You may think that smoothies are sweet concoctions that diabetics should avoid at all cost, and you would be wrong. Even if you have diabetes, you can still enjoy all the benefits of a healthy smoothie. You’ll find many diabetic-friendly smoothie recipes that are low in carbohydrates and fats yet high in vitamins, minerals and proteins. Be sure to use whole fruits to get the maximum benefits out of healthy smoothies for diabetics.

We have a number of smoothie recipes below that call for fruits. These recipes are diabetic-friendly for the following reasons:

1. They do not include refined sugar
2. These recipes use fresh or frozen whole fruits. Fruits are high in dietary fiber and they contain complex carbohydrates.
3. Some smoothie recipes contain flax seed or wheat germ. These super foods help keep blood sugar at normal levels.
4. These smoothies are low-calorie and low in carbohydrates. Diabetics and non-diabetics alike can enjoy these healthy smoothies.

To enjoy the following recipes, combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Serve and enjoy!

Strawberry & Banana Breakfast Smoothie

• 1 cup skim milk
• 3/4 cup low-fat yogurt
• 1/2 cup silken tofu
• 1 small banana
• 1-1/4 cups strawberries, preferably frozen
• 1/2 cup crushed ice

Blueberry & Banana Smoothie

• 1 cup skim milk
• 3/4 cup low-fat yogurt
• 1/2 cup silken tofu
• 1 banana, peeled and sliced
• 3/4 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup crushed ice

Banana Smoothie

• 2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced (preferably frozen)
• 1/4 cup low-fat vanilla or fruit yogurt
• 2 cups low-fat milk
• 2 tbsp wheat germ or oat bran
• Ground nutmeg to taste (optional)

Mixed Berry Smoothie

• 1 cup frozen berries of your choice
• 1/4 cup low fat vanilla yogurt
• 1 tbsp malted milk powder
• 2 tsp wheat germ or oat bran
• 1 egg or egg substitute (optional)

Green Smoothie for Diabetics

• 2 cups water
• 2-3 cups lightly packed baby spinach leaves (preferably organic)
• 1 pear
• 1/2 to 1 banana
• 1/4 tsp cardamom
• 1-2 tbsp chia seeds (soak in 2 cups water for a while)

TIP: Chia seeds are high in fiber, calcium, protein, antioxidants and omega-3. You can buy them at health stores.

Strawberry Flax Smoothie

• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1/2 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 3 tbsp flax meal
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon