Smoothie Operator: Tempting Frozen Drinks

(Adapted from First Magazine December 2007)

Dr. Mark Hyman M.D. wrote the book UltraMetabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss (2006). He promotes cleansing your system by avoiding alcohol, sugar, caffeine and fried and processed foods. His smoothie recipe is rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients that will boost your metabolism the natural way.

• 2 scoops rice protein powder
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil (cold-pressed if you can find it)
• 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen fruit, chopped

To make this easy shake, just put all ingredients in a blender and add either water or ice to bring it to your desired consistency. Ice will make it thicker like a shake while water will create a thinner, more juice-like consistency.

Melon Mango Breakfast Smoothie

(Adapted from Runner's World April 2009)

Serves: 1 | Calories: 350 | Protein: 9g | Fiber: 7g | Carbs: 71g

Making your own smoothie at home helps you to eat clean-that is, natural-food without added sugars and fats. Although it is convenient to grab a smoothie at a café or smoothie shop, try to avoid it.

Besides costing you a lot more than it would if you made it yourself, a lot of those places use turbinado sugar to sweeten their concoctions, which cancels out the benefits from the fruits. They are just trying to please the customer by making a good tasting product, but you can benefit your family and your checkbook by mixing up your own smoothie at home instead.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup frozen mango chunks
• 1/2 cup frozen or fresh banana slices
• 1/2 cup cantaloupe, diced
• 1/2 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup vanilla soymilk (or low-fat milk with 1/4 teaspoon vanilla)
• 1/4 cup low-fat granola for topping

In your food processor or blender, put all ingredients except the granola. Purée until smooth. Spoon the thick and creamy mixture into a glass and garnish with the granola. This is one satisfying and yummy breakfast smoothie!