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.

More Tips
* 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.

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