It’s Smoothie Summer - Let’s Get Nutritious!

June 21 is National Smoothie Day. Let’s look at easy, inexpensive smoothie recipes we can use to celebrate AND add nutrition into our summer diets!

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s essential to find quick and nutritious solutions to fuel our bodies. At Northmen Dens, we are on a mission to nourish our neediest students by providing food, tutoring, and mentoring in a manner that respects dignity and individuality, while sustaining dreams. Smoothies are a fantastic way to provide nutrition while also offering a refreshing and satisfying experience. The best part is that you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy these delightful concoctions. Let’s explore some easy and inexpensive smoothie recipes that will leave your taste buds happy and your wallet smiling.

Banana-Berry Blast:

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Peel the banana and break it into chunks.
  2. Add the banana, mixed berries, milk, and honey (if desired) into a blender.
  3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add a handful of ice cubes and blend again until well combined.
  5. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Tropical Paradise:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • A handful of spinach (optional)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Place the pineapple chunks, mango, coconut milk, lime juice, and spinach (if using) into a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add a few ice cubes and blend again until well mixed.
  4. Pour into a glass, garnish with a slice of lime or a pineapple wedge, and sip your way to paradise!

Green Goddess:

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1 cup coconut water
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Scoop out the avocado flesh and place it in a blender.
  2. Add the baby spinach, coconut water, honey or maple syrup, and lemon juice.
  3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Drop in a few ice cubes and blend again until well combined.
  5. Pour into a glass, take a sip, and feel the vibrant goodness nourish your body!

Peanut Butter Powerhouse:

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Peel the bananas and break them into chunks.
  2. Add the banana chunks, peanut butter, milk, and cocoa powder (if using) into a blender.
  3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Toss in a handful of ice cubes and blend again until well incorporated.
  5. Pour into a glass, top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or crushed peanuts, and indulge in this protein-packed delight.

Smoothies offer a fantastic way to nourish your body with a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants while tantalizing your taste buds. These easy and inexpensive recipes are just a few examples that don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create delicious smoothies. With a few simple ingredients and a blender, you can whip up a refreshing and nutritious smoothie that won’t strain your wallet. 

June 21 is National Smoothie Day! 

Celebrate by grabbing your favorite fruits, vegetables, and add-ins, and start experimenting with different combinations to discover your perfect blend of health and taste. Northmen Dens also has a number of pantries open this summer to help supply families with fresh food and nutrition all summer long! Cheers to a vibrant and budget-friendly smoothie summer!