Sometimes, busy college students just don’t have time to sit down for a meal or wait in line for food. Or they’re like me, who somehow always manages to dribble mayonnaise on my shirt while trying to eat a sandwich and walk at the same time. Thankfully, there is a quicker way to get the nutrients and fuel you need — make a smoothie.
Here are some yummy recipes to blend up today:
Orange Cream Pop:
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup milk (or milk substitute)
Handful of ice cubes
This smoothie tastes just like an orange cream popsicle, but you don't have to worry about the drippy mess. One sip is enough to put you in a summer state of mind, even in cold weather. The key is not to over-blend it so that you maintain that familiar, creamy texture. If it gets too thin, add more protein powder.
Apple Pie:
1 apple, sliced and diced
1/4 cup quick oats
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk (or milk substitute)
Handful of ice cubes
OK, so it's not exactly like a slice of the real thing, but it tastes pretty similar. If you're picky about the texture being a little thicker and pulp-y, you can always remove the skin from the apple. However, that will take away some of the nutritional value.
The Nutty Banana:
1 banana (the riper, the better)
2 Tbsp. peanut butter
1/4 cup quick oats
1 Tbsp. honey
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk (or milk substitute)
A handful of ice cubes
I am a sucker for the peanut butter and banana combo, so this one had to make the list. You could honestly use any nut butter, but why stray from the college staple?
Chocolate-covered Strawberry:
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1/2 cup strawberry yogurt
3/4 cup milk (or milk substitute)
A handful of ice cubes
Traditionally chocolate isn't supposed to be healthy, but using chocolate protein powder gives you a boost instead of the sugary kind you'd get in a candy bar. If you don't have protein powder, you could substitute unsweetened cocoa powder instead. Also, other fruits that go well with this recipe are pineapples, raspberries and bananas.
Blend up and get to sipping.
Emily McIntyre is a senior studying journalism with a focus in news and information at Ohio University. What food item should Emily blend up next? Let her know by emailing her at em564912@ohio.edu.
