Summer means smoothies!  But not icy, chunky smoothies – yuck!  So, what’s the secret to creamy smoothies?

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Hint: it’s definitely not about the blender!  Sure, those $500 Vitamixs are nice, but they aren’t necessary.  The $50 blender I stole from my ex-boyfriend in our epic break-up 8 years ago works just fine, thankyouverymuch.  He might have (temporarily) taken my pride, but I got the blender.  Zing!!!

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The secret is FROZEN FRUIT.  Fresh fruit (especially bananas) just doesn’t recreate the same thick, creamy texture.

 

I buy bags of frozen strawberries or raspberries (because they are often cheaper than buying fresh and freezing myself), but I always freeze my own bananas.  Buy a bunch, wait until they go brown, peel and slice, and drop in a freezer-safe bag.   Once you blend it up, I promise it will create the dreamiest, creamiest smoothie ever.

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In the mix today:

 

 

Another secret (if you have a crappy blender):  Put the milk and the lightest ingredients in first, and add the heaviest ingredients last.  So to blender this smoothie successfully, I blended the milk, raspberries, protein powder, and sunflower butter first, and then I added the banana.

{ 73 comments }

 

  • Dori June 15, 2011, 9:53 am

    HAHA I love that you stole the blender. My ex tried stealing my 1.99 Rite Aid brand cinnamon in our breakup. Really???

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans June 15, 2011, 10:00 am

    Good tip! I always put the frozen stuff first and get so annoyed that it doesn’t blend.

  • Natalia - a side of simple June 15, 2011, 10:01 am

    Run that blender into the ground 🙂 Each time you press pulse I’m sure you get just a little bit of satisfaction… 😉

  • Courtney June 15, 2011, 10:06 am

    Yum! I love that old blender 🙂

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen June 15, 2011, 10:06 am

    The light stuff on the bottom is key with a crappy blender! My pathetic cusinart will NOT budge if the heavy stuff is on the bottom. I end up shaking it back and forth like a crazy lady to try and mix it up when I accidently do that.

    • Selena June 15, 2011, 10:13 am

      I do the shaking like a crazy lady too. Not nice words come out of my mouth sometimes when it doesn’t work too.

    • CaitlinHTP June 15, 2011, 12:27 pm

      I do the shakey shake too.

  • Lisa June 15, 2011, 10:08 am

    Oh this is awesome! I’ve been wondering why I wasn’t getting thick/creamy enough smoothies. Thanks!

  • Krystina (Organically Me) June 15, 2011, 10:08 am

    I’m staying with my padre who doesn’t have a blender, but he does have a food processor. Wanna know what’s totally fun? Blending a smoothie in a food processor. Especially with kale.

    • Ellen June 19, 2011, 5:47 am

      I always use kale in my smoothies. Loaded with all those antioxidants. Defenetlty gonna try frozen banana’s.

  • kalli@fitandfortysomething June 15, 2011, 10:10 am

    good tips. i love the frozen cherry berry mixture fro TJ’s the best and smoothies are so easy to blend up in my magic bullet blender. works like a charm everytime 🙂

  • Kamaile June 15, 2011, 10:11 am

    I’m a blender snob! I finally got sick of my old blender and bought a vitamix. It’s a re-conditioned one from their website ($379) and it comes with a 7 year warranty. I agree frozen bananas are the key.

    • CaitlinHTP June 15, 2011, 12:28 pm

      Wow, what a steal!

      • Kamaile June 15, 2011, 3:06 pm

        I think they have that deal all the time. They are returns or store demos. It was still hard to pay $379 BUT not when you add up how much a smoothie is from Jamba Juice $4.00 a pop times 2 a week like I was doing!!! I think you need a Vitamix for your NEW kitchen!! 🙂

    • Susan June 15, 2011, 3:35 pm

      Yeah, I went ahead and splurged on the vitamix. I love it and think it’s worth every penny. I had a kitchenaid one before and no matter what I did, I’d always end up with fruit chunks in my smoothie.

