By Debbie Arnold, ARWB Foodista

We tend toward lighter fare during the spring and summer months, and it always seems like we’re on a weight-loss quest. While I do like to monitor my diet, I just refuse to sacrifice seasonal freshness and an occasional treat.

Smoothies are a terrific way to satisfy nutritional balance with great taste. We often drink them for breakfast or a light lunch or supper. I don’t know about you, but when it gets really hot – not unusual during our Arkansas summers — I prefer not to be weighted down by a heavy meal. It’s not difficult for me to give up a hot kitchen either!

Arkansas ranks 10th in the nation in soybean production. As often as I can, I like to support that effort by using soy products, such as soy milk and tofu. You will always find edamame, shelled and unshelled, in my freezer. Soy foods are powerhouses of nutrition. While none of us is lactose intolerant, I still use soymilk in most dishes that require milk and I’m learning more and more about using tofu as well.

This is one of those recipes that can be prepared in endless ways to suit the preferences of your family. I’m not one to carefully measure my smoothie ingredients, but the ones provided can be used as guides to get you started.

Berry Banana Soy Smoothie
Makes 2 servings.
1/4 cup soy protein powder*
1 banana
1 – 1 1/2 cup berries of your choice (I used blueberries in this example. I prefer to use whatever is currently in season.)
1 – 1 1/2 cup soymilk or vanilla soymilk
1 – 1 1/2 cup ice cubes
2 packets sweetener, 1 Tablespoon honey or 1 Tablespoon agave syrup
2 teaspoons lemon or lime juice

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until very smooth. Add additional milk or water if the mixture seems to be too thick.
Leftover smoothie? No worries. Freeze in ice cube trays to use later in other smoothies. Or, mix with a little Greek yogurt and freeze in popsicle trays for a cool, summertime treat.

* I use two different soy protein powders. I purchase vanilla HMR 120 through Baptist Health (also available online) or vanilla EAS Soy Protein available at Wal Mart or local health food stores. Use whatever brand you prefer. The powder provides additional nutrition which is really beneficial especially if you are using the smoothie as a meal replacement.