When smoothies first came on the scene they were all about the fruit. Mostly sweet tropical fruit like papaya, pineapple and mangos mixed with a bit of yogurt resulting in seriously sweet and carb based drinks. Let’s agree that those are now desserts and absolutely not recommended as part of a Slow Carb lifestyle.
The next trend to hit were Green Smoothies – these are a great source of nutrients and minerals. If you’re making such a smoothie remember 4 vegetables to every fruit so Kale, Cucumber, Broccoli, Celery and Apple are generally your standard blend. Then we can add our favourite flavours like lemon or mint. If you add avocado you get a wonderful creamy mix and a serving of healthy fats which is great.
These days it’s all about the Protein – getting protein into your smoothie, especially if you have a smoothie as a meal replacement for breakfast, is a must. It can be done with Nut Milks, Pasteurized Eggs, Nut Butters and Seeds, Gelatin and Protein Powders (more on these in another Blogs since choosing the right Protein Powder is an exercise in itself).
The best way to get great texture in your smoothie is to start with frozen fruit. Peel fruit such as Bananas, Peach, Pineapple, Mango and cut into small chunks. Freeze in ziplock bags in the portion size you need depending on whether you’re making smoothies for 1, 2 or the family. Frozen Berries are the absolute bomb, they’re cheaper than fresh berries, flash frozen at their freshest so as to retain lots of lovely nutrient and anti-oxidants and a little goes a long way.
The other trick is to grind your nuts, seeds and cacao nibs first to try get the softest texture before you add the liquids to your blender – a high power blender is a must if you’re adding ice otherwise you really do just get cold water and chucks of ice rather than a good smooth texture.
Well that’s some of the basics now your ready for some recipes. I couldn’t choose just one as I love smoothies and often adapt recipes I find on the internet. Little warning… don’t just chuck everything you can think of into the blender – you can get brown unappetizing sludge in a flash that way.
Goodness Guru Recipe – Banting Breakfast in a Glass
1 cup Almond Milk
2 tablespoons Chia Seeds
Allow to soak for a while as you gather the other ingredients.
2 tablespoons Almond Butter
1 Tablespoon Raw Cacao or good Cocoa Powder
1 Egg
½ Banana, frozen
1 Cup Baby Spinach Leaves
1 Espresso Coffee
⅔ cup ice cubes
Honey or Sweetener of choice (optional)
Blend all together, pop into a take away mug and you have a complete breakfast on the run.
Goodness Guru Recipe – Apple Pie Protein Shake
1 Apple (cut don't peel)
1 tablespoon Ground Flaxseed
3 tablespoon Raw Pecans (optional if Nut intolerant)
Blend well
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
pinch of salt
1 cup coconut water or unsweetened almond/coconut milk
1 scoop hemp vanilla protein powder (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender and process until smooth.