For those who are just getting started, here are some tips on how to make smoothies at home.

You don’t need an expensive blender – I have tested 12-15 different types of smoothie blenders, including a Blendtec, and although some of the less expensive smoothie blenders and smoothie mixers do not work very well, my
Oster 12-Speed Osterizer Blender with Glass Jar does the trick very nicely. This blender sells between $50-60. It actually beats my $400 Blendtec for smoothies. I prefer the glass jars as they seem to be more sturdy, easy to clean, and the blenders seem to work better.

Smoothie Blenders don't have to be expensiveSmoothie Blenders don't have to be expensive, but you do need to get a good quality smoothie mixer or smoothie blender in order to avoid ice or fruit chunks.

Begin with fruits and / or vegetables that you enjoy. Favorite smoothies are made with strawberries, raspberries, bananas, pears, apples, blueberries, mangoes, and other fruits. You don’t need to make it fancy or include all of the fruits, just the ones you like and mix and match them.

Many people will add protein powder or low-fat yogurt to their smoothies, or even ice cream (but that adds a lot of calories as well as sugar to your smoothie.) Smoothies can help you lose weight, have more energy and are a great meal replacement.

Wash your fruit well, peal bananas, and remove hard skins. You may wish to leave the skin on peaches or pears – there is no problem with doing this, just make sure you wash them well – and remove the seed/pits inside.

Most blenders do better if you cut the fruit up a bit before blending, and if you are using any frozen fruits, make sure to add enough liquid for your smoothie blender to liquify everything well.

Place all of your ingredients in the smoothie blender, add ice and liquid (water, milk, orange juice, apple juice or other liquid) and blend. It’s really not hard learning how to make smoothies at home, and can be quite fun. Just experiment a little. Fruit combinations can be really enjoyable and you can even add a bit of honey, sugar, or other sweetener if your fruit is too tart. Using fresh fruits in season do create better flavored smoothies, but frozen fruits work as well.

Learn how to make smoothies at home and save money.

Here is a strawberry vanilla smoothie I made today (I took a photo with my iPhone to share with you – and added just a little embellishing to make it look great!):

Strawberry Vanilla Smoothie

1 cup fresh strawberries
1 ripe banana
1/2 cup raspberries, blueberries
1 cup orange juice
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
1/4 tsp pure vanilla flavoring
2 cups ice
1 cup water

I put everything in my blender, and let it run. Delicious, refreshing, and very low in calories. I calculated that each serving is between 180-200 calories (depending on the protein powder.) This recipe makes 2-3 servings.

Take some time to learn how to make smoothies at home, and lose weight, feel better, save money and know you are adding nutrients to your diet.

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Spinach is a popular ingredient used in green smoothies.

Vegetarians, vegans, and raw foodists have been making green smoothies for years, but now they are making their way into the main stream population. Why? Well, it starts with the health benefits of green vegetables. Leafy green vegetables contain tons of nutrients and vital minerals for good health. They are also low on the glycemic scale which makes them a very healthy choice for diabetics as well as those trying to lose weight.

Green smoothies are not only healthy, but also a very easy and tasty way to get those added nutrients, chlorophyll and enzymes. Chlorophyll, as well as enzymes, help to fight disease as well as cancer. And enzymes are necessary for proper digestion and metobolizing processes in the body.

Popular green smoothies may include the following:

• Spinach
• Kale
• Celery
• Parsley
• Sprouts
• Cucumbers
• Carrots
• Lemons
• Limes
• Ginger or cinnamon
• Additional fruits (adds flavor, but also natural sugars)

Many people will go on green juice or green smoothie fasts or cleanses – to help their systems become more alkaline or to lose weight. Try out a green smoothie and you’ll see why green smoothies are become more popular as time goes by.

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1 apple (you may leave the skin on for more nutrients, but make sure to wash thoroughly)
1 cup peaches (fresh or frozen). You may also substitute mangoes, nectarines or papaya
1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1 banana
1 cup orange juice (or water)
2-3 cups fresh spinach
2-3 cups kale
2 cups ice

Blend and enjoy!

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Green leafy vegetables contain tons of nutrients and antioxidants for better health, but most people either do not like vegetables, or do not get enough of them in our normal diets. Blending up greens into a smoothie not only can taste delicious but also provide those essential nutrients easily into our systems.

Enjoy green smoothies for more energy and better health.

The chlorophyll contained in greens will provide oxygen to your cells and place your body into a more alkaline state, where optimal health can be achieved. Good nutrition can lead to feeling better, having more energy, gaining a better outlook of life and simply having better health.

After several weeks drinking green smoothies, you may notice a change in your skin – including fewer blemishes, a more radiant glow and healthier tone. The reason is that the skin responds to what we eat and if we have good health our skin looks better – not having to dump toxins out through the skin as we take in unhealthy food choices.

Major benefits of green smoothies include more energy and weight loss!

Green smoothies can also taste delicious. Use a base of fruit (pears, apples, or bananas work well), and then simply add in your leafy greens. Note: Adding blackberries or blueberries help to mask the green color and kids love it – without even knowing they are eating their vegetables.

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1 cup strawberries (fresh is preferable)
1-1 1/2 cups watermelon
1 cup grapes (green or red)
1/2 cup canteloupe (without seeds)
1/2 cup pineapple
1/2 banana
1 cup ice
1 cup water

Enjoy this yummy fruit smoothie recipe and let me know what you think.

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Ultimate Smoothie with David Wolfe

via Videos related to ‘The Best Smoothie Ever’ by Suthenboy on 8/17/09

	Ultimate Smoothie with David Wolfe www.passingthelight.info Part 1 of making the ultimate raw smoothie with author and raw food pioneer David Wolfe!

Posted via email from How to Make Smoothies

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