Papaya Lime Smoothies

Every time I make smoothies, I determine to make them more often. Then I get caught up in other things and I once again forget about my beloved smoothies.

They are such a great way to get some extra nutrients in for breakfast, snack, or any other meal, though, and are so delicious AND simple that I am once again determined to make smoothies a regular part of my diet, and my family's.

There's nothing quite like enjoying a cool smoothie with your breakfast on a hot summer day. A papaya lime smoothie is one of my favorite smoothies, and I easily get addicted to them when I make them several times in a row. These particular smoothies do call for a good amount of sweetener so they are a great dessert as well.

I first started making them a couple of years ago when I got some wonderful fresh papaya in my Harry and David fruit of the month club delivery (I purchase this each year as part of a Christmas present for my family with some of the earnings I make at a local trade fair booth each year). They had included a smoothie recipe with the fruit, and it was delicious.

I have adapted this recipe to make it more nutritious, but the same great flavor is there. I use frozen papaya chunks when I don't have good fresh papaya.

Projected time: 5 minutes. Serves 2
2 cups papaya chunks, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt (plain is fine, you just might want to add a little more vanilla)
1/2 cup ice
3 tbsp. fresh lime juice
2 tbsp. organic cane sugar or natural sweetener of choice (use less for some sweeteners)
1/4 tsp. pure vanilla
1/2 cup milk of choice
1 tsp. extra virgin coconut oil
1 tsp. milled flax seed
1 tsp. chia seed (I use Salba)

Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Adjust sweetener and flavor, and possibly ice, as you desire.

Enjoy!

Here are some other smoothies to try from a couple of other foodie friends:
Aggie's Green Smoothies
Kristen's Nutrient Packed Smoothies

What are your favorite smoothie flavors? Do you like to add vegetables to yours? That's something I'm trying to do - spinach, kale etc. with berries. Share with us!