My Old Friend, the Smoothie

These days, it seems that the smoothie is everywhere.  There are countless smoothie stands and shops, many offering $4 smoothies.  But a lot of these are packed with sugar, sweetened fruit purees, and ice!  I offer the true, really good-for-you smoothie, made at home for very little money.  This treat is delicious and really filling as breakfast, not to mention it offers 25% of your daily fiber intake (if you use berries), at least half of the "five a day" requirement for fruits and veggies, and about 20% of your daily calcium to boot!  Best of all, there is no added sugar.  I prefer to use Trader Joe's frozen fruit, if available.  Many are organic, and none contain added sugar; some are sweetened with pineapple juice, like their tropical fruit blend. 

Lisa's favorite smoothie

3/4 cup frozen mixed berries

1/2 cup frozen peaches

1/2 cup frozen mangoes, papaya, or a combination.  1/2 frozen banana is also good

1/4 cup apple juice

3/4 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt

Place everything except the yogurt in blender and allow to sit for about 10 minutes to thaw slightly.  Blend until smooth, using a little hot water if things are still too frozen.  Add the yogurt and blend until well mixed.

Pour into 16 ounce glass and serve with straw and long spoon; massage head as needed for resulting cold headache.