Momma Told Me: Just cause it has fruit in the name, doesn't mean it's good for you!
I am a smoothie addict.
There was a time, in college, I swear the girls at the local smoothie shop knew my name like a good barista. Not a day went by where I didn't stop in and grab a fresh blended drink on my way home from work, or as a special treat at lunch time. When you work in a shopping center, there's easy access; it's only a matter of time before you're hooked. Of course I learned quickly, just because it has fruit in the flavor or title doesn't mean it's good for you. Not all smoothies are created equal, and even more important you pay a pretty premium for that shiny Styrofoam cup and a kind smile.
When I left my 9-5, I went through deep smoothie withdrawals. Something had to be done, so I began making my own smoothies at home.
I won't lie, I still drink a lot of smoothies socially- but I've become a lot more conscious about what I'll drink. Many big chains have smoothies that are really more like shakes, and rely heavily on sherbets and other artificial bases. So, while I may feel like a rebel when I blend at home, I know the number of ingredients in my drink will be limited and all natural. Besides, it's just plain fun to come up with your own smoothie blends and names!
Finding a strong base is essential to a smooth smoothie- Yes, I just said that, smooth smoothie. It's that wonderfully even, sippable, texture that makes a smoothie a treat all in it's own. Sometimes we use dairy alternatives, like soy or coconut milk- but those don't offer quite the same sipping experience as real dairy. For a healthy, yet still dairy, substitute in our smoothies we reach for yoghurt. And by yoghurt I mean pure, unadulterated, no funny stuff added, Mountain High Yoghurt.
Mountain High Yoghurt is not only committed to all natural ingredients, but uses a unique 'in cup' culturing method that allows cultures to grow and process directly in the cup or tub the product will be shipped in. This means a richer, more authentic flavor and texture with no gelatin or extras. Mountain High is also committed to using dairy sourced from hormone free cows so you can rest assured all of their ingredients are of the highest quality. Besides, everyone knows that great milk comes from Happy Cows (or at least that's what they tell us here in Southern California!)
You can find #MountainHighYoghurt at Ralphs and Kroger brand chains as well as many other great grocery retailers such as Vons, Walmart, and Albertsons across the country. One of the things that makes Mountain High especially great for smoothies is the large tubs readily available for consumers. For just over $5 here I can buy a 32oz tub of Mountain High in Original, Fat Free, or Low Fat varieties. The easily to reseal tub is great for scooping portions directly into my blender, and the tub itself is great for storage and craft projects after it's been emptied!
Personally, I've been trying to introduce more whole grains into my daily routine, though I seldom have the patience for eating a bowl of cooked oats (or the time.) Blending oatmeal directly into my smoothie is a great way to add some bulk to the smoothie itself, help curb hunger cravings in the afternoons, and introduce potential heart health benefits. It's also delicious! And yes, you CAN blend oats directly into your smoothie- though, you may also grind them down in the food processor and add them as a powder/supplement too, if desired.
One of my favorite smoothies of late has been dubbed the 'Whirl Berry-Oat Smoothie' for it's fun swirl of purple on yellow (which reminds the child in me of minions, but that's another tale.) Simply blend the blueberry portion first and pour it into the bottom of your glasses or tumblers, then blend the orange-honey-oat portion and pour that on top. The different consistencies will create a fun swirl that can be mixed with a straw or drank as is!
To learn more about Mountain High Yoghurt and to discover other amazing recipes, or simple solutions for empty yoghurt containers, check out their Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest pages. Now, tell me, what are some of your favorite ingredients for smoothies?
What Daughter Says: Bulk up your smoothie with real, wholesome, natural ingredients.
Whirl Berry-Oat Smoothie
Serves 4
*Click here to print the Whirl Berry-Oat Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
1 C Mountain High Fat Free Vanilla Yoghurt, Divided
1 C Pulp Free Orange Juice, Divided
1/2 Cup Uncooked Oats
1 C Fresh, Rinsed, Blueberries
1/4 C Honey
3 C Crushed Ice, Divided
Directions:
1. In a blender combine blueberries, 1/4 C Mountain High Fat Free Vanilla Yoghurt, 1/4 C Orange Juice and 1 C ice until evenly blended. Pour into equal portions into the bottom of 4 glasses. Rinse the blender jar.
2. Combine remaining ingredients in a blender jar and pulse until oats and ice are broken down. Blend until smooth and pour atop blueberry portion. The blueberry mixture should be thinner and naturally rise to combine with the Orange-Oat layer. Swirl once with a straw and serve!
