by Alexandra Dusenberry, MS, RDN
Lead Dietitian

• ¾ cup sliced peaches (freeze first for an extra frosty smoothie)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Looking for a nutritious and low-sugar treat for when sweet cravings strike? Look no further than this Peaches and Cream smoothie recipe. Peaches are still around here in California, but wherever you are-- use fresh or frozen organic peaches to enjoy this amazingly healthy treat. All the natural sweetness comes from peaches, which are a rich source of antioxidants like vitamin A and vitamin C. These antioxidants support the immune system and help prevent cellular damage. Vitamin C also plays an essential role in wound healing and collagen production, so including foods high in vitamin C in the diet is an easy way to protect skin and fight fine lines and wrinkles. Peaches also contain other antioxidants like anthocyanins and catechins, which help to reduce inflammation and can help lower LDL cholesterol.

When building a smoothie, it’s important to think about balancing the recipe to help prevent blood sugar swings, which can lead to energy crashes and increased cravings. Fruit is a source of quick-digesting carbs, so pairing these types of carbohydrate-rich foods with a protein or healthy fat helps prevent a rapid blood sugar spike and keeps you feeling fuller, longer.

In this recipe the protein source is creamy Greek yogurt, which also contains calcium for bone health and probiotics to help feed our gut! Probiotics are good types of bacteria that play major roles in digestion, our immune system defenses, and positive mood. Incorporating fermented foods, like yogurt, into our diet on a daily basis is one way we can help build up our microbiome health.

And, here’s a tip--don’t skip the vanilla in this recipe. Its aromatic flavor imparts a delightful sweetness that allows this smoothie to taste more like a dessert without adding any sugar. Try making this smoothie the next time you find yourself reaching for the candy or cookie jar, and feel good knowing that you are enjoying a nutrient-dense treat instead.