By Wendy

It’s hot out and you can’t seem to think settle on something to eat. You don’t want something too heavy that’s going to sit in your stomach and raise your body temperature, but you want something light and refreshing. Why not make yourself a smoothie. Smoothies are an easy way incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet, especially if you have little ones who don’t quite enjoy their greens. And they’re easy to take with you on the go.  Usually made fruits, milk, sweetener and ice, these cold blended drinks are great to enjoy during those hot sweltering days. Here are 5 quick and easy smoothie recipes you can make:

Lynn’s Quick and Easy Fruit Smoothie- use any type of fruit and sweetener you have available in your kitchen with this versatile recipe using only fruit, milk, yogurt, ice, and a little bit of sweetener

Tropical Treasure Smoothie- filled with tons of healthy tropical fruits and a touch of spinach, this smoothie will give you the nutrients you need to get through the day

Pumpkin Smoothie- fall will be here before you know it. Try this healthy pumpkin smoothie if you’re in an autumn mood and in the need for a fruity drink with a little bit of spice

Banana Smoothie- because bananas are so rich and creamy, they’re great to use in smoothies. Use fresh or frozen smoothies to make this recipe

Raspberry Avocado Smoothie- avocados may sound a little odd at first, but it’s a great ingredient to add into smoothies

If you find that you made more smoothie than you can finish, don’t pour it down the drain! Repurpose them! Try pouring them into a popsicle tray and stick them into the freezer for a healthy popsicle snack to enjoy later.

What’s your favorite smoothie recipe?

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Wendy Yu is a digital marketing professional living in New York City. When she’s not using the power of social media to share ideas on how to be more environmentally friendly, she is exploring the city, trying local foods, and learning more about how she can reduce her carbon footprint.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Green Halloween® or our partners.

By Wendy

We are always looking for healthy and delicious snacks to give our family. So why not make these yummy granola bars. They’re not only good for you but also easy to make and pack as snacks wherever you go. And it takes minutes to prepare! What you need:

Dry Ingredients:

1 2/3 cups of rolled oats

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 cups of dried fruits and nuts

1/3 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup honey

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

6 tablespoons melted butter

1 tablespoon water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

What to do:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place all the dry ingredients to a large bowl and mix them together.

In a separate microwave safe bowl, combine the wet ingredients and microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds.

Pour wet ingredients into the large bowl of dry ingredients and mix until the wet ingredients are distributed all through the dry ingredients.

Put the mixture into a shallow, lightly greased pan. Spread and flatten it out in the pan and place in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until edges begin to brown.

Take out from the oven and let it cool. Cut into approximately 16 bars. Wrap granola bars separately for easy grab and go treat!

What is your favorite granola bar recipe to make with the kids?

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Wendy Yu is a digital marketing professional living in New York City. When she’s not using the power of social media to share ideas on how to be more environmentally friendly, she is exploring the city, trying local foods, and learning more about how she can reduce her carbon footprint.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Green Halloween® or our partners.