Green smoothie before blending
For about the past 8 months or so we have been making and enjoying regular green smoothies. I bought a Breville Blend-Active Blender, which is less than £25 and a total bargain in my opinion. I would love a Nutri-bullet but they are expensive so I was very happy to find the Breville which gets great reviews. We have found it really easy to use and the cups that come with it are great. I love that (as opposed to my juicer) there are only three parts to wash after use; the blade, the cup and the lid. It means that I use it way more than my juicer, which I do love, but it’s a lot more work making a juice rather than a smoothie.
I try to have a smoothie at least a few times a week, and I usually have it for my breakfast. I was getting a bit slack with making them regularly, even though they are easy enough to make. So I have just started making two at a time so that I have one ready-made for the next day. It means they are not quite as good for you as you are not consuming them straight away, but I think better that than not having one at all.
I tend to stick with the same ingredients as they are what we have in the house and generally quite cheap but I do mix it up a little bit sometimes and I also really enjoy just a banana and almond milk smoothie for a quick snack.
Here is what I put in my green smoothies:
Frozen Spinach: I put a couple of chunks of spinach in. I sometimes use fresh if we have some in, but having frozen means that I don’t have to worry about it going off and wasting it.
Water: I put quite a bit of water in so that is not too thick.
Coconut Water: Sometimes I put a bit of coconut water in and a bit less water than usual.
Chia Seeds: I put a couple of teaspoons in to my smoothies. Chia seeds are full of nutrients and a great source of healthy omega-3 fats and fibre. They can boost energy, aid digestion and lower cholesterol. (I have read something about needing to build up the amount you consume when you start eating chia seeds, so please check that out if you haven’t had them before.)
Coconut Oil: I put about a teaspoon or so in. If you put more in then I think you do notice the taste but it doesn’t bother me, the boy doesn’t really like being able to taste it though. Coconut oil has loads of benefits; it is anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal. It also has antioxidant properties and it helps in the absorption of other minerals. (I have a post coming soon about all the different ways I use coconut oil.)
Banana: I usually chop up one banana and add that.
BodyMe Super Energy Mix: I did a review on this here. It contains loads of superfoods such as acai, lucuma, baobab and guarana, and is a great source of vitamins and minerals, and a source of energy.
Wheatgrass Powder: Wheatgrass is a natural source of vitamins and antioxidants including vitamins A, C, E, and minerals manganese, zinc, magnesium and iron.
Flaxseed: I put a couple of tablespoons in. Flaxseed (also called linseed) is a rich source of nutrients, vitamins and a good source of omega-3.
Moringa Powder: I have about a teaspoon in my green smoothie. This is also full of good stuff and can boost energy and increase concentration, as well as loads of other benefits.
I don’t put an exact amount of any of these things I tend to just throw some of everything in. I sometimes put a small handful of raspberries or blueberries in if I have some, but I don’t feel like I need the sweetness. Occasionally I’ll put a bit of kale in if we have some in, and a bit less frozen spinach.
The great thing about smoothies is that you can just throw all sorts in depending on what you have in the house and get loads of health benefits. I’m not worried about the taste as long as it’s good for me and I think the banana stops it tasting too ‘green’ but if you need a bit more sweetness (I’m sweet enough! 😉 you can always add a bit more fruit or a bit less green stuff, at least until you get used to it.
I get most of my ingredients from Amazon as that is where I have found them to be cheapest. I get chia seeds, the powders, Flaxseed and coconut oil (I get Lucy Bee’s) all from there. Some of them seem quite expensive at first but I find that most of them last me ages and I think it is worth spending a bit more on your health.
Do you have smoothies or juices? What do you put in them if you do? I’d love to find more great things to add to mine.