A cool delicious drink, with plenty of vitamins,minerals, and not so many calories, carbs, or fat is the glorioussmoothie.  Surely you’ve had one. If not–you’re in for a majortreat–that won’t be self-destructive, either.You can make smoothies at home if you have a blender, food processor,or even an electric mixer.  (This is a recipe I featured a few months back.  It was so popular, I’m offering it again, for you.)

Start with: 1 banana, 3 ice cubes, 1/2 cup fruit juice. You can add anyother fruit you choose: strawberries, raspberries, cherries, appleslices, kiwi, oranges, whatever you’re in the mood for. I recommendfresh fruit, but it’s also good sometimes to use frozen fruit or even a canned fruit. That means you can always have the ingredients on handand make one anytime. (Just avoid processed fruits that have addedsugar).

You can add “power” ingredients, too. Like protein powder you get at ahealth-food store, or wheat germ, or an energy booster such as ginseng.You can add herbs, too, if you’re feeling the need. (Check with yourdoctor first, though, because herbs can be powerful and may have sideeffects or negative interactions with medications).If you want to make it a dairy smoothie, add 1/4 cup skim milk ornon-fat yogurt. Some folks add ice cream, sherbet or sorbet, but forthose of us losing weight or maintaining a weight loss, that decision needs to be carefullyconsidered.

Remember, you’re getting your daily serving of fruit whenyou have a smoothie. Also know that a little smoothie goes a long way,so don’t drink a lot.