As the summer approaches and temperatures creep up, thoughts turn to cooler, lighter foods: crisp fresh salads and juicy plump fruits. One of the real pleasures of longer, warmer days is enjoying a cool thirst-quenching drink and smoothies made from fruits and vegetables are not only refreshing and nutritious but a great way to boost health and vitality.
Bursting with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, smoothies are easy to make. You will find ‘smoothie blends’ in the frozen section of most supermarkets and it’s as simple as mixing some of the frozen contents with water in a blender until you have a drinkable consistency.
The most beneficial smoothie mixes will have some green vegetable in addition to fruits – kale or spinach are popular.
The most beneficial smoothie mixes will have some green vegetable in addition to fruits – kale or spinach are popular.
If you make up your own smoothie blend, you can be as adventurous as you like! If you are new to smoothie-making, you might find it easier to start off with mostly fruit and a little green vegetable then gradually increase the vegetable content as you get used to the taste.
The liquid you blend your fruit and vegetable with doesn’t have to be water – you could use coconut water, nut milk or yoghurt for example.
Stronger flavours and further health benefits can be achieved with the addition of herbs and spices such as mint, parsley or ginger.
There are also lots of powder additions you can use like spirulina or baobab to further boost levels of minerals, protein and fibre.
Or add some avocado, seeds or nut butter for beneficial fats…
The possibilities are almost endless!
The liquid you blend your fruit and vegetable with doesn’t have to be water – you could use coconut water, nut milk or yoghurt for example.
Stronger flavours and further health benefits can be achieved with the addition of herbs and spices such as mint, parsley or ginger.
There are also lots of powder additions you can use like spirulina or baobab to further boost levels of minerals, protein and fibre.
Or add some avocado, seeds or nut butter for beneficial fats…
The possibilities are almost endless!
Here’s a great, simple combination for a summer smoothie:
Frozen sweet cherries
Coconut water
Baby spinach leaves
Two mint leaves
Put about 200g frozen cherries, a handful of washed spinach leaves (or just a few if you are new to smoothies …), the mint leaves and enough coconut water to make the consistency you like in a blender.
Blend, pour into a glass and enjoy!
For more smoothie recipe combinations and other easy, nutritious summer recipes, join us on the ‘Clean Up Your Diet For Summer’ workshops on Saturday 9th June at Oxford Street Therapy Centre in Wellingborough. Book your place via Sue on [email protected] or 07963 875142 - more info on home page...
