HEY loves! Um, can I just say congrats to my new favorite couple?
Sorry, I had to! 
breakfast.
Yesterday an email was sent out announcing the Healthy Living Summit Stonyfield Smoothie Contest. I’m not usually one to enter contests, but I’m also not one to turn down the opportunity to make a refreshing, summer smoothie for breakfast! And, not to toot my own horn, but this smoothie is kind of knock your socks off good.
Blueberry Peach Smoothie
ingredients:
- 1 cup almond milk (I used Almond Breeze unsweetened vanilla)
- 1 cup plain Oikos Organic Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1 peach
- 1/2 tablespoon organic coconut oil
directions: Add all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until combined. Pour into a tall glass, and drink with a straw for the perfect summer smoothie experience
YUM! I’m absolutely in love with the flavor combination of blueberries + peach. With the antioxidants found in blueberries, the vitamin C in peaches, energizing fat in coconut oil, and the protein-punch from Greek yogurt…this smoothie is healthy and super filling.
Disclosure: This entry is for the Healthy Living Summit Stonyfield Smoothie Contest. Stonyfield is a sponsor of the Summit, but not this contest.
Breakfast actually inspired today’s Trendy Tuesday post, which is all about the smoothie!
Trendy Tuesday: Smoothies
Smoothies are a trend that have been around for a while and are most likely here to stay. But, what is it about smoothies that make them so popular in the health and fitness community? And are all smoothies as healthy as people might think?
what are smoothies?
Smoothies are cold, blended drinks usually consisting of fresh fruit or vegetables, as well as additions like yogurt, milk, ice, sweeteners, etc. Smoothies are generally creamy - as opposed to icy/slushy. While smoothies can be made at home, they’ve also become a popular favorite at fast food restaurants, ice cream parlours, and even bars.
the upside of smoothies.
1. Fruit and vegetable content. It’s not always easy to get the daily recommended (at least) 5 servings of fruit and vegetables, and smoothies provide a great (and delicious!) way of squeezing them in.
2. Convenient. Smoothies are a great way to have a meal or snack on-the-run. If you have the needed ingredients, a blender, and a cup - you’re pretty much good to go!
the downside of smoothies.
1. Can be high in calories and sugar. With the addition of syrups, sugar, and goodness knows what else are in some smoothies out there, smoothies can be a high calorie, sugary nightmare.
2. Can lack important nutrients. Just because smoothies contain fruit and/or vegetables, it’s important to remember other nutrients like healthy fats and protein. Try to either include add-ins (see below) to your smoothie, or have your smoothie as part of a balanced meal.
smarter smoothie choices.
1. Make your own. To save a dime and your blood sugar level, the best bet is to make your own smoothies at home. (I’m a huge fan of the Magic Bullet blender because it’s quick, effortless, and is also easy clean-up.)
2. Avoid added syrups. Since when did fruit become fruit-flavored high fructose corn syrup? Thanks, but no thanks. I’d suggest avoiding syrups at all costs.
3. Check out nutrition stats. I personally prefer sticking to smoothie in the 200-350 calorie range. If a smoothie is incredibly high in calories, it most likely means that there are no-so-healthy additions going on in there. Most places that offer smoothies have nutritional information that can be found online or at the store, so don’t hesitate to check into it before sipping!
smoothie add-ins.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to smoothie add-ins, but my favorites are:
- almond milk – flavorful, healthy fats, low calorie, vegan milk alternative
- chia seeds - healthy fats, antioxidants, energizing
- protein powder – adds staying power, great for after a workout
- Greek yogurt – adds staying power and probiotics
- frozen fruit – convenient, adds great texture
- coconut oil – healthy fats, energizing
(Check out Smoothie Girl Eats Too for more great info on smoothies components.)
favorite smoothies.
3. Starbucks Vivanno Smoothies
4. My current favorite – Blueberry Peach Smoothie
- What are your favorite smoothie components?
- Do you ever buy smoothies, or do you make you own?
lately i am LOVING almond milk, frozen banana, berries, and spinach. SO good, and i love starting the day on a healthy note!
I rarely buy smoothies because they are so HIGH in calories. But when I make my own, it seems a banana is a must because it keeps it nice and thick. I also like the gritty taste of protein powder
Wow, you are right that blueberry/peach smoothie sounds amazing. I’ve never added coconut oil to mine (I usually use flax) but it sounds wonderful
I am a much bigger fan of making smoothies then buying them made for me. I like knowing exactly what is going in there. I haven’t had the guts to try a green monster yet but maybe soon!