      • Teresa August 29, 2011, 7:23 pm

        I bought a brand new Vitamix from QVC yesterday for $363. I hope I love it!

  • Leslie @ The Running Chasqui June 15, 2011, 10:26 am

    Thank you! I have been making some curdy (EWW) smoothies lately. I’ve been experimenting with different proteins, and I’m not sure if the whey protein is to blame, do you have a favorite protein powder for creamy smoothies?

    • CaitlinHTP June 15, 2011, 12:29 pm

      Ew curdy. I like brown rice or pea protein.

    • Elizabeth June 15, 2011, 3:47 pm

      I keep my smoothies curd-free by blending everything BUT the protein powder until smooth, then adding the powder through the hole at the top and blending another short while. This helps the texture AND keeps most of the protein in your drink, rather than stuck in the blender (because I hate paying for something just to rinse it down the drain). It’s the only way I can keep my whey protein from clumping up.

  • Leanne (Bride to Mrs,) June 15, 2011, 10:27 am

    This really makes me want a smoothie. 🙂 heh.

    Frozen bananas are the bomb.

  • Colleen June 15, 2011, 10:29 am

    I love that you have your ex’s blender! Break-up pain is temporary, blenders last forever! 🙂

  • Khushboo June 15, 2011, 10:32 am

    Great tips- for some reason I always add the milk/yogurt last! I just read (can’t remember where) that cows milk instead of almond milk makes smoothies much creamier too!

  • Ashley @ the fit academic June 15, 2011, 10:38 am

    loooove me some smoothies! I usually do a mix of frozen + fresh fruit & it works well

  • Rebecca June 15, 2011, 10:55 am

    Yumm! MANGO makes a such a creamy dreamy smoothie!
    haha, love that picture of your blender…It’s seen a lot of love (and by that I mean food, not ex-boyfriend) 😉

  • Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} June 15, 2011, 10:58 am

    I totally agree. Unless you are my husband and prefer your smoothies more like juice. 🙂

  • Catherine@happinessafterheartache June 15, 2011, 11:00 am

    Great idea for the frozen fruit. I love buying frozen fruit for verious reasons too! They’re great here in Buffalo in the winter when fresh fruit is ridiculously expensive….I feed them to my kids, which was especially helpful when they were really little because some things were SO much softer defrosted than they would be fresh. Thanks for the ideas!

  • Ali @ Ali Runs June 15, 2011, 11:00 am

    This is a really great post! I have been trying to master the art of the smoothie in my super old, hand-me-down blender. I just bought some frozen fruit yesterday and can’t wait to make a smoothie.

  • Sarah June 15, 2011, 11:14 am

    Your smoothie looks delicious. I’ve been sticking to using fresh bananas in mine, because for some reason, when I freeze them, they usually end up tasting freezer burnt. Any ideas on how to prevent that? Maybe I’m using the wrong freezer bags?

    • CaitlinHTP June 15, 2011, 12:30 pm

      Hmmm. No idea, really. Have you tried smushing out the air before sealing the bag?

      • Sarah June 15, 2011, 1:10 pm

        You know, it’s been so long that I don’t remember. I think I’m just going to *have* to try it again and make SURE I smush out that air!

  • Erin @ Big Girl Feats June 15, 2011, 11:22 am

    I totally agree on the frozen bananas – I buy the bananas from the “sad section” aka old produce cart. They only put them there because they’re super ripe/browning, aka PERFECT for smoothies and baking. I got 16 bananas for 1.70 the other day! I also peel them first and then stick them in a Ziploc bag in the freezer to make for quicker smoothie making in the morning.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) June 15, 2011, 11:22 am

    I have bananas in my freezer right now waiting for smoothies! I love peanut flour too for a good protein powder. Almond flour works well too!

  • Christine June 15, 2011, 11:24 am

    Good to know!

  • Anne Weber-Falk June 15, 2011, 11:24 am

    Thank you for that blender picture. It feels so good to know that I am not the “only one”, if you know what I mean.

