Easy Sugarfree Smoothies and Shakes

Smoothies and shakes can be refreshingly different and delicious beverages. They can also be excellent choices for those of us who wish to add more fruits and vegetables to their diets to promote good health and reduce risks of cancer and other diseases. Additionally, smoothies and shakes can have even more healthful benefits if we add some protein and prepare them without sugar.

The following are a few of my favorite single-serving recipes that taste good and are satisfying but don't require much time or many ingredients:

#1. No Fuss Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Ingredients: 4 large strawberries, 1 banana, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1/2 cup milk, 4 ice cubes

Directions: Put all of the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Serve immediately.

#2. Pineapple Shake
Ingredients: 1/2 can pineapple chunks and juice, 1 scoop protein powder, 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 cup milk, 2 bananas, 4 ice cubes

Directions: Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Serve immediately.

#3. Morning Fruit Smoothie
Ingredients: 6 ounces of your favorite unsweetened fruit juice, 1/2 tablespoon protein powder, 4 ice cubes

Directions: Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Serve immediately.

#4. Cherry Almond Shake
Ingredients: 1 cup frozen cherries, 1 cup grape juice, 1 banana, 2 and 1/2 tbsp. slivered almonds, 1 tbsp. unsweetened coconut , 7 ice cubes

Directions: Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Serve immediately.

#5. Vegetable Smoothie
Ingredients: 4 celery stalks, finely chopped, 2 tbsp.onion, finely chopped, 1/2 cup fresh parsley, 1 cup fresh spinach, 3 medium tomatoes, skinned and
chopped, 2 carrots, finely chopped or 1/2 cup carrot juice, 1 tsp. lemon juice, ice cubes as desired

Directions: Place the tomatoes, carrots or carrot juice, and lemon juice in a blender and process. Add the celery, parsley, spinach, and and onion and
blend until smooth. Add the ice cubes, one at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Experiment and add or reduce quantities according to personal preference. Once you become familiar with working with these beverages and your blender, you can add more ingredients, variety, and unique tastes as you discover and enjoy them. If you desire to reduce your sugar consumption and add more nutrition to your diet in a time-effective way, you may find that consuming more homemade, sugar free fruit and vegetable smoothies and shakes can offer a practical solution to meet your needs.