STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE SMOOTHIE

An easy and delicious way to start the day, this Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie whips up in minutes and is as delicious as a milkshake.  This is one healthy treat your kids (and you) will LOVE!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup frozen strawberries I use Dole
• 3/4 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup low-fat milk
• 2 ounces low-fat cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tablespoons agave nectar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place all ingredients in the pitcher of a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately

I don’t know about you but when I’m trying to follow a healthy diet I need rewards for good behavior.  Sometimes, it’s a not so healthy reward…like a piece of chocolate cake.  But that type of treat is always followed with a little bit of regret.  Just a little bit.

I do always get back on the wagon, sometimes with a spoonful of ice cream.  But I always, always get back on the wagon. That’s why I’ve come up with an arsenal of healthy treats.  Well, “better for you” treats than pastries and ice cream.  I believe in an “everything in moderation” way of living, otherwise, I feel deprived and dive headfirst off the wagon into a giant vat of chocolate pudding.  Sometimes….I don’t ever come back from that.

This Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie is rich enough to feel like you’re indulging a lot more than you actually are.  I used Philadelphia Cream Cheese with 1/3 less fat and fat-free yogurt.  I’m not a fan of fat-free products but for this recipe I felt it was necessary to balance out the fat in the cream cheese. You can totally use low-fat yogurt if you want….or go all out and use full fat!  Summer is still months away!

Frozen strawberries help make this Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie thick and frosty without watering it down like ice would.  And the hint of vanilla balances everything out….making this taste just like a piece of liquefied strawberry cheesecake. It’s true.  If you’re looking for something a little more tropical try my Pina Colada Chia Seed Smoothie!  I also LOVE this Mango Coconut Smoothie for something a little light and refreshing.

Or plan ahead and stock your freezer with these DIY Smoothie Freezer Packs!  They’re insanely easy and save so much time on busy mornings!