Ice

• An essential ingredient in preparing cool, refreshing smoothies is 1/2 cup of pre-crushed or ice crushed in a blender.
  
  

Liquid

• You'll need 1/2 cup of milk, soy milk, rice milk, juice or water per smoothie; each liquid will add a different flavor and nutritional value to the smoothie. (If fruit juice is preferred, make sure the juice flavor is compatible with the other ingredients included.)
  
  

Fruit

• For a sweet flavored smoothie, add 1/2 cup fresh, frozen or canned fruit; fruit is also nutritious, colorful and contains fiber. Choose a favorite fruit or fruit combination, or start simply with berries, bananas, mangoes or pineapple.
  
  

Yogurt

• For a creamy texture, add 1/2 cup of a favorite yogurt to your smoothie. Make sure the yogurt flavor is compatible with the fruit and liquid being included. When in doubt, use vanilla or plain yogurt.
  
  

Supplements

• To add an extra nutritional boost to a smoothie, consider including 1 tablespoon of protein powder, omega-3 fish oil supplement or 1 teaspoon of flax seed meal.