Cucumber Mint Smoothie

Today we are talking about cucumbers.  In the same family as squash, pumpkin and watermelon; and like watermelon, they are made up of mostly water.  So, again like watermelon, cucumbers taste like summer and are crisp and refreshing on a hot summer day.  They also contain more "good for you stuff" than just water.

Cucumbers are very low in calories and contain no saturated fat or cholesterol.  They are high in fiber, a good source of potassium, and are a natural diuretic.  They contain anti-oxidants, act as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, and have a high amount of vitamin K.  They can even help control bad breath!

And they are delicious in smoothies!  With their mild flavor and high water content, they blend well with solid or creamy fruits such as bananas, apples and mangoes.  The Cucumber Mint Smoothie combines cucumber and mango, spinach and mint.  It is surprisingly refreshing!  I used 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, but will double that when I make it again.  I really liked the minty cucumber and melon flavor.  And it was the most beautiful shade of green!

Cucumber Mint Smoothie

6 oz Fat Free Greek Yogurt, Vanilla Flavor

1 ½ c Cucumber chunks, peeled and de-seeded

1 c Spinach, frozen

1 c Mango chunks, frozen

¼ c Mint leaves (or more)

½ c Cashew Milk, unsweetened

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.

(19 g Protein, 2.5 g Fat, 6 g Fiber)