Breakfast Smoothies

I have been trying to get more dairy in my diet to fight my osteopenia.  Plus I've also been trying to cut back on bread.  It is always so easy to just pop a couple of pieces of toast in the toaster in the morning, spread it with margarine and/or jelly and enjoy a lazy person's breakfast while catching up on news and e-mails.  

I have been a fan of Weight Watcher smoothies for breakfast for a few years but I get tired of them after a while.   My favorite one though is Weight Watcher chocolate powdered smoothie mix combined with about 1/2 cup of low-fat milk, 1/4 cup brewed coffee and 3-4 ice cubes.  I am not a coffee drinker so I keep instant coffee in the freezer, make a cup and leave it in the fridge for a few days.  These smoothies are so yummy - they taste like the Mocha Cappochino drinks you get at Starbucks and places like that. 

A couple of weeks ago, I read an article in our local newspaper (HERE) about making easy fruit smoothies that aren't full of calories.  The columnist said she liked to use Greek yogurt with a variety of frozen fruits and non-fat milk.  The more colors, the more variety of nutrients you're getting.  The added touch is adding a handful of frozen spinach because it will boost the fiber and iron you're getting.  She said with all the blends of fruit and colors, you wouldn't be able to taste it or spot it in your cup.  Well, last week, I bought a package of frozen spinach to give it a try.  I like spinach as a vegetable so figured it would be ok.  Wrong!!   Number 1 - I could see pieces of the spinach in my drink - not appetizing!  And, worse, I could taste it.  Not good!  I ended up drinking about 3/4 of the smoothie and then it met with the disposal!  Oh well - I gave it a try!  I'm sticking to my fruit smoothies.  They are much better and also pretty easy.  This morning I had half a banana and half a mango with my milk and Greek Yogurt.  Other fruits I've tried are strawberries, blueberries and peaches.  If the fruit is not frozen (my peaches, mango and banana were fresh), I throw a couple of ice cubes in the blender.  I like the Greek Yogurt but my favorite is Light & Lively Vanilla.  So get out that blender and make you a quick and nutritious breakfast.  Let me know what flavors are your favorites!