It’s no secret we all have a hard time fitting in three balanced meals a day.  That is the nature of being busy. But our health does not need to suffer because of this. Spring and summer are the times to focus on eating well and living active lives. Luckily, finding time for the most important meal of the day is as easy as throwing fresh fruit or vegetables in the blender.

Start by getting all your ingredients out. Pour 1 cup of fresh orange juice and set it aside.

Remove the stems from the strawberries and cut or dice them. Peel a banana and cut it into smaller pieces. Dice 3/4 of a cup of mango and set it aside.

Add the fruit and juice to the blender or food processor and blend it on high for approximately 2 minutes or until smooth.

If the smoothie is too thick, add a few ice cubes and blend it until it reaches the desired texture and thickness. Once the smoothie is prepared, pour it into a glass and enjoy.

The best part of this basic recipe is its versatility. Change the fruit according to personal taste or add a half cup to 1 cup of kale for an extra energy boost. Creating a delicious, refreshing and healthy smoothie is a great quick breakfast or mid-summer day treat.

Ingredients:

1    cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)

1    cup fresh orange juice

1    large banana

3/4    cup diced mango

1    bag of ice

Instructions:

1.    Remove stems from strawberries

2.    Cut and dice strawberries

3.    Peel and slice banana

4.    Dice mango

5.    Pour orange juice into blender, add fruit

6.    Blend on high until smooth

7.    If the smoothie is too thick, add  ice cubes

8.    Pour smoothie into glasses

9.    Enjoy

It’s no secret we all have a hard time fitting in three balanced meals a day.  That is the nature of being busy. But our health does not need to suffer because of this. Spring and summer are the times to focus on eating well and living active lives. Luckily, finding time for the most important meal of the day is as easy as throwing fresh fruit or vegetables in the blender.

Start by getting all your ingredients out. Pour 1 cup of fresh orange juice and set

it aside.

Remove the stems from the strawberries and cut or dice them. Peel a banana and cut it into smaller pieces. Dice 3/4 of a cup of mango and set it aside.

Add the fruit and juice to the blender or food processor and blend it on high for approximately 2 minutes or until smooth.

If the smoothie is too thick, add a few ice cubes and blend it until it reaches the desired texture and thickness. Once the smoothie is prepared, pour it into a glass and enjoy.

The best part of this basic recipe is its versatility. Change the fruit according to personal taste or add a half cup to 1 cup of kale for an extra energy boost. Creating a delicious, refreshing and healthy smoothie is a great quick breakfast or mid-summer day treat.

aabelman@chroniclemail.com