Recipe - Fruit Smoothie, healthy AND sweet!

I want to share with you all a little recipe and background on me.

This is taken directly from my Journal for my Food Culture Class (NUFS 144):

Part of my New Year’s Resolution is to eat healthier. Some of the factors as to why I’ve decided to change my eating habits are as follows:

1. My family has a history of heart problems, obesity, high cholesterol, and various weight issues. In fact, my dad is the smallest in his family, even though he is 5”11” and at least 250 pounds. By his weight and height, he is overweight, so I’ve been taking the initiative to start eating healthier, earlier.
2. I don’t have the money to constantly eat fast food or eat out. Since eating healthier, I’ve realized that making a huge salad and sandwich at home is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than going out to eat a burrito. Not only do I feel healthier in eating at home (or bringing home cooked/prepared meals to school), but I’ve saved a lot more money in doing so.
3. I want to lose unnecessary weight (fat) in my diet. Now, I’ve read up on the Atkin’s diet, and I know the long term effect and consequences from such a diet. So I’ve been eating healthier, and balanced!

Since eating healthier, I feel more energized, my skin is clearer, and I’m a lot more attentive in school. I’ve also noticed that my metabolism is a LOT faster than if I were to go and eat out. There was a point where my lunch was: 2 sandwiches (1 Tuna, 1 Turkey), Salad, 2 Clif Bars, a banana and an orange, and I were hungry after all that! I’ve heard a healthier way to eat is to eat throughout the day, 5-6 small meals, instead of 2-3 large meals throughout the day.

I realize I don’t get enough fruits and vegetables throughout the day, so my roommate and I figured out a VERY healthy way to get our daily fruits and vegetables in without craving hardcore sweets such as candy, dessert and soft drinks! We decided to incorporate natural fruit smoothies in our diet, to satisfy cravings in between meals, and to balance our diets. My personal recipe is below:

Ingredients:

3-4 Frozen Strawberries

A small handful Frozen Blueberries

1 whole Banana

3-4 tbsp Nonfat, unflavored Yogurt

A dash Orange Juice.

Optional:

-1 scoop of your favorite Whey Protein Powder (I prefer GNC’s Vanilla)

Steps:

1. Get all the ingredients together in a blender (Magic Bullet works wonders!)

2. Blend thoroughly!

~Swong