Summer 'Pick-me-up' Smoothie Recipe
RecipesFeel like you need a pick me up after a busy summer or a hardcore workout? Your smoothie needs to supercharge and reboot your body after a full, energetic and possibly overindulgent summer. Make sure you consider the key elements to make that good smoothie into a great smoothie that recharges your batteries and revitalises your body from the inside out!
This smoothie bowl is packed full of vitamins and nutrients to get your daily dose in an easy and tasty way! If you're on the go make it into a smoothie easily by adding a few more dashes of almond milk.
Here are those key elements that transform your smoothie...
ANTIOXIDANTS
Strengthen your immune system just in time for the onslaught of autumnal bugs! The best antioxidants are found in most fruits and veg, especially berries. As a general rule of thumb, the darker the colour, the denser the nutrient and antioxidant content. As well as being super tasty, these little power-houses are nature’s antibiotics.
PROTEIN
Fuel the recovery and repair of muscles, and keep you feeling full for longer. This can be added to your smoothie with either good quality protein powder (ideally plant based, not whey), however a far more nutritious and usable source of protein can be found in leafy greens like spinach and kale.
HEART HEALTHY FATS
Adding healthy fats such as nuts, seeds and avocado promotes a healthy heart and lowers bad cholesterol in the blood, so why not pop some in for bonus points!
FIBRE/ROUGHAGE
Digest the naturally occurring sugars in fruits, furthermore contributing to low blood sugar and reducing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. If there’s one thing we can indulge on in the summer season, it's sugar. Ice creams, cocktails, soft drinks – all of which have an abundance of sugar, so let’s get those fibrous vegetables in! Even though it’s great to have a combination of fruits and vegetables in your smoothie don’t overdo it. A simple tip: for every 1 handful/item of fruit try to add 2 handfuls of fibrous and dark-coloured veg.
'PICK-ME-UP' SMOOTHIE RECIPE
Now you know what your smoothie should include, here is a simple recipe to follow...
- Get those antioxidants in with a small handful of blueberries and ½ apple
- For some protein and fibre, add a big handful of spinach and small handful of uncooked broccoli
- Now add 1/2 an avocado and handful of chia seeds for some healthy fats
- Put a dash of water or almond milk to your preference, for thicker smoothie bowls add less and add a bit more for an on the go smoothie!
- Finish off by blending with a blender and top with some fruit, chia seeds or granola!
Written by Lauren Shuker. Email spaandhealthclub@staging.elegant-swing.flywheelsites.com for any nutrition related questions you have for Lauren.
The whole team were really great, on the day we visited there was a Garden Party for the Platinum Jubilee, we enjoyed some of the best beef brisket I've ever tasted , prepared lovingly by James and served with a smile by Josie.