The Best Smoothies You Have Ever Had (Healthy Too)

Love your smoothies but not the extra sugar, fat and calories that are found in most smoothies? Well, you can make a great-for-you smoothie that tastes great, too (and saves money – a home-made smoothie costs about $2 versus $5 out). Here are three simple recipes. The first two could function as a complete meal…the third is a delicious snack. Each can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.

Nutty Butter Blizzard Smoothie

• 1 1/2 Tablespoons crunchy natural peanut butter without added sugar
• 1 Tablespoon low-sugar fruit jam or jelly
• 1/2 cup nonfat ricotta cheese, no salt added
• 1/2 cup pasteurized, liquid egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Place the peanut butter, jam or jelly, ricotta cheese, egg whites and almond extract in a blender. Blend for 30 seconds or until smooth. Makes one 12-ounce smoothie.

Coconut Pineapple Smoothie

• 1 cup low-fat coconut yogurt
• 1/2 cup fresh pineapple cubes
• 1/2 Tablespoon desiccated coconut (sweetened flakes)
• 1/2 cup pasteurized, liquid egg whites
• 1 scoop (3/4 ounce) vanilla whey protein powder (look for whey powder that is 80 calories per 3/4 ounces)

Add coconut yogurt, pineapple, desiccated coconut, egg whites and whey protein powder into a blender. Blend on high for 45 seconds to one minute or until smooth. Makes one 16-ounce smoothie.

Apple Pie Perfect Smoothie

• 1/3 cup peeled apple slices
• 1/3 cup nonfat apple-flavored yogurt
• 1 Tablespoon broken, unsalted walnuts
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Sugar substitute equivalent to 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup ice cubes

Place the apple slices, yogurt, walnuts, cinnamon, sugar substitute and water in a blender. Blend for 30 seconds. Add the cup of ice cubes. Blend for another 30 seconds or until smooth. Makes one 16-ounce smoothie.