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Do you ever crave the rich flavor of a strawberry shake but aren't so excited about the 500-plus calories (and steep price tag) that accompany it? If so, read on. I have created a thick, creamy strawberry smoothie recipe that's satisfying, healthy, easy to prepare and tricks your taste buds into thinking they just had a calorie bomb of a strawberry shake.
For many people, just being out and about in Tampa Bay's sweltering climate will bring on the craving for a frozen treat. Before you know it, you're pulling out of the drive-through of your favorite fast food joint with half of the shake's contents already gurgling in your stomach. Once the brain freeze and sugar high have subsided, you may experience some buyer's remorse and diet guilt. Next time you see that enticing drive thru sign approaching, switch lanes and keep on driving — straight into your own driveway. Then, head to the kitchen and make this thick, creamy strawberry smoothie that will leave you cooled, quenched and satisfied.
Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, a post-workout treat or dessert, you won't feel a tinge of guilt about this concoction and won't wake up the next morning kicking yourself out of bed at 5 a.m. to burn off those calories at the gym. I personally enjoy it most after a grueling workout, as something refreshing that I can replenish my system with. By serving it in a pretty glass with a strawberry garnish and sipping through a straw, I can almost imagine that I am relaxing at an exotic resort somewhere in the Caribbean. Though the comfortable recliner in my Tampa Bay condo is not quite the same, the smoothie sure is!
Another great thing about this recipe is that it's not made with ice, so it doesn't get watered down. Frozen strawberries replace the ice typically found in most smoothie recipes. Different berries can be substituted for the strawberries, but I find it tastes best when it is made with the same type of berries as the flavor of yogurt used (for example, raspberries with raspberry yogurt). It gives the smoothie a more authentic, enhanced berry flavor. For a richer, more indulgent smoothie, 1 percent, 2 percent or whole milk may be used in place of skim (or use soy as an alternative to dairy milk). No matter which you choose, it's still a much better option than the traditional strawberry shake loaded with calorie-rich ice cream.
Using skim milk and Splenda, this recipe yields approximately 150 calories and 9 grams of protein. I'd say that's berry, berry good!
Sinless Strawberry Smoothie
(makes one serving)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, frozen (or from a bag of store-bought frozen, no sugar added strawberries)
1/2 cup (or 4-ounce container) Dannon Light and Fit strawberry yogurt or your favorite yogurt of choice
1/2 cup skim milk
1 Splenda packet or 2 teaspoons of sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Add strawberries to a smoothie maker, blender or food processor and pulse to break up the strawberries a bit.
2. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. For a thicker smoothie, increase the amount of yogurt or strawberries.
3. Pour and enjoy!
Variations:
If you enjoy the classic flavor combination of strawberries and chocolate, add a dash of chocolate syrup. Or for a more substantial treat, add a packet of chocolate-flavored, sugar-free Carnation Instant Breakfast.
This article appears in May 19-25, 2011.