    • CaitlinHTP June 15, 2011, 12:30 pm

      Hahah you’re not alone.

  • Holly June 15, 2011, 11:26 am

    No offense, but your blender is kinda gross. Maybe a good scrubbing or perhaps it’s time to pop for a new one… lol

  • Monika @ Powered by Paprika June 15, 2011, 11:30 am

    A blender is a blender, I’d never spend that much money on one when a cheaper one does *almost* as good of a job!

    Love the periwinkle-pink color of that smoothie 🙂

  • Skinny Fat Kid June 15, 2011, 11:36 am

    I LOVE smoothies! Too bad the dog barks at the blender!

    I haven’t tried the sunflower butter, and we’re a peanut free home! I’ll have to give it a try!

  • Jen June 15, 2011, 11:37 am

    I do that with my banana’s also! Plus if I every want to make banana bread I just thaw the frozen ones and use them! So much easier and it tastes wonderful!

  • Sarah for Real June 15, 2011, 11:42 am

    Your dirty blender is giving me the heebie jeebies! Yikes girl, take a scrubby to those buttons and it won’t look like a college blender anymore 😉

    I agree with your secret to smoothies! I like to do u-pick fruit in the summer and then (after rinsing and pitting or de-stemming or cutting) freeze them in a single layer on a cookie pan. Once frozen they go into a plastic baggie and I’ve got super cheap, organic, local frozen fruit.

  • Liv June 15, 2011, 11:54 am

    Clean your blender!! It’s skeeving me out.

  • Mike Lieberman June 15, 2011, 11:58 am

    I have to say that I am a Vitamix snob 😉 Adding avocado or coconut butter also help out with the creaminess factor as well without messing with the flavor.

  • Amber K June 15, 2011, 12:21 pm

    I also use frozen fruit (or fresh fruit I’ve frozen myself when it gets cheap in the summer). And another thing I love to add for an added creamy boost? Avocado! Makes it super thick. I hate icy smoothies!!

  • fsugirl! June 15, 2011, 12:22 pm

    I’ve got the same blender! It works okay. I use it almost daily! 🙂

  • Michelle@ Crazy*Running*Legs June 15, 2011, 12:22 pm

    YES to this post. My blender is 15 years old, looks disgusting, and is missing the top (I have to cover it with a paper towel) and I never have problems with lumpy smoothies! I’m sure if I ever bought a Vitamix I would change my mind – but for now I will remain naively unbiased 🙂

    • Susan June 15, 2011, 3:38 pm

      Haha, maybe they made things better 15 years ago. I always had lumps in my smoothies. Even though I don’t use it every day, I’d never get up my vitamix.

  • Tiff @ Love, Sweat, and Beers June 15, 2011, 12:41 pm

    Looks great! I need a blender. I’ve been using the food processor, which works really well, but a blender would be a huge help!

  • sally June 15, 2011, 12:45 pm

    I say this with love, but please, for my OCD, clean the blender buttons. They are nast. If I lived in your town I would.

    P.S. you rock!

  • Jayme @ Runner-n-Spice June 15, 2011, 12:48 pm

    completely agree on the layering approach – I use a magic bullet, and putting the thick stuff closest to the blade is key.

    Screw ex boyfriends. 🙂

  • KatieTX June 15, 2011, 1:06 pm

    I put a $500 Vitamix on my wedding registry just in case someone wants to buy it for me….probably not gonna happen

  • Molly @ the F-spot June 15, 2011, 1:15 pm

    We couldn’t stomach the price tag on the VitaMix, so we compromised and got the Ninja Professional (NOT the Ninja Master Prep) for $99 and it works like a charm — and we got 20% off with a coupon at BB&B! We had been borrowing a friend’s VM to see if we really needed to spend that much and we’re very happy with our purchase. We make our dog’s food with it and it grinds up raw veggies (carrots, brussels, broccoli, beets, etc…) just as well as the VitaMix does.

    I’m with the others on the state of your blender. Tell me that goes into a cupboard and doesn’t sit on your counter looking like that?! 🙂

  • Samantha June 15, 2011, 2:02 pm

    Oh dear…is that mold? On the blender? In the kitchen? I shouldn’t have read this right after eating my lunch…

    Agree on the frozen bananas though. Yummy and I don’t have to worry about always having fresh ones in the house.

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) June 15, 2011, 2:34 pm

    Haha, I have the same blender and I just took a picture of it yesterday after it exploded and I got smoothie all over the buttons! Too funny 🙂

  • Sam June 15, 2011, 3:00 pm

    so right. I hardly ever will even MAKE a smoothie if i do not have frozen bananas available! NECESSARY!

  • Erin @ Naturally Addicted June 15, 2011, 3:03 pm

    I use the same protein powder! It blends in so well and doesn’t leave that grainy aftertaste of some protein powders! That smoothie looks amazing. I already had one today, but this post is making me crave another!!

  • Charise June 15, 2011, 3:25 pm

    I generally do frozen banana + fresh fruit + soy milk + dollop of Greek yogurt. The yogurt definitely ups the creamy factor.

  • veggieberry June 15, 2011, 3:58 pm

    Hi Caitlin!

    Thank you for saying that the secret to creamy delicious smoothies is not the blender. Like you, I too only have a $50 blender and I believe it works just find. You are right the secret is frozen fruit!! Frozen bananas are the best and sooo are frozen strawberries. I don’t have a Vitamix or anything fancy schmancy so was to hear that it is not necessary!

  • Amanda June 15, 2011, 4:46 pm

    My crappy old blender finally died a few weeks ago so I decided to splurge on a Vitamix. It does make blending frozen fruit a lot easier. I’m really enjoying it. And I did save $100 with a 20% off coupon for Bed Bath and Beyond so that makes my cheap concious feel a little better.Frozen bananas do make all the difference. They make any smoothies so thick and creamy!

  • Becka June 15, 2011, 4:55 pm

    It makes me feel better to know that I’m not the only one with sticky blender buttons. 🙂

  • Sarah Stephen June 15, 2011, 6:10 pm

    Also, avacado makes smoothies so very creamy and smooth. And since it doesn’t have a strong flavor, it doesn’t compete with your fruit. Good post.

  • Sarah Stephen June 15, 2011, 6:10 pm

    Also, avacado makes smoothies so very creamy and smooth. And since it doesn’t have a strong flavor, it doesn’t compete with your fruit. Good post.

  • Caitlin June 15, 2011, 7:17 pm

    #1 Molly @ RDexposed
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:07 am [edit]
    I love how making smoothies extends the life of bananas. People would eat less banana bread if they used old bananas for smoothies instead!

    [Reply]

    #2 Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life)
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:08 am [edit]
    I do think frozen banana are key.
    And I’ve become a believer of adding a pinch of xanthan gum as well for extra thickening!

    [Reply]

    #3 Liv @ The Salty n’ Sweet
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:08 am [edit]
    Totally agree on freezing fruit! I just had a strawberry cranberry smoothie yesterday!

    [Reply]

    #4 Alett
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:10 am [edit]
    Thanks for the tip!

    Have you tried spinach in your smoothies? It does not change the taste and is a GREAT way to get some greens in; seriously, try it.

    NOTE: don’t accidentally use arugula like I did (grabbed the wrong bag by accident at the grocery store!)

    Have an awesome day!

    [Reply]

    Faith @ lovelyascharged Reply:
    June 15th, 2011 at 9:39 am

    Gah – I’ve made the same mistake! Talk about bitter smoothies!

    [Reply]

    #5 Elizabeth @ Eat Clean Fun
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:10 am [edit]
    LOVE LOVE LOVE the fact that you stole the blender from your exboyfriend that is hilarious. I don’t buy into the $500.00 blenders… Hamilton Beach works for me as well

    [Reply]

    #6 LizAshlee
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:11 am [edit]
    Creamy smoothies are the best in the summer! I have been enjoying green smoothies for breakfast and later in the day they are great as a snack or treat! The past couple of nights we have been getting around a bit later than usual and we will have one for dinner along with a little snack. I agree, frozen bananas are a MUST for creamy smoothies!

