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.
