The Wide World of Smoothies!
Let your imagination be your guide when making smoothies. With the addition of flaxseeds and/or flaxseed oil, a fast and yummy treat is good for you, as well.

Basic smoothie:
(Makes 2 servings)

1 tablespoon flaxseeds
1 banana
1 cup frozen strawberries (5 or 6 medium sized)
1 cup soy milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon sweetener, such as maple syrup or sugar
1 tablespoon flaxseed oil

Place flaxseeds in blender. Pulse until seeds are ground. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until thoroughly combined.


Other variations:
Add 1/2 cup soy yogurt.
Substitute frozen blueberries and peaches for the banana and strawberries.
Add strawberry jam if fresh or frozen strawberries are not available.
Substitute vanilla-flavored soy milk and delete vanilla extract.

Substitute other types of non-dairy milk—almond milk, rice milk, or oat milk.
Substitute mango cubes, fresh or frozen, for the strawberries.
Add soy protein powder and increase the liquid ingredients.
Substitute soy ice cream for the soy milk, for an extra thick, extra rich smoothie.
Add chocolate syrup.
Add peanut butter or other nut butters.
Add soy lecithin granules.
Add wheat germ (also a source of Omega 3).
Add creatine powder (for Huntington’s patients and bodybuilders).


Tips:
If using fresh fruit rather than frozen, you may want to add a few ice cubes to chill the smoothies.
If the flax seeds are not ground properly in your blender, try grinding them in a coffee grinder before adding them to the blender.
Pulse blender before adding liquid ingredients, to ensure even blending.
For a thicker smoothie, add more banana. For a thinner smoothie, add less banana.
Don’t be afraid to adjust ingredients to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, go for it!