Blender

I love my Vitamix.

I'm glad I didn't invest in a new blender. I used it mostly post surgery (about 2 weeks while on liquids and purneed). I will be 7 months out and I maybe use it every other week now. I have a magic bullet and it works perfect and around $30 - $40. Everyone is different, but I prefer to consume my calories/protein thru actual food and not shakes.

I agree with GoBlueGirl about getting my protein through food rather than shakes. When I do have a shake, the blender I use (Hamilton Beach) is probably 30 yrs old and at 3 months out I don't use it that frequently. As for the problem some experience with ice chunks, I use frozen berries when I do decide to have a shake.

I asked a smoothie shop how they got theirs so smooth and mine at home are not  It is all in the blades.  You need six blades to get the smooth texture and not have icey chunks.  You can get them at WalMart or online at WalMart.

I have a Ninja and a Vitamix. I honestly prefer my Ninja over the Vitamix. It just doesn't impress me for the amount it costs.