Ask Ginger: Refreshing Summer Drinks

By Let's Move Pittsburgh

You've got questions ... we’ve got answers! Email your queries about healthy foods, physical activity and screen time for kids and Ginger will answer them here on the Phipps blog.

 

Q: Do you have any tips on creating a cold, nutritious drink for my kiddos to enjoy during the summer heat? (Lauren, Bethel Park)

A: Great question! Here at Let’s Move Pittsburgh, we have a ton of cold summer drink recipes that the whole family can enjoy. As always, it is important to remember that water is the best way to stay healthy and hydrated, all year long! Also, it’s a good idea to keep a pitcher of water in the fridge for easy access, and to have cups and reusable water bottles ready to go too. In addition to keeping hydrated, it’s nice to enjoy a healthy, nutritious drink from time to time. Below are three of our super-simple summer favorites. Enjoy!

 

Phipps Splash (makes 2 servings)

Ingredients:

• ½ cup fruit puree or freshly squeezed juice
• 1 ½ cup sodium-free seltzer or carbonated water
• Ice

Directions:

1. In two large cups, simply pour half of the juice puree and half of the seltzer or carbonated water over ice.
2. Stir, serve and enjoy!

Note: You can use any fruit puree or juice you like. Some fruits that we enjoy include cantaloupe, honeydew, grapefruit, orange and pineapple!

 

Strawberry-Banana Smoothie (makes 2 servings)

Ingredients:

• 3 cups strawberries, fresh or frozen
• 2 bananas, broken into chunks
• 1 cup of milk (almond, skim, low-fat, whole, whichever you like!), or water

Directions:

1. Place all three ingredients into the blender.
2. Puree until smooth and creamy.
3. Serve and enjoy!

 

Spinach and Pineapple Smoothie (makes 2 servings)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pineapple, fresh or frozen
• 1 medium ripe avocado
• 2 cups spinach
• ¾ cup water
• ½ cup ice

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in blender.
2. Puree until smooth and creamy.
3. Serve and enjoy!

For more tips and ideas for delicious drinks and dishes, check out our 5-2-1-0 Every Day Pinterest board, and visit Phipps' Let's Move Pittsburgh page for resources on nutrition and fitness!

 

Recipes adapted from:

Gimmie Delicious Food: Three Ingredient Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Culinary Hill: Pineapple Paradise Spinach Smoothie