mmm....smoothies

[DeniseGoldberg]

I'm not really using this as a weight loss tool, really a breakfast replacement thing and a way of incorporating more fruits into my diet.

Any ideas on my protein question?

Although I refer to my drinks as smoothies, I don't use ice cream (or frozen yogurt) as bcipam notes. I also don't add anything like protein powder - I've tried that in the past and found that I didn't like the taste.

I do add plain yogurt to my drinks though, good for both calcium and to get some protein. My drinks typically consist of some water, plain (non-fat) yogurt, usually a half of a banana, fresh fruit of the season (peaches, strawberries, blueberries, whatever is in season at the time) or frozen fruit (no sugar added, just fruit, usually blueberries, sometimes strawberries or raspberries. Sometimes I also add a half a cup of juice, but often I just rely on the fruit. I don't feel any need to add ice since when the fruit is blended it thickens the drink.

--- Denise

[Nanci]

One diced mango
One cup skim milk
Two cups ice
Brown Sugar to taste

Blend

Usually makes two or three glasses.

[hirakukibou]

I do use protein powder. I find that it add needed nutrition to my not so great diet. I use Protein Energizer by Rainbow Light. It is a rice based proten that has spirulina in it and some herbs. It adds 100 calories per scoop which isn't much in the scheme of things. I feel it rounds out my smoothie (although it does add a greenish tinge to it). Good luck.

[Jen Jen]

Regarding your protein question, I think protein powder is a great thing. Your meals should always be a balanced blend of carbs, protein, and fats because of all the important things each component provides to your diet.

I don't like smoothies for breakfast. If I drink a big thing of milk on an empty stomach, my stomach protests ALL DAY, ugh.

Here's my favorite recipe (for lunch, ha):

12 oz. vanilla soymilk (I drink the Kirkland, i.e. Costco brand)
1 cup frozen blueberries (make sure they're not sweetened)
2 tbsp. MLO protein powder (I dislike the flavored protein powders, this one doesn't ruin the taste of my drink, IMO)

Yum!

This weighs in at 361 calories, 31g protein, 7g fat, 42g carbs... A perfect size for a meal, even when you're "dieting" IMO

[KnottedYet]

I am into instant gratification.

I used to do smoothies on my 55 mile commute to school, and coffee on the 55 mile commute home. Car food. Now I do 'em because most of the time it's just an easier way to eat breakfast.

My smoothies (give or take)

1/2 block tofu
1 bananananana
1 big blob of plain yogurt
1 handful of frozen fruit or jam (scoop the jam, not handful)
Juice, soymilk, ricemilk, or cow milk as needed to make runny

Sometimes this makes enough for b'fast and lunch/snack. It also makes great frozen popsicle-things for the small creatures in your home.

[Kimmyt]

Thanks girls! I was looking on the other website I mentioned too and found this one that totally makes my mouth water.

I'm thinking...mmmm caffeine in MEAL form.....

2 cups black coffee
1/2 cup chocolate milk
1 scoop chocolate protein powder