I’ll be honest; many times over, I’ve treated myself to smoothies from the shops. We’ve all been there, wonderful colours, great sounding ingredients and it’s meant to be good for you right?
Wrong, on the good for you. And not always that tasty.
Don