Sure, water is the smartest choice out there to beat the heat. But we do tend to lean on the sugary sodas for instant relief. This season give your daily routine a healthy kick with drinks that will keep you going. There are plenty of alternatives that taste as good as a soda. JCPenney is here with the best good-for-you drink recipes and the tools you need to make lip-smacking smoothies, homemade juices, and crushers made from good ol’ veggies, fruits, and more. Keep scrolling to find your elixir.
Spinach Avocado Smoothie
Enjoy the best of both worlds.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup non-fat plain yogurt
1 cup fresh spinach
1 frozen banana
¼ avocado
2 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon honey
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Whip yogurt, spinach, banana, avocado, water, and honey in a blender, and puree until smooth.
Step 2: Serve it in a glass. You could also store it in the fridge and consume it when you need it.
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Peanut Banana Cinnamon Smoothie
A little something more than a smoothie.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup vanilla soy or skim milk
1 large fresh or frozen ripe banana
2 tablespoon peanut butter, preferably natural
½ teaspoon cinnamon, more sprinkling
½ tablespoon honey
3 large ice cubes
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Place the milk, banana, peanut butter, cinnamon, and honey (if required) into a blender. Whisk it until smooth.
Step 2: Add ice cubes and pulse it just one more time until the ice is crushed.
Step 3: Pour into a glass and sprinkle with additional cinnamon.
Pro tip: Freeze the banana chunks earlier, so your smoothie turns out to be frostier. You can also allow the banana to be completely ripe, so the flavors and sugar are fully developed.
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Really Green Smoothie
A heart-healthy punch.
INGREDIENTS
1 large ripe banana
1 cup packed baby kale or coarsely chopped mature kale
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
¼ ripe avocado
1 tablespoon chia seeds
2 teaspoon honey
1 cup ice cubes
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Combine banana, kale, almond milk, avocado, chia seeds, and honey in a blender. Blend on high until a creamy and smooth puree is formed.
Step 2: Add ice and blend until smooth. Serve in a tall glass and enjoy.
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Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
Tastes like an ice cream bar, but a healthy one.
INGREDIENTS
11-ounce can of mandarin oranges in juice
½ cup pineapple (frozen chunks)
½ cup yogurt (vanilla or vanilla soy yogurt)
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup soy milk (vanilla)
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Open the can of oranges and drain. Place in a zip-top bag and freeze it the previous night.
Step 2: Place the frozen oranges and pineapple chunks in the bottom of a blender or food processor. Add the remaining ingredients. Puree until the texture reaches that of a milkshake. Add more ice if you need it and achieve the desired consistency.
Step 3: Serve in a tall glass and enjoy.
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Chocolate-Peanut Butter Protein Shake
A creamy shake that will keep you going for hours.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup unsweetened vanilla soymilk
¾ cup sliced frozen banana
½ cup reduced-fat plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Combine soy milk, banana, yogurt, cocoa powder, and peanut butter in a blender. Blend until smooth.
Step 2: Add crushed ice or add ice cubes in the blender and whisk it once more until you achieve your desired consistency. Serve in a glass and sip on the goodness.
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Healthy drinks help you stay energized, aid in digestion, remove toxins from your body, and keep you hydrated. This season take the healthy route without sacrificing your taste buds. Share your favorite recipe and tag us at #AllAtJCP. Then, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see if you are featured.
