Hey guys! First of all, for everyone who was wanting the recipe for the Kale and Turkey Lasagna I made a few weeks ago, be sure to go check out my guest post on Alyssa’s blog! Trust me … you need this recipe in your life! 
I’m so excited to have a guest post from my “blogger twin” today! I hope you all enjoy Ashley’s post on the art of smoothie making! 
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Hi there! I’m Ashley from My Food ‘N’ Fitness Diaries where I write about all things – you guessed it – food and fitness!
[My hubby and me!]
I am thrilled to be writing for Kristen today as she is one of my favorite blog buddies out there. We joke about the fact that we are similar in so many ways, even down to our taste buds!
I don’t know about you, but I make a smoothie almost every single day during the summer months. It’s a great way to get in lots of nutrients and it sure is refreshing when it’s so hot outside.
In my mind, making a smoothie is an art. There are endless possibilities when it comes to making smoothies, but there are a few crucial ingredients that make a smoothie the BEST nutrition and taste wise.
· Milk
Some people choose to use juice, but I think milk is the best. It makes the smoothie creamy, and it is low in sugar and high in protein. I use coconut, almond, or cow’s milk – all are tasty and healthy options!
· Avocado and/or banana
I always add half of an avocado or a banana to my smoothies. They make it extra thick and creamy. The banana adds some natural sweetness too!
· Protein powder and/or nut butter
Both of these add some flavor to the smoothie, but they keep me satiated for longer. If I want to make my smoothie more of a “meal”, I will add both protein powder and a nut butter.
· Spinach and/or kale
You might scrunch up your nose to this one, but I promise you can’t taste it if you add in some other ingredients to disguise it. Spinach and/or kale don’t necessarily change the taste or texture, but they add a bunch of extra nutrients!
· Frozen fruit
Frozen fruit makes my smoothies extra cold but not too “ice-y”. Plus they add extra nutrients and flavor!
Of course the above are just a few of the many ingredients you can add to smoothies, but those are my favorites! You can also take a look at a few of my favorite smoothie recipes HERE.
Thank you for having me Kristen! I hope you’ll stop by and say hi over at My Food ‘N’ Fitness Diaries! I’d love to get to know you!
Questions:
· What are some of your favorite smoothie ingredients?
· Do you make smoothies a lot during the summer months?
Love both of you ladies, and what a perfect subject to talk about, especially because the heat around here is never going to quit it seems! Well it is summer after all
Thanks for the tips and tricks here Ashley!
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Great ideas! I use banana but have never thought to use avocado.
My go to smoothie recipe:
One banana
Big handful of spinach
Little bit of organic nonfat yogurt
Frozen mango chunks
Frozen pineapple chunks
About a half cup of all natural tropical juice from Trader Joes.
Interesting choices for your smoothies. Will have to try these.
Jan
I always do the frozen fruit trick too! I’d much rather use that then regular ice
Yellow Haired Girl recently posted..What’s On My Mind…
Great tip on the avocado! That has never occurred to me but it sounds great!
Cinnamon @ eatpraytri recently posted..All you need…
I never thought to use avocado. Such a good idea!
I am a total smoothie lover. Now that I have a vitamix, my smoothies get a little crazy! The other day I made a banana, grape, carrot, kale and orange juice smoothie and it was AMAZING!
Kat recently posted..Cherry Crisp
sounds great! i love smoothies, especially during these hot summer days!
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I have never used avacado in a smoothie…mhm time to run to the store and experiment. Thanks!