With temperatures hovering in the 90s this week, it is tempting to reach for an ice cream, snow cone or slushie. But smoothies may be a better alternative with many nutritional benefits, said Mylene Dunn, Callaway County Health Department specialist.
Dunn shared information at Callaway County Public Library in Fulton on Tuesday evening about a wide range of ingredients that can be included in a smoothie.
"One of my main responsibilities is food preparation," Dunn said.
Fruits such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are great for smoothies, Dunn said. Spinach can also be added, along with honey, yogurt, milk and chia seeds.
Dunn prepared blueberry, strawberry and raspberry smoothies at the library event.
After combining the fruit, yogurt, honey and almond milk in the blender, it was time to serve.
"I like the strawberry smoothie," said Sherry McBride-Brown, adult services program coordinator of the library.
"Smoothies are a great way to get healthy foods into your body and jump start the day," Dunn said, adding she likes to make smoothies at night and then put them in the refrigerator for breakfast the following morning.
When children are engaged in the food preparation process, they are more likely to eat the food that was made, Dunn said. She will return to the library in July to host another smoothie session - this time with kids.
The library has a collection of brain-boosting food books now on display.