Green Tea Berry Banana Smoothies

Aim for Healthier Hydration with a Habit-Building Beverage

Aim for Healthier Hydration with a Habit-Building Beverage

(Family Features) Begin building tiny, healthier practices into routines you already have to help make it easier to establish habits you can stick to. This concept is called “habit stacking,” and it can help you improve habits from morning to night.

Consider those busy mornings when you need an on-the-go solution rather than opting for sugary foods and drinks, turn to Green Tea Berry Banana Smoothies that include unsweetened green tea. When incorporated as part of an overall healthy diet, unsweetened tea can support heart health.

This no-sugar-added recipe from Lipton, a proud national sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign, can help you enjoy healthier mornings while checking emails or hydrating before heading to the office.

Choosing beverages with no added sugars can contribute to a healthy heart, according to the  American Heart Association, making these smoothies perfect for building into a morning routine. Because it’s predominantly water, which is needed to keep your body running at its best, unsweetened tea provides a delicious way to hydrate without ditching those healthier habits.

Visit Heart.org/eatsmart to find more habits that contribute to heart health.

 

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Green Tea Berry Banana Smoothies

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association
Servings: 4 (1 1/2 cups per serving)

• 3          cups water
• 8          single-serving green tea bags
• 16        ounces frozen mixed berries (about 3 cups)
• 2          medium bananas, peeled, cut in half and frozen
• 1          cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
• 2          teaspoons fresh-grated peeled gingerroot (optional)
• 2          teaspoons vanilla extract (optional)
• 2          teaspoons chia or flax seeds (optional)

1. In small saucepan over high heat, bring water to boil. Remove pan from heat. Submerge tea bags. Steep 4 minutes. Discard tea bags. Let tea mixture cool 30 minutes. Pour into pitcher. Refrigerate 2 hours, or until chilled.
2. In food processor or blender, process tea, berries, bananas and yogurt until smooth. Add gingerroot and vanilla, if desired, and process until smooth. Pour into four glasses. Sprinkle with chia seeds, if desired.

Nutritional information per serving (without optional ingredients): 136 calories; 1 g total fat (0 g saturated fat, trans fat, polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat); 3 mg cholesterol; 23 mg sodium; 29 g carbohydrates; 5 g fiber; 18 g total sugars (0 g added sugars); 8 g protein.

SOURCE:
American Heart Association

5 Tips for New Pet Owners

5 Tips for New Pet Owners

(Family Features) Welcoming a new pet is exciting, but preparation is needed to provide a loving home and enjoy the unconditional love.

Prepare your furry friend for a new home with these essential tips for first-time pet owners.

Choose the Right Pet for Your Lifestyle
Consider your living situation, work schedule and personal preferences. Research different breeds to find the one that matches your activity level, living space and family dynamics. Also consider any allergies or sensitivities you or your family may have as some pets may trigger allergies or asthma symptoms.

Set Up Your Home
Before bringing your new pet home, create a safe and comfortable environment. Start by pet-proofing your home, removing any hazardous substances and securing loose wires or cords. Make sure to store cleaning supplies, medications and toxic plants out of reach. Provide a designated space that includes a cozy bed or crate, food and water bowls and toys.

Create a Routine
Establish a consistent schedule for feeding, exercise and bathroom breaks. Determine the appropriate amount and frequency of meals for your pet’s age, size and breed. Spend quality time with your pet daily, providing attention, affection and mental stimulation.

Budget for Your Pet’s Needs
Owning a pet comes with financial responsibilities. Consider the costs of food, grooming, veterinary care, vaccinations and preventive medications. Additionally, factor in the cost of toys, bedding, litter and other supplies.

Find a Reliable Veterinarian
Regular check-ups and open communication with a local veterinarian can help detect any potential health issues early and ensure your pet receives the best possible care. Ask friends, family or neighbors with pets for provider recommendations and read reviews. Visit potential veterinarians’ offices to meet the staffs, tour the facilities and ask any questions you may have.

Find more tips for welcoming a furry friend into your home at eLivingtoday.com .
 

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

Watch video to find out how!

SOURCE:
eLivingToday.com

Slurping on Sunshine

(Culinary.net) It’s that time of year again when nearly everyone wants to be outside all day, every day. These are the times kids have been waiting for all year long.

The sun is shining bright in the sky, the flowers are blooming and the temperature is rising every minute. Spring and summer are typically full of fun, laughter, family and friends – not to mention great recipes everyone can enjoy indoors and outdoors throughout the warmer months.

Try this Sunshine Smoothie for something cool and refreshing during the sunny seasons. This recipe will have nearly everyone feeling reenergized and ready for more warm weather. It’s a perfect afternoon pick-me-up after a long day of yard work, sunbathing or swing-set climbing. It can cool you down and has a fruity flavor that is almost irresistible.

When thinking about recipes to try this spring, consider taking advantage of fresh fruits and vegetables at grocery stores and farmer’s markets. There can be so many wonderful flavors to try. For example, this recipe includes grapefruit (a less commonly used fruit), fresh orange and ripe bananas.

With the heat coming and fresh ingredients available, this smoothie may quickly become one of your family’s new favorites. It’s light, smooth and has that fresh fruit taste you often crave when the sun is blazing.

To make this recipe, blend 2 cups of grapefruit juice, 2 cups of orange juice, two ripe bananas, 1 cup of vanilla yogurt and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the ingredients are smooth. Be sure to serve cold.

It’ll be nearly impossible to resist a sweet, bright and creamy smoothie after a long day of play out in the sun.

Find more seasonal recipes and ideas at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Sunshine Smoothie

Servings: 2-4

• 2          cups orange juice
• 2          cups grapefruit juice
• 2          bananas, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1          cup vanilla yogurt
• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In blender, blend orange juice, grapefruit juice, banana chunks, yogurt and vanilla extract until smooth. Serve immediately.

Note: If smoothie is too tart, reduce to 1 cup grapefruit juice.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net