Smoothies can be a great way to get all the fiber, vitamins and goodness from fruits and vegetables that juice alone does not provide. They are also a great way to add nutrients or calories to a daily diet; or to lighten up a diet by providing a less stodgy meal. Perfect for anyone who needs to get a healthy breakfast but is short on time or appetite in the morning, smoothies are quick to make and as delicious as a milkshake.
The easiest way to make a smoothie is in a good quality blender such as a Vitamix. This kind of equipment is ideal for fans of green smoothies or any hard to blend ingredients. For most basic smoothies including the ones here, any regular blender, food processor or hand blender should be fine.
All smoothie recipes are for one large serving. For more people, simply multiply the ingredients.
Basic Breakfast Smoothie:
This is tasty enough even for breakfast haters to savor and it will also keep you going until lunch time. It is the perfect filling smoothie for any time of day and the warming spices make it especially good in the winter months.
- 350ml organic unsweetened soya milk
- 1 banana
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 large handful of healthy granola or similar oat based cereal
- half a teaspoon of powdered cinnamon
- 1 chunk of root ginger, peeled
Blend all the ingredients well to ensure that the ginger and cereal are totally mixed in. This will make a thick, creamy and satisfying smoothie.
For a summer variation add a handful of red berries, or use frozen berries in the winter for extra flavor or a variation.
Fruity Summer Smoothie:
This is an excellent summer smoothie when the fruits are ripe and in season. You will need to soak the almonds overnight in a little filtered water and then peel them in the morning, discarding the water. Using almonds is very much worth the effort as they contain a lot of goodness. The flax seeds are another less common ingredient but are an important source of soluble fiber so this smoothie is excellent for anyone with a sluggish digestion. Get cold pressed flax seeds from any health food shop or a good supermarket.
- 300ml plain live yogurt or soya milk / yoghurt for a non-dairy drink
- 10 strawberries
- 10 whole almonds, soaked overnight and then peeled
- 1 ripe mango
- 2 fresh pineapple rings or half a dozen large chunks of fresh pineapple
- 1 chunk of root ginger, peeled
- 1 flat desert spoon of cold pressed flax seeds
- A handful of ice cubes
Blend the almonds and ginger until smooth and then add the other ingredients. Add the ice cubes one by one at the end and blend thoroughly to make a cold fruity, summer smoothie. The ice cubes can be left out for anyone who does not take very cold drinks.
Chocolate Coffee Smoothie:
This is a good smoothie for anyone who misses the morning coffee bar fix but it still contains a few healthy ingredients to get the day going well. Those who work out can add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate whey or vegan protein powder to this smoothie for a delicious way to get a more complete meal.
- 1 espresso
- 300ml chocolate oat milk or chocolate soya milk
- 1 banana
- 1 handful of oats
- A large handful of ice cubes
Pour the oat milk on to the oats and soak for five minutes to half an hour if you have the time.
Then add the other ingredients and blend until smooth.
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