Tips For Smoothies
Here's how to super-charge
your smoothie according to your own personal
nutritional goals (soy protein powder and flaxseed oil can be found at health-food
stores):
CALCIUM: Add 2 Tbsp
nonfat dry milk per 1 cup serving.
Increases calcium by 120 mg. Adds 32 calories.
FIBER: Add 2 Tbsp
oat bran per 1 cup serving.
Increases fiber by 1.5 grams. Adds 38 calories.
ISOFLAVONES (plant estrogens
found in soy): Add 2 Tbsp soy
protein powder per 1 cup serving. Adds 95 calories and 1 gram fat.
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS: Add
1 tsp flaxseed oil per 1 cup serving.
Adds 40 calories and 4.6 grams of fat per serving.
* Use superfine sugar - it dissolves
instantly, leaving no residue at the
bottom of the blender (if you don't have any on hand, dissolve granulated
sugar in the liquid before adding).
* Allow ice and frozen fruit to
thaw slightly
(this spares your blender's blades - and your ears).
* Remember to peel bananas and cut into chunks before freezing.
* Choose ripe fruit - immature
fruit will be difficult to blend and won't
impart all the sweetness of fully ripened fruit. (Smoothies are a great
way to make use of fruit that's too ripe to eat raw, so toss in those brown
bananas).
* Fortify your quaff. To
make an energy-boosting smoothie, try add-in's
like ginseng, protein powder, wheat germ, or a bit of peanut butter.
* Adapt it for adults. Need
a potent potable for your next party?
Blend a shot of vodka, tequilla or rum with your favorite fruit smoothie.
* Get a great glass. Serve
your smoothies in something more exotic
than your basic tumbler. Try a martini or daiquiri glass, a
colorful goblet or a unique chalice.