Hydrating Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Enjoy this Hydrating Strawberry Banana Smoothie when strawberries are in abundance during the summer!

I love making smoothies during the summer time. Not only are they light and refreshing, but I like how healthy and tasty they are. They're a perfect breakfast or snack.

You might like these smoothies for other reasons.

Does the heat bog you down? Or do you feel sluggish by the end of a hot day?

For instance, my husband works out in the summer heat all day. When he comes home, he's spent. He even shows signs of heat exhaustion. However, I've been making these smoothies (and Summer Berry Smoothies, recipe here) every morning, and the heat is barely fazing him! His lunches are mostly fruit too.

The fruit has been the biggest help in combating the heat.

If you live with someone who's outside working in the heat all day and it really takes a toll on them, consider adding lots of fruit to their day! The fruit adds hydration, electrolytes, loads of nutrition and your body can easily digest it.

The reason I add honey is because it's a pure food source that helps keep your body going strong on hot days when you're working hard. Your body will easily and quickly use up that sugar. If you don't need the extra sugar or are watching your sugar intake, simply omit it.

I use half and half or heavy whipping cream because it slows the absorption of sugars from the fruit into your body. I want the benefits of these breakfast smoothies to last until lunch, and I certainly do not want any spikes and plummets in your body's blood sugar! The fat from the half and half (or heavy cream) ensures your body uses the sugar slowly and steadily, which will help get you through the hot morning with lots of energy, not weighed down and sluggish.

If you think you need ultra-high sugar electrolyte drinks (or even worse, sugar free drinks) to keep you hydrated, think again! Your body will benefit immensely from nature's own source of hydration and electrolytes- fruit! Chances are you won't need those drinks anymore, or maybe just a few sips on especially hot days.

Lastly, try including fruits in your day like strawberries, blueberries, oranges (Cuties work too!), and bananas. These all provide the minerals that help with muscle cramps and hydration.

The Recipe

Serves: 2. Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas

14. strawberries

1 Tablespoon of honey

1/2 cup half and half or heavy whipping cream

1 - 1 1/2 cups of ice

Instructions

In a blender, add all ingredients in the order listed. Blend thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately!

Notes: If you are using heavy whipping cream, the smoothie will thicken quickly. Enjoy immediately!