If you’re a fan of Friday Night Lights, you might remember the smoothie scene from Season 3:
[The Dillon Panther football team is practicing on the football field when a smoothie truck playing music pulls onto the field.]
Coach Taylor: “What the hell is that? What the hell is that?”
Assistant Coach: “JD McCoy’s daddy bought us all smoothies – not for now, for after practice when we’re done.”
Coach Taylor: “Smoothies?”
Assistant Coach: “Yeah – those frosty, tangy things with the nonfat frozen yogurt…”
Coach Taylor: “I know what the hell a smoothie is! You tell him to get the hell off the field!”
Assistant Coach: “You mean for good, or to come back later, or what?”
Coach Taylor: “I mean tell him we don’t need any d*** smoothies!”
Assistant Coach: “Alright, alright. Get that pink truck off the field! Get on outta here!”
[groans from the football team]
Charles: “Man, I wanted a smoothie!”
Coach Taylor: “What was that Charles? Wha’d you say? You want a smoothie? You know what, I’d like a smoothie, too, Charles. It’d be good, wouldn’t it? But you know why I’m not gonna have a smoothie, Charles? ‘Cause I don’t feel like I deserve a smoothie! Does anybody else out here feel like you deserve a smoothie? I tell you what – we win Friday night, and you can have all the d*** smoothies you want, gentlemen! Let’s go!”
I love the way Coach Taylor pronounces the word “smoothies.” The smoothies from the smoothie truck in Dillon, Texas, probably aren’t the healthiest of smoothies. But with a little thought and creativity, you can make a really good-tasting smoothie packed with nutrients and antioxidants.
There are a myriad of ways to make a smoothie; here are some of my favorites that are on the more creative side. I love experimenting with smoothies and brainstorming ways to make them tasty and healthy. And I’m always looking to add to my smoothie repertoire, so if you have a good smoothie recipe, add it below!
Fall-is-Here Smoothie
Crisp mornings, college football, pumpkin everywhere...I must admit, come October, I hoard Trader Joe's canned pumpkin. I stock up for the sole purpose of making this smoothie year round. I mean, who doesn't stock up on Trader Joe's canned pumpkin? ;)
½ can pumpkin
½ cup full-fat or light coconut milk from a can
¼ cup of Greek Yogurt (optional, for protein)
1-2 pitted medjool dates
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp cinnamon
Ragin’ Red Smoothie
Once blended, this smoothie is soooooo red, you'll love it even before you taste it. I like the Trader Joe's steamed baby beets. Forewarning, in some grocery stores, the cooked beets are cooked in vinegar -- watch out! That would not be a very tasty smoothie!
¼ package of cooked beets
¾ cup of frozen berry blend (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries)
¼ cup of frozen strawberries
1/3 cup of full-fat coconut milk
1-inch piece of ginger root
½ cup of Greek or regular yogurt
Wake Up! Smoothie
This smoothie is so perfect for that afternoon pick-me-up. If you want more of a drink than a smoothie, leave out the yogurt and/or use 1/2 banana.
1 banana
¼ cup of Greek or regular yogurt (unsweetened)
1 shot of espresso or ½ cup cold coffee
¼ cup full-fat or light coconut milk, or regular/lowfat milk
1 tbsp peanut butter
Dash of chocolate syrup (optional)
Power C Sunshine Smoothie by LL Balanced
If you haven't heard of LL Balanced, check it out. Not only is she LL (like me!), but I love her approach to nutrition. Smoothies, salads, pasta, meats...she doesn't leave out any major food groups from her cookbook, and she uses only fresh and natural ingredients.
1/3 full-fat coconut milk from a can
1/3 cup water
½ fresh large navel orange
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 banana
1-inch piece ginger root
¼ tsp turmeric
1 tsp honey