    Have a wonderful Wednesday!

    [Reply]

    #7 Ashley O. @ The Vegetable Life
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:11 am [edit]
    Thanks for the tip I could never figure out how to get a smoothie to be not chunky from ice….. I need to try freezing bananas!

    [Reply]

    #8 Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:11 am [edit]
    Frozen fruit is definitely key…although I think a frozen banana is THE most important thing! It adds a nice smooth creaminess to smoothies. I’ve been loving frozen mango also – great flavor!

    [Reply]

    #9 chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:12 am [edit]
    Frozen fruit IS definitely the secret!

    [Reply]

    #10 Katherina @ Zephyr Runs
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:12 am [edit]
    Summer smoothies are the bessst. I like throwing veggies in like cukes or carrots, so tasty!

    [Reply]

    #11 Errign
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:12 am [edit]
    I accidentally left my blender home in NH, so I have to buy a cheap one here. Thanks for the tips

    [Reply]

    #12 Andrea
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:13 am [edit]
    As the owner of a not-so-great blender, I appreciate the tip!

    [Reply]

    #13 Samantha
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:13 am [edit]
    Good tip about putting the heavier stuff in last! I have a crappy blender and dream about a Vitamix because mine has so much difficulty with frozen fruit. I always put the frozen goodies in first though, so now I’ll try switching it up!

    [Reply]

    #14 Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:13 am [edit]
    i really want to get a clorox bleach wipe and clean your blender lol

    [Reply]

    Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday Reply:
    June 15th, 2011 at 9:14 am

    LOL

    [Reply]

    lindsay Reply:
    June 15th, 2011 at 9:15 am

    that was my first thought. I have cleaning issues haha

    [Reply]

    Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope Reply:
    June 15th, 2011 at 9:17 am

    it’s weird how cleaning something could give such immense pleasure, haha!

    [Reply]

    Tami Reply:
    June 15th, 2011 at 9:16 am

    My first thought too

    [Reply]

    CaitlinHTP Reply:
    June 15th, 2011 at 9:17 am

    Those stains pre-date the ex boyfriend! They are NOT coming off. LOL Trust me, I’ve tried

    [Reply]

    Katie @ cooklaughmove Reply:
    June 15th, 2011 at 9:20 am

    I have the same blender and it looks the same exact way! Cleaning my bathroom is more important then cleaning my blender

    [Reply]

    #15 Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:14 am [edit]
    I had a very smooth and creamy and practically velvety smoothie yesterday that I made with fresh fruit:

    1 banana
    3 strawberries
    1 scoop of vegan protein
    1 c of water

    If you don’t have frozen fruit on hand I think fresh works just as well. The only downside is that it won’t be as cold.

    [Reply]

    #16 Rachel
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:15 am [edit]
    Oh my word thank you for this! I’ve been researching blenders for a week now! I don’t want a vitamix, but I do want something that works. I’m glad I know your secret now!

    [Reply]

    #17 Liz @ Blog is the New Black
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:15 am [edit]
    Totes agree! All in the frozen ‘naner!

    [Reply]

    #18 Lizzy @ runbakerace
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:15 am [edit]
    Good tips! I need to start freezing bananas.

    [Reply]

    #19 Tami
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:15 am [edit]
    I’m with Nicole! You need to clean your blender!!!!

    [Reply]

    #20 Katie @ cooklaughmove
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:17 am [edit]
    I have the same blender and it looks the same too

    I freeze all our smoothie fruit! I sometimes use canned in juice, no sugar added fruit. I open the can and divide into little container and freeze.

    [Reply]

    #21 Holly @ The Runny Egg
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:18 am [edit]
    I agree that frozen bananas really make a good smoothie! But I think a really ripe banana works just as well.

