We have two tasty drinks for you today: one a slushie and the other a smoothie. The former morphed into the latter in my kitchen, lol!

First up is the smoothie recipe. As I said, this delicious strawberry blueberry smoothie was inspired by a summer berry slushie recipe I saw that looked so appealing. However, while it is officially Spring (at least according to the meteorologists), it is still pretty cold in this neck of the woods, so I decided to vary it slightly and came up with a tasty smoothie result. (I’m giving both recipes in case you are braver than I am and enjoy ice-cold drinks at any time of year, lol! Or maybe it’s summer by the time you read this.)

With the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and many concerns about being pre-diabetic, I usually recommend following the advice: 5 Strategies for Smoothies for Diabetics. The strategies are good for all of us.

Based on this, and for general good health, I always like to include some ‘greens’ (or ‘whites’ or ‘reds’, ie a rainbow of fruits and veggies), protein, oats (whole grains) and nuts or seeds (healthy fats) in my smoothie recipes.

The recipe includes low-sugar berries, and a little Greek yogurt for some extra protein.

Low calorie berries make this a healthy, nutritious smoothie

And speaking of slushies …

This reminds me of a story a friend told me from when her children were young.

It’s set in the early 1990s. Her son was 9 and desperate to own a Game Boy – everyone else had one! – but she would not buy him one.

Then, one day he saw a competition to create a new slushie flavor … and yes, a Game Boy was first prize! Discouraging him from entering, and thinking the chances of winning were so very slim anyway, she started to brainstorm ideas with him – as an educational word game, of course! And yes, you’ve guessed it, he entered and won first prize. Needless to say he was over the moon to receive his first prize … and she was more cautious thereafter, lol!

Recipe: Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie

Serves 2-4

All calorie calculations are an estimate. Calorie-content varies according to product and accuracy of measurement. Check the info on your packaging if you require exact numbers for what you eat. Calories for our recipes are usually calculated on the basis of the lower amount of an ingredient, and do not include calories listed as optional ingredients.

Ingredients:

3 cups Strawberries, fresh or frozen
OR any mix of red berries
1 cup Blueberries, fresh or frozen
1-2 cups Water, adjust for your preferred thickness
Splash Lemon juice, to taste
Ice to taste
1/2 cup Greek Yogurt, fat level is your choice
1 cup / 107 g Cauliflower
OR Spinach, if you don’t mind the yucky color that results
1 Tbs ground Flaxseed (about 7 grams)
1 Tbs / 4 g Pumpkin seeds
1/4 – 1 cup / 20 g – 100 g Oats, adjust the calories as necessary

Blend until smooth and enjoy.

Serves 4; approx 115 cals each
Serves 3; approx 155 cals each
Serves 2; approx 235 cals each

The original recipe that was the jumping off point for this smoothie is from MissInTheKitchen.