by Renee Brokaw

Created on: August 22, 2009

Why not start your day off the right way with a healthy smoothie? If you routinely drive to the local smoothie store to buy this popular drink, save yourself a trip. Try making yourself one at home in a few minutes. You literally will save time and money. The added benefit is that you can be assured that you will have a healthy drink. The fact is, most smoothies at popular mainstream chains are made with dairy products, refined sugars, and questionable ingredients. The good news is that there are choices you can make at home that are even more delicious than the standard yogurt/milk based smoothie's ingredients. These alternatives are especially important for parents who have children who are lactose intolerant. Stated simply, lactose intolerance occurs when the sugar in milk called lactose causes an upset stomach after milk is ingested by someone who is intolerant, or cannot absorb and digest the lactose. Parents are often blindsided, because their children can become lactose intolerant at any stage of their development. Addressing that issue, here are a few great smoothie recipes using soy and rice milk.

Merry Blueberry Soy Smoothie

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Serves: 2

1 1/2 cups soy milk

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. honey

2 cups of frozen blueberries

1 banana

1/3 cup Ocean Spray Blueberry juice

Directions:

Pour contents into blender or food processor and mix on high until smooth. Slice a strawberry and place on the rim of the glass as a decorative garnish and enjoy!

Sweet Strawberry Soy Smoothie

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Serves: 2

1 1/2 cups Soy milk

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. honey

2 cups of frozen strawberries

1 banana

1/3 cup apple juice

Directions:

Pour contents into blender or food processor and mix on high until smooth. Slice a strawberry and place on the rim of the glass as a decorative garnish and enjoy!

Almond Coconut Strawberry Smoothie

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Serves: 2

1 1/2 cups almond milk

1 tsp. almond extract

1 tsp. honey

2 cups of frozen strawberries

1 banana

1/3 cup of Pineapple Juice

1/4 cup shredded coconut

Directions:

Place ingredients in blender or food processor and mix on high until smooth. Slice a strawberry and place on the rim of the glass as a decorative garnish and enjoy!

Almond Smoothie Surprise

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Serves: 2

1 1/2 cups almond milk

1 tsp. almond extract

1 tsp. honey

2 cups of frozen mixed berries

1 banana

1/3 cup of Pomegranate Juice

1/4 cup shredded coconut

Directions:

Place ingredients in blender or food processor and mix on high until smooth. Slice a strawberry and place on the rim of the glass as a decorative garnish and enjoy!

Learn more about this author, Renee Brokaw.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.