I have a smoothie at least once a day, if not twice. There is nothing more nourishing, delicious, refreshing and easy to make. Smoothies can provide an array of essential micronutrients, antioxidants and fibre without sacrificing on flavour or sweetness.
Dark leafy greens are a fantastic source of iron, folate, magnesium, vitamin C & A. One of my favourite ways to get in my greens, is by adding them to my smoothies. I recommend adding neutral tasting veggies such as baby spinach, frozen zucchini/courgette and kale.
(I will soon be uploading a more detailed post on the importance of essential vitamins & minerals and the use of nutritional supplements).
In my opinion there is nothing better than a cold and THICK smoothie bowl, and when I say thick, I mean thick. The key to a perfect thick smoothie bowl is frozen banana, frozen fruit, as little liquid as possible and a good quality high-speed blender or food processor. I find that adding a good quality protein powder (free from nasties) also improves the texture, can add a fantastic flavour, and keeps me fuller for longer. However, this is completely optional.
(post coming soon on my favourite plant-based protein brands and whether they are worth using).
RECIPE | Serves: 1 | Prep time: < 5 minutes
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana
1 cup frozen mango
1 cup frozen spinach
1 serving of plant-based protein powder (in this recipe I have used the strawberry flavoured Kauai Plant Protein)
¼ cup unsweetened plant milk of choice (I recommend using coconut/oat milk for a super creamy texture)
Toppings: Go WILD! My favourites include nut/seed butters, hemp and chia seeds, fresh berries, nuts, cocao nibs, dried goji berries, flaked/desiccated coconut and crunchy granola.
Method:
Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor. Add the liquids first and powders last (this will ensure that all the ingredients become nicely incorporated and that no large clumps of protein powder stick to the walls of the blender).
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Serve in a bowl and top with nuts, seeds, granola and fruit of choice.
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