Scrumptious Smoothies

I love smoothies! They're easy to make, versatile, portable, and refreshing. You have to be careful when you purchase them at restaurants or smoothie shops, as they can be loaded with sugar or other things your body doesn't need. Also, they can be overpriced. I've found that I like to make my own smoothies at home so I can control what goes in them and save some money too. It's a win-win in my book.

Over the weekend, I made two different smoothies. One is an old favorite and the other was a new recipe I tried out. Both were delicious and I think you might think so too. They can both function greatly as mini-meals or as post-workout meals. They are extremely nutritious and contain whey protein powder, which has been proven to be a real powerhouse for your active lifestyle. Whey protein is full of essential amino acids and since it is very easy to digest, it is absorbed quickly and efficiently by the body. It also supports the immune system and helps repair and rebuild muscles after a workout. It is a high quality, low-fat protein, which I strongly believe should be incorporated into your daily menu. If you can, get the whey protein ISOLATE, as it's even better for you as you create or maintain your rockin' body.

This first recipe made my husband ask me if I put ice cream in it, which made me laugh. It's just that good.

Chunky Monkey Protein Shake

Serves 1

Combine the following in a blender:

1 medium banana, frozen if possible

1 tablespoon natural peanut butter

1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder

Splash of almond milk or skim milk

Splash of water

1 cup ice cubes

Blend, pour into a glass, and indulge in a very healthy recovery meal or anytime snack.

The next recipe I got from Oxygen magazine, a phenomenal magazine for women who are interested in lifting weights.

Lemon Plum Blast

Serves 1

2 small plums, pitted

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt

1/4 cup water

1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder

Ice cubes

Blend all ingredients thoroughly in a blender. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

After you try them out, let me know what you think. Got a recipe you'd like to share with me? I'd love to try it out as well. Have a great, active day!