I finally did it! After about 2 years of contemplation, I went out and got myself a Vitamix. I saw a demo at Costco last week – one of three demos I watched in the last year – and just couldn’t resist any longer. The company promotes it as a ‘high performance blending machine’ and that it is.

One of the first recipes I made in my new ‘blending machine’ was a family favorite smoothie. Check out the recipe below. It’s a versatile, healthy drink rich in antioxidants and a good source of protein. For those of you watching your weight, this filling beverage offers a lot of bang for your caloric buck. With 9 grams of protein and well under 200 calories, it can be a healthy satisfying snack or the better part of your breakfast. 

Powerful Weight Loss Tip: stay satisfied with protein

Milk with breakfast (or between meal snack) provides protein — one 8-ounce glass has 9 grams — and protein in the AM has staying power, keeping you feeling fuller longer. Studies show that missing out on milk in the morning (or skipping breakfast altogether), makes it nearly impossible to achieve adequate intakes of key nutrients like calcium and vitamin D throughout the day. And breakfast eaters have an easier time losing weight and keeping it off. So, give this yummilicious smoothie a try.

Peachy Strawberry Smoothies
Makes 2 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup 1% low-fat milk
• 3/4 cup frozen peaches
• 3/4 cup frozen strawberries
• 1/3 cup 0%-fat vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave
• 1 or 2 drops almond or vanilla extract
• 2 fresh strawberries

Directions

1. Place the milk, peaches, strawberries, yogurt, honey, and almond extract in a blender, and blend until well combined.

2. Pour into individual glasses, garnish each glass with a fresh strawberry, and serve with a straw.

Nutrition Information per Serving (1 cup): 160 calories, 1.5g fat (1g saturated), 80mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 9g protein, 130% vitamin C, 20% calcium

Recipe used with permission of Meal Makeover Moms.

Now, I’d love to hear from you.

How do you use a blender in your everyday food preparation? Recipes welcome.

Please share in the comment section below. Your ideas could be very helpful to other readers.

Meanwhile, if you want to lose weight, improve your energy and feel better, I can help you get started. Take my free Self-Assessment at https://njnutritionist.com/freeassessment