The value of smoothies for an energy boost after a long bike ride or other activities can be healthy and a great way to refuel. It can also be a great way to start the day for breakfast. Looking for a way to put vegetables in you daily food intake? I found this recipe in the vegetarian times magazine-September 2011 which can give you a start for energy and vegetables.
Blueberry-Cucumber Smoothie
- Blended cucumbers thicken a lightly sweet smoothie for a low-cal breakfast or a refreshing afternoon snack
- 2 large garden cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks(2 cups)
- 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1-2 Tbs. honey or agave nectar
- 1 Tbs. lemon juice
Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth
PER 3/4-cup serving 102 CAL; 4 G PROT;1 G TOTAL FAT (<1G SAT FAT), 21G CARB; 3 MG CHOL;42 MG SOD; 2 G FIBER; 19 G SUGARS
by Mary Ellen Doukakis, RD
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I can’t wait to try this- the kids and I love smoothies, and this would be a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
I’m off to the grocery store to pick up blueberries! This is an intriguing recipe! Thanks, MaryEllen!
Any tips on working in more protein? Whey? Soy? I’d love some ideas to get the protein to 15 or 20 gm.
The easiest way to add more protein is to use 0% fat plain Greek yogurt in place of the lowfat vanilla yogurt. It can have up to 23gm. of protein per cup. Add vanilla extract for flavor.