Blend fruits and vegetables to unlock their restorative properties
An easy way to get your daily vitamins in minerals is by making a smoothie. And when it comes to selecting the ingredients of fruits and vegetables, the combinations are almost endless. All you need is a blender and whatever flavours your heart desires.
But while smoothies can be delicious, they also carry a number of health benefits and are a key player in the Spinneys Eat Well, Live Well movement. Whether you're looking to create a balanced diet, pack on some muscle or fight high blood pressure, there's a mix of ingredients that can help.
To get you started, we've compiled a shortlist of some of our favourites below. Oh, and don't worry if you're lactose intolerant or simply don't like dairy, you can always replace the liquid component with an equally healthy alternative.
The Energising One
Ingredients: Spinach, orange, apple, flaxseed and almond milk
You don’t always need to reach for a caffeinated beverage when you need an instant pick-me-up. The combination of ingredients in this energising smoothie can help you refocus when you need it most. There’s also the added benefit of the healthy doses of vitamin C from the orange and apples. Plus, the iron-rich spinach can reduce blood pressure.
The Detoxing One
Ingredients: Kale, strawberries, coconut water, blueberries and ginger
Going through a detox cleanse need not involve a barely palatable powdered drink. You can create your own, much tastier version and it will do the same trick. The blueberries and strawberries ensure you get your tangy flavours, while the kale and ginger’s antioxidant properties can help flush out the bad stuff in your body.
The Weight Loss One
Ingredients: Banana, chia seeds, mango and low-fat cow’s milk
Don’t deprive yourself of flavourful food and beverages in your pursuit of weight loss. The magic behind this great smoothie is that it fills you up for longer. The healthy mix of banana, mango and chia seeds will help to reduce hunger pangs and the need to satisfy them with naughty snacks.
The Muscle Building One
Ingredients: Peanut butter, mixed berries, banana, Greek yoghurt and almond milk
As good as they are for weight loss, smoothies can also be used to pack on muscle. It’s the protein content found in bananas and Greek yoghurt that can help with muscle mass. The excellent flavours of peanut butter and mixed berries add a touch of flair. And although you don’t need to add protein powder, it is infinitely more palatable when used in a smoothie.
The Green One
Ingredients: Kale, spinach, cucumber, apple, romaine lettuce, kiwi fruit and low-fat milk
With an outstanding amount of dietary fibre, the green smoothie is great for keeping your blood pressure in check. The mix of green fruits and veggies can help to cleanse the body and also offers plenty of vitamin A and C. This is also a clever way for fussy eaters to consume their nutrient-rich, yet somewhat tasteless, leafy greens.
