Healthy Smoothies featuring Blueberries & Red Peppers

With the warm weather approaching us, I'm sure you will enjoy these smoothie recipes just as much as I do. They are refreshing, healthy and most importantly, tasty!

I challenged my husband to create a healthy smoothie and he came up with the Red Pepper Delight a while back, which I was very doubtful about but it turned out quite nicely... and today, I made this Blueberry Powerhouse, inspired by all the blueberry recipes that have been populating my mailbox (oh my favorite!). And of course, blueberries go perfect with chocolate ! Enjoy!

I'm normally not a big fan of juices or smoothies as they can contain a lot of sugar and it is definitely not as filling as eating the foods whole, but here are my guidelines in making a healthy smoothie:

1. A liquid low-fat milk or milk alternative - 2%, 1%, skim milk or fortified soy milk (unsweetened) *plant-based fortified non-dairy beverages (rice, almond, coconut) are generally lower in protein and nutrients are not equivalent to cow's milk.

2. Limit to two servings of sugary fruits - banana, apple, pineapple, blueberries etc.

3. Add at least one non-starchy vegetable - spinach, celery, red pepper,etc.

4. No added sugar - remember many fruits are already high in sugar :)

5. Watch the portion - While a smoothie can be healthy and it can be a good way to pack in some fruits and vegetables...It is easy to drink too much especially in the warm weather, limit serving size to 1 cup!

Remember, Quench your thirst with water!!!

Blueberry Powerhouse

Red Pepper Delight

Red Pepper Delight - 4 servings

• 1 Red Pepper, chopped

• 1/2 Cucumber, chopped

• 1 Celery Stick, chopped

• 1 Apple, cored and chopped

• 1 Banana

• 1 cup fortified Soy Milk

Blend together until smooth, serve chilled.

Blueberry Powerhouse - 4 servings

• 1 cup Spinach

• 1 cup frozen blueberries

• 1 frozen Banana

• 2 Tbsp Cocoa Powder

• 1/2 Avocado

• 1 cup of Skim Milk

Blend together until smooth, serve chilled.

What are your favorite smoothie recipes? Tag @amychowrd or #amychowrd to share your creations!