You Asked For It!!!

Okay, I have been teasing some of you folks out there with my ultimate smoothie recipe. The truth is... it's very simple to make. The main ingredient I based this drink around is the protein, this way you can use it as a meal replacement if need be. I use Trader Joe's Soy Protein Powder, it's the quick dissolve, no flavor added kind. 2 scoops provides 23 grams of protein with only 110 calories and 1.5 grams of fat. The next thing you need is juice, either grape, apple or cranberry. Whichever you prefer just make sure it's the no sugar added kind. The next item up is toasted oat bran. The toasted kind has less fat and just as much fiber as regular oat bran and has more flavor than wheat germ or bulgar; you can find it in bulk at Raley's or Winco Foods. I usually use about 2 to 3 tbsp. of this. Okay now you gotta get the smoothie consistency, I use low-fat plain yogurt to smooooth it out and frozen berries. You can throw a handful of frozen raspberries or strawberries in or buy a mixed fruit bag if you want a really berry infused smoothie. Either way it will taste great. You can throw a little fresh fruit in if you like, but the frozen stuff makes the smoothie thick and cold, plus you want to keep the overall size of the beverage around 12 to 16 oz.

Once you've assembled this all throw it in your blender and blend it to your desired consistency. I use a Magic Bullet, that way I can make the perfect sized portion and have a really easy clean up too. I think they cost about $50.00 at Target. If you want to change it up a bit throw in a few tablespoons of rich, chocolatey Ovaltine instead of the wheat bran. If you really want to get fancy you can throw in some Flax-Seed oil or a sprig or two of mint. Pour it in a glass, stick a straw in it, and enjoy!

The items:
Soy Protein 1-2 scoops
Juice 6 to 8 oz.
Yogurt, Plain non-fat or low-fat 3 Tbsp.
Toasted Oat Bran 2 Tbs.
Frozen Berries, your choice, about a handful