Blueberry Pineapple Banana Smoothie

I'm sharing another smoothie recipe with you this afternoon.  This one happens to be my husband's favorite smoothie! And with blueberries being one of the main ingredients, I'm a fan too.  Blueberries are full of antioxidants and other good nutrients, and studies have shown they may help decrease belly fat.  

My husband likes the pineapple in this smoothie.  Pineapples are a good source of vitamin C and have anti-inflammatory properties.  And of course our twin toddlers are also a fan of this smoothie....well, any smoothie, really.  If they had a favorite ingredient, it would probably be the bananas, which are a good source of fiber and potassium.  The pineapple and banana combined, give enough sweetness to this drink that no additional sweetener is needed.

To give this smoothie thickness, Greek yogurt is added which is an excellent source of protein.  Coconut milk is also added, which has many nutritional benefits as well. When it's all said and done, this smoothies is a nutritious vitamin packed snack coming in at 175 calories, 1 gram of fat and 5.5 grams of protein.  Like all the smoothie recipes I've shared, this recipe can easily be adapted.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 c. of frozen blueberries (45 calories, .5 gram of protein)

1/2 c. diced pineapple -fresh or frozen (40 calories, .5 grams of protein) 

1/2 of a banana (50 calories, .5 grams of protein)

1/4 c. unsweetened coconut milk (10 calories, one gram of fat)

1/4 c. nonfat plain Greek yogurt (30 calories, 4 grams of protein)

DIRECTIONS:

Mix ingredients in a blender or Nutribullet until smooth. If you like, garnish with fresh blueberries, a dollop of fat free whip cream and a sprig of mint.

NOTES:

** Frozen blueberries work best for this drink.  Fresh ones seem to be too mushy.  

** Coconut milk can be substituted for any kind of milk.

** Greek yogurt could be substituted for regular yogurt. I prefer Greek yogurt, because of the additional protein in Greek yogurt.

** This recipe makes one serving for me, and two small servings for my twin toddlers.  I double the recipe when making this for my husband, myself and our twin toddlers.