Best Healthy Smoothies

Smoothies are an amazing way to start your day! They also are great as a snack to increase your energy levels. They are especially good as pre/post workout drinks as they are packed with nutrients. I make a smoothie every morning for breakfast, and it gives me a sugar boost after my workout that keeps me going through the morning. Plus its an easy way to make sure you have your five a day! 

Some tips for making the perfect smoothie are:

• If you are making it for breakfast ,put in at least a handful of rolled oat (before you blend), as this will make it thicker and therefore more filling!
• Try to use dairy free milk alternatives as these are healthier and better for your body! Personally, I love using unsweetened almond milk in my smoothies as its not too sweet and complements fruit well.
• Add some ice cubes before you blend as this will make the smoothie colder and more refreshing! Just don't put in too many otherwise it will turn watery.
• If you aren't adding ice then freeze your fruit! I normally just freeze any berries that I am going to use, as this makes the smoothie colder and thicker! Plus, it means that you fruit doesn't go off as quickly. If have a couple of bananas that have over ripened I will chop them up, and put them in a plastic bag in the freezer. This prevents a lot of waste and saves money!
• Try to use fruit thats in season, as buying fruit like raspberries in the winter is really expensive, plus they sometimes taste too bitter. If the fruit you use is in season it will make the smoothie taste a lot better and be juicier!
• If you want an extra health kick try putting a tbsp of chia seeds in your smoothie! They have great health benefits, and don't alter the flavour of the smoothie too much.

There are so many smoothie recipes out there sometimes its hard to know where to start. So I'm going to give you some of my favourite recipes, and also tell you what season they are best for. 

All of my ingredient quantities serve 1 person, so just double the amounts if you want more servings!

Directions for all smoothies:

1. Chop up any ingredients that are too large to be blended.

2. Place all ingredients in the blender.

3. Blend! 

4. Once a smooth consistency has been reached your done!

Peanut Butter, Berry and Banana Smoothie:

This is my favourite smoothie to make in the mornings! (mainly because I'm addicted to peanut butter) Its so quick and easy as it requires little to no chopping, so you can quickly blend the ingredients and go! Just make sure that your peanut butter contains around 100% blended peanuts, and doesn't contain any unhealthy additives.

Ingredients:

• 1 banana 
• 1 Tbsp of peanut butter
• A handful of blueberries or strawberries (I tend to use blueberries in the winter and strawberries in the summer when they are in season, but if you don't have either, then you don't have to add any berries and it will still taste great!)
• 1/2 a cup of unsweetened almond milk
• a handful of rolled oats (optional)
• 3/4 cubes of ice (optional) 

Spring and Summer- Mango and Raspberry Smoothie:

Mangos are my favourite fruit, and in the summer they are perfect for smoothies because of their juicy and flavoursome nature. Additionally, they are packed with vitamins!

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 1 ripe mango
• a handful of raspberries
• a handful of kale (optional)
• 1/2 a cup of unsweetened almond milk
• 3/4 cubes of ice (optional)
• 3/4 spoons of greek yogurt (optional)
• a handful of rolled oats (optional)

Super Healthy Green Smoothie:

If you are feeling the need for a super healthy, nutrient full kick, then try this smoothie! It's best in the summer as the ingredients are fresher!

Ingredients:

• 1/2  avocado
• a handful of spinach
• 1 banana (optional)
• 1 kiwi
• 1 tbsp of chia seeds (optional) 
• 1/2 a cup of unsweetened almond milk
• 3/4 cubes of ice (optional)
• a handful of rolled oats (optional- not as necessary as this smoothie can be super thick!)

Winter and Autumn- Apple and Cinnamon Smoothie:

Cinnamon is great in smoothies all year round, but I especially love using it in the winter as it creates a festive flavour!

Ingredients:

• 1 banana or 1 pear
• 1 apple (core removed)
• 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
• a handful of blueberries 
• 1 tsp of honey (optional- great if you have a sweet tooth)
• 1/2 a cup of unsweetened almond milk
• 3/4 spoons of greek yogurt (optional)
• a handful of rolled oats (optional)

Orange and Banana Smoothie:

This combination is great for the winter season when oranges are ripe and juicy! It will also fill your body with loads of nutrients and vitamins, in preparation for the holiday season.

Ingredients:

• 1 orange
• 1 banana
• 1 carrot
• 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of orange juice
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk
• 3/4 cubes of ice (optional)

But, don't just stick to making these smoothies! A smoothie recipe is easy to concoct once you know what your doing! I normally use 1 banana, 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk, a handful of oats, 3 spoons of greek yogurt and then add any other fruit that I can find in my kitchen! Be experimental and try new flavour combination! If you need any advice about smoothies, or have a suggestion for my next post please leave a comment below!

Happy blending!

Hannah x