    [Reply]

    #22 Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:20 am [edit]
    I agree on the bananas – they definitely add creaminess! I actually can’t remember the last time I purchased bananas that I didn’t freeze!!! Since the weather is getting warmer now and farmers markets have more fruit, I’ve been purchasing peaches, pineapples, and berries, and freezing them rather than buying bags in the grocery store. It’s so much cheaper!! And PS- my old blender used to look just like yours!! “Well-seasoned” as my aunt would say!

    [Reply]

    #23 DefineDiana
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:20 am [edit]
    I can definitely attest that a expensive blender will not garuntee great smoothies. We have now (in 6 months!) blew out two $100 blenders (same type, we are using the warrenty on it for right now). I’m so mad, we’ve had no smoothies all week!

    [Reply]

    #24 Yin
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:22 am [edit]
    Thank you for this post! I made a green monster once and it was just terrible, and I gave up hope for any kind of smoothie. I’m going to try this one morning!

    [Reply]

    #25 chloe @ 321delish
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:22 am [edit]
    A dirty blender is a loved blender!

    [Reply]

    #26 Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:25 am [edit]
    Thanks for the tips! I love smoothies and use frozen fruits as well. I hate the icy kinds!

    [Reply]

    #27 Caitlin
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:27 am [edit]
    I just started on a big smoothie kick (thanks summer!). I used Kath’s Doughboy Smoothie as inspiration.. the overnight oats (just 1/2 cup raw oats and 1 cup milk + cinnamon) plus 1 frozen banana and a cup of frozen berries and an extra splash of milk is perfect–and has super staying power!

    [Reply]

    #28 Caroline Leigh
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:27 am [edit]
    caitlin – i recently started following you and love your blog. i have some similarities with you: patella femoral syndrome, wacky/non-existent periods without bc (which i dont want to take), i’m recently vegetarian, and i’m all about holistic healing. i particularly loved this post because i’ve been making smoothies lately, but haven’t been wanting to use whey or soy protein, and now i know there is something else out there! thank you for all you share on your blog. love it!

    [Reply]

    Caitlin Reply:
    June 15th, 2011 at 7:16 pm

    Aw thank you so much for reading!

    [Reply]

    #29 Bee Goes Bananas
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:28 am [edit]
    I tried making a smoothie with frozen bananas instead of fresh and you’re totally right! Frozen fruit makes all the difference in the WORLD!

    [Reply]

    #30 Baking ‘n’ Books
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:32 am [edit]
    I can’t get into smoothies because of the thin consistency. I like thick – thick, but not chunky I guess. So I never thought about frozen. I agree though – bananas would be a must!

    I’ve noticed a lot of people put chia seeds in there as a thickener? Or those gums (xantham?)

    [Reply]

    #31 Rachel @ The Perseverance Diaries
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:39 am [edit]
    Thanks for the tips! I do have a crappy blender so following that guideline should help mix things up better

    [Reply]

    #32 maria @ Chasing the Now
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:39 am [edit]
    I agree 100% about the order you put things in. I always go: milk, frozen spinach (BLEND), frozen banana (BLEND), any protein powder, gums, etc…

    Makes a huge difference.

    [Reply]

    #33 Mary
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:46 am [edit]
    Agreed. Frozen fruit is the way to go. Then most of the time you never have to add ice, you’ve already got it cold once the frozen fruit blends up!

    [Reply]

    #34 Amy @ SGTC
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:52 am [edit]
    When I freeze my ‘naners they turn brown really quick. How long are they good for? I’m scared of the color, haha.

    [Reply]

    Jodi Reply:
    June 15th, 2011 at 10:31 am

    Amy, I am assuming you don’t peel them? You need to peel, slice or break in chunks and freeze. So good in smoothies!

    [Reply]

    Amy @ SGTC Reply:
    June 15th, 2011 at 11:42 am

    sadly, I do peel them. Maybe I just buy weird bananas?! Hmm.

    [Reply]

    #35 Lauren @ LaDolcePita
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 9:57 am [edit]
    So true – I swear by frozen fruit in my smoothies too. Also – putting a tiny bit (a big splash) of seltzer in the smoothies actually tastes really good & refreshing.

    [Reply]

    #36 Christina
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 10:44 am [edit]
    It’s so true! Frozen fruit always makes a smoothie better, and I always add the milk first! We can’t all afford a $400 blender so I’m so happy to see I’m not alone on that one!! Be proud of your stolen blender!! Work those smoothies!

    I’m also happy to see you don’t use Xanthum gum, I’ve heard some pretty crazy stuff about it. Like you can have a little and it’s ok but overtime it can cause digestinal issues, no bueno!

    [Reply]

    #37 kristin @ wounded fawn
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 11:43 am [edit]
    I use whole foods vanilla whey protein and often times I want to vomit before I can finish my smoothie. What’s the best protein powder out there really?
    Caitlin does the standard process protein powder you use add any worthy taste factor to your smoothie?

    [Reply]

    Caitlin Reply:
    June 15th, 2011 at 7:16 pm

    It is flavorless actually!

    [Reply]

    #38 Lauren @ Sweet and Twisted
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 12:10 pm [edit]
    I’m at work and there are no smoothies here! Boo!

    [Reply]

    #39 Hayley @ Oat Couture
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 12:46 pm [edit]
    I have a crappy blender so gonna try that approach of milk first etc and see if it saves me having to rock my blender all over the place just to get everything to blend!

    [Reply]

    #40 Christina
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 1:19 pm [edit]
    I been using frozen fruit in my smoothies for years! The blender comment cracked me up! I was definitely using my ex-boyfriend’s $30 blender–until he very nicely asked for it back.

    I’ve been using a $25 one and works wonderfully!

    [Reply]

    #41 Abby
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 1:32 pm [edit]
    Yes! Glad I’m not the only crappy blender owner! Some days I get an arm workout rocking the dang thing around even if I do put the lighter ingredients at the bottom! lol. Frozen bananas are crucial in smoothies!

    [Reply]

    #42 Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
    on Jun 15th, 2011 at 5:59 pm [edit]
    Yes! Frozen bananas are key to a good smoothie! Except I usually eat all mine raw before I have a chance to freeze them.

  • Shayla June 15, 2011, 8:25 pm

    Have you tried Xantham gum in your smoothies?! It’s the angel component of making smoothies super thick, it’s amazing!! 🙂

  • Tracy June 15, 2011, 9:43 pm

    THANK YOU for saying it’s ok not to have a vitamix! My $50 blender doesn’t change my life every morning but it does the trick! 🙂

  • BroccoliHut June 15, 2011, 9:48 pm

    Totally agree-I’ve had the same Hamilton Beach blender for years, and it makes pretty fantastic smoothies. I think the secret is frozen bananas and just the right amount of liquid (almond milk is my fave).

  • Hannah June 16, 2011, 8:45 am

    I think I have the same blender from my parents and it makes great smooothies!! I have also made smoothies for my boyfriend with pb and bananas but I love the spinach, strawberry, other berry smoothies! yum.

  • Nadine June 16, 2011, 9:42 am

    WTF, that is one gnarly blender!! Glad to hear it still works well!

  • Sara @ OurDogBuffy June 16, 2011, 4:13 pm

    Great idea! Lighter first. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve almost broken my pathetic blender trying to grind up frozen banana.

  • Kristin @ FoodFash June 16, 2011, 9:11 pm

    Moral of the story: Blenders last longer than ego bruises!

  • Evan Thomas June 18, 2011, 8:55 am

    Hmm, I’m pretty awful at making smoothies. Maybe it’s because I’ve been adding the ingredients in the wrong order.

  • Deb June 19, 2011, 1:45 pm

    I use an immersion blender right now for smoothies but I agree that frozen fruit helps to increase the body/texture of the smoothie. I have been throwing older fruit just like I do for my veggies to use later.

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