. So, if you don’t like banana, or if you don’t have one on hand, then whip up a chunky cow. It’s equally delicious, just as fast, and offers a good amount of filling protein.
NOTE: Non-dairy milk works well in these smoothies as well. Consider using soy, almond, or coconut milk instead of cow’s milk.
Tutti-Frutti Smoothie
Although this smoothie doesn’t offer the same amount of protein of the two chunky smoothies, it’s does make a quick, nutritious breakfast or snack.
Blend together:
* ½ cup spinach
* 1 carrot
* 1 apple
* 1 small orange
* Handful of frozen berries
* 2 Tablespoons gluten free oats (optional)
* 5 ice cubes
* ½ cup juice
Combine and blend until smooth. The oats will make the smoothie a bit thicker. If you prefer a thinner smoothie consider adding more liquid or leaving out the oats.
Super Food Smoothie
This last smoothie is my very favorite, and my usual “go to” breakfast.
Blend together:
- 4 ounces of frozen blueberries
- 4 ounces frozen fruit of your choice (I use a mix of strawberries, pineapple, and mango from Sam’s Club.)
- 4 ounces grape, acai, or pomegranate juice
- 4 ounces soy or almond milk
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 2 tablespoons flax seeds
Combine in the blender and blend until smooth.
If you try these, let me know what you think of them in the comments below.
My cookbook:
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