Lisa Markley, MS, RD, LD, nutrition educator and outpatient dietician for the Department of Integrative Medicine, helps patients, students, faculty and staff members learn how to maintain a healthy diet and maximize the nutrients in their meals. She also works with clients on meal planning and conducts grocery store tours to teach people how to read nutrition labels and understand health claims on packaging.

One recipe Markley recommends most often is this basic fruit smoothie. The colorful fruits add the vitamins, minerals, and phytochemical antioxidants that are needed to help fight off disease and illness. It also reduces the body’s insulin response and helps to keep blood sugar levels stable.

Fruit Smoothie:

• ¾ cup frozen fruit (such as blueberries, raspberries, peaches or mangoes)
• ¾ cup milk or milk alternative (such as almond milk, rice milk, hazelnut milk, soy milk or coconut milk)
• 1-2 scoops of whey protein powder
• Add ingredients to a blender and blend well to desired consistency.