Super Greek Yogurt Smoothies
Fertility Friday + Smoothies
That’s right, you read that correctly, I said “Fertility Friday + Smoothies!” A random pairing? Of course not, I do everything with intention…ok, well almost everything.
Today for Fertility Friday I would like to focus on the amazing nutritional power of smoothies. Yes, I know that people are crazy about smoothies these days. They make their own, they buy the fancy one that costs 10 dollars and they insist on having them every morning for their “bowl” breakfast. But this is one trend where you can believe the hype…at least to a certain extent.
What do I mean by that? Because you have to be a smart smoothie creator or purchaser. You see a balanced, nourishing smoothie can be a great way to get vitamins, minerals and other nutrients you need to keep your body functioning at it’s best. Plus smoothies are easy to make and easy to enjoy. For all of these reasons, smoothies “fit” when it comes to fueling your body for fertility.
But, they can also carry what we sometimes call a “health halo.” Meaning smoothies are often thought of as nutritious, even if they’re not always nutritious. So you just have to be smart. Ice cream, for example, shouldn’t be the primary ingredient in your smoothie. If it is, that drink has been mislabeled, it is clearly a milkshake. Get my drift?
To help you, I’ve compiled 2 lists, both of which you’ll need the next time you head to your local smoothie shop or the grocery store. In the words of M.C. Hammer, some smoothies are “too legit to quit” and well, others just aren’t.
Legit Smoothies:
- Are packed with unsweetened fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables!
- Can have nutritious nut and seed additions like chia seeds, ground flax seeds, hemp seeds, peanuts, almonds, etc.
- Use milk, non-dairy milk, water or fresh juice.
- May sport other protein sources such as yogurt, kefir or even tofu.
Not too Legit Smoothies:
- Contain a variety of powders of which no one can explain what they are for, but they cost you 5 bucks a pop.
- Use ice cream in any way, shape or form (that’s a milkshake, remember?).
- Claim they will “detoxify” or “de-stress” or “clear up your acne” or other crazy promises that sound too good to be true.
- Are available in 16 oz or larger size…you just don’t need that much, unless of course, you’re sharing.
Of course this isn’t an all-inclusive list, but I think you get the idea. Make sure your smoothie is loaded with “real” ingredients, not a lot of sugar and that the portion size is about 8 fluid ounces-ish. Below are a few super simple smoothie recipes to get you started. And when you’re done making those, head on over to Shaw Simple Swaps for another great smoothie recipe!
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Description
Refresh with this super simple smoothie recipe that you AND your kids will enjoy! It’s nourishing and tasty.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk (or milk alternative)
- 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, about 5–6
- 1/2 medium, ripe banana
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Enjoy.
Notes
- Makes about 1 cup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 247
- Sugar: 21
- Sodium: 87
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 20
Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
Description
Who doesn’t love chocolate and cherries!? This creamy drink will feel more like a treat, than the nourishing snack that it is.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup milk (or milk alternative)
- 1/2 cup frozen, sweet cherries
- 1/2 medium, ripe banana
- 1/2 cup packed spinach
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Enjoy.
Notes
- Makes about 1 1/4 cups.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 216
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 94
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 20
Tropical Fruit Smoothie with Coconut Water
Description
Bring a taste of the tropics to your snack! This smoothie is packed with flavors that will make you feel like you’re on vacation!
Ingredients
- 4 ounces Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup coconut water
- 1/2 cup frozen, diced mango
- 1/2 cup frozen, diced pineapple
- 1/2 medium, ripe banana
- optional add-in: 1/4 cup packed shredded carrot
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Enjoy.
Notes
- Makes about 1 1/4 cups.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 136
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 47
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 15
Too legit to quit! Lol my friend. They are indeed. I need to get back in the habit of adding flax into our smoothies. Thanks for the inspired ideas.
Yes! I thought you would appreciate the MC Hammer reference Katie! 😉 Ground flax is the best!!! Big fans of that here in my house!
That MC Hammer quote was soooo #onpoint!!! Excellent tips on the smoothie making process ando what to watch out for! And seriously, those photos,
You are so awesome. You can comment on my blog anytime! 🙂
These all sound delish! I love strawberry and banana the best!
It’s such a classic combo that just works! I love it too Rachel!
These smoothies all look amazing! I just love the nutrition boost you can get from smoothies (when done right!) Those tips for legit smoothies are perfect. I especially want to try the chocolate-cherry one!
The chocolate cherry one is my favorite! 🙂 Thanks for commenting Amber!
These smoothies look delectable and – even better – not complicated to make! Great job Chef Haas
Thanks Torey – Yes, I don’t believe in making things complicated. They don’t have to be! But they should be delicious! 😉
Your photos are looking lovely, Sara. They make me want to try every last one of these, but I think I’ll start with that tropical beauty!
Thanks so much Katie! So kind of you! Hope you enjoy! I like the tropical one too! 🙂
All three of these look so refreshing and tasty but I’m really craving that Tropical Fruit Smoothie right about now! I love the way you broke things down M.C. Hammer style!! LOL! 🙂