One of my most recent purchases was a fabulous vintage (yet modern) 9” mason jar that came with its own crocheted cozy and straw lid – in other words the most perfect smoothie on-the-go travelling mug! Thanks The Jar Girl for making my summer cool. Speaking of smoothies, I thought this would be a good time to explore the need-to-knows of smoothie drinking.

Need to Know #1: Only put in your smoothie what you would eat on a plate.

We tend to go smoothie crazy and add everything we can to the blender. But don’t forget, even too much of a good thing can be bad. Adding 1000 calories of spinach, orange juice and yogurt to a smoothie before getting to the office is still 1000 calories. This casual addition to your breakfast can quickly turn into a whole dinner in calories. So next time you’re making that smoothie, ask yourself if you would eat all this food in one meal – if yes, then go smoothie crazy!

Need to Know #2: Skip the protein powder and add real food.

I’m a big believer in eating real, whole foods. So to give your smoothie some added protein, skip the powder and add soft tofu for a smooth texture, or add a nut butter for a nutty, creamy flavor.

Need to Know #3: Chew your smoothie.

To stimulate the digestive enzymes in your mouth, you need to chew your smoothie for one or two ‘bites.’ Otherwise, this nutritional gold mine will hit your gut too quickly and inhibit your chance of absorbing all the nutrients. Maybe try and stay away from public places when doing this…

Here’s one of my favorite summer smoothie recipes:

Raincoast Nut & Berry Smoothie

1 cup milk or dairy alternative
1 cup frozen berries (strawberries or blueberries)
1/2 banana
2 Tbsp Nuts to You Raincoast nut butter with coconut

I love this nut butter because it’s a combination of brazil and cashew nuts, and whole coconut. It’s delicious and full of selenium, the antioxidant that is great for men’s health.

Now get chewing!

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Chew that Smoothie!