I really like smoothies with just fruit, a bit of milk, and water. It’s not super creamy/filling but it’s great for a snack.
I love the Viviano’s from Starbucks. They are a great alternative when I don’t feel like loading up on caffeine and chocolate syrup at starbucks haha.
I looove making smoothies! The clean-up isn’t so much fun, but it’s worth it. My smoothies usually consist of POM juice, a banana, frozen berries and Greek yogurt. And perhaps a squirt of honey, just for good measure.
I love smoothies, especially in summer - and that blueberry peach one sounds so perfect for a hot day!
I love chocolate protein, FROZEN banana, vanilla, peanut butter and milk! YUM!
Favorite smoothie component: frozen banana. A necessity for my smoothies!
I don’t usually buy smoothies… they always seem so expensive! ($8!?)
I don’t really like smoothies….I’ve never been one to want to drink my food. I like chewing it so chunky smoothies are alright but I get a stomach ache if I drink a whole one even if I drink it slowly. I think it just digests differently. Sometimes they make me queasy.
That does sound really really good! I love smoothies. They are the perfect meal.
I’m so excited that she picked Roberto! I was scared at first thinking that she was going to pick no one because they wouldn’t show clips of the final rose ceremony in the previews. But now I know why. I’m just surprised how many people wanted her to pick Chris. I mean he was a great guy, but come on, who can pass up Roberto? lol. I love smoothies, there are endless combinations!
Smooth Operator! I have a wicked adult beverage smoothie choice I may submit:) Is that cheating?
OH the bachelorette, I didn’t tune in. I figure if Jersey Shore can suck me in, I don’t have time for anymore female drama.
add raw rolled oats and almonds and or almond butter—or make that any nuts or nut butter!
Try my perfect pink smoothie!!! ITS AMAZING!
http://www.jamelafamela.com/2010/07/smoothies-snacks-and-spicy-things.html
I think bananas make any smoothie better!
I’m a HUGE fan of protein smoothies after workouts and my all-time fave is a Chocolate Peanut Butter Spinach (Oat) smoothie. I like mine really thick and eat it with a spoon:)
1 c almond milk
1 scoop Chocolate Whey protein powder
1 serving PB2 powder
1 tbs Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder
2 cups spinach
Guar and Xanthan Gum
Splash of flavored SF syrup
(sometimes 1/3 c of oatbran if I eat it out of a bowl)
Oh, and the Magic Bullet ROCKS! That is my very FAVORITE wedding gift and I use it every day!
I really like adding a bit of PB to the smoothie for lasting power. It’s really best when I get to eat my smoothie from a bowl and can add a bit of granola.
It took me awhile to get into smoothies because I wasn’t sure I wanted to drink my calories. But I’m so glad I gave them a try. This morning, I had what is probably my favorite smoothie- 1 cup frozen banana slices, 1 cup vanilla soymilk, and 2 tablespoons peanut butter.
Love smoothies. This peach banana one sounds super good. I’m going to have to find me some fresh, ripe peaches, asap! Thanks for sharing the recipe and good luck on the contest!
This was such a fun smoothie post! I make my own and rarely buy smoothies at other stories. When I make smoothies strawberries or bananas are usually a component
I like smoothies but rarely make them ;( small kitchen and I’m usually so busy at home I cook alot but prefer fresh fruits and forget to keep some in the freezer- but I do like spinach and mango with some flax oil frozen banana and coconut milk
And yay!!! For Ali and Roberto - it was SO romantic!!!!
Ooh this looks good! I never would have thought to combine blueberry and peach. I almost always use banana and strawberries in my smoothies. It’s an unbeatable combination.
LOL GO ROBERTO! he is so freaking sexy!
ANYWAY I LOVE me some smoothies! They are PERFECTO for the summer!! LOVE them with PB, frozen naner, and cocoa powder! my fav pro powder to make em with is biochem!
YES! I am so so so happy for Ali & Roberto! …but maybe a wee disappointed Roberto isn’t still single
Aw, I’m humbled…thank you for linking me!
My way fave smoothie ever ever ever is the PB&J: Water, Ice, Whey protein, Xanthan and guar gums, frozen fruit (rhubarb and mixed berries), peanut butter sugarfree torani, stevia, and if I want some healthy fats…Peanut butter- 1 Tablespoon. lately I’ve been topping smoothies with raw oat flakes, just a sprinkle- like 30 cals’ worth- for the fun chew & taste.
Can you taste the coconut oil in your smoothie? Sounds intriguing!
Oops, I forgot, I add Raspberry Ice Crystal light powder too just a sprinkle and ALWAYS that flavor!
That sound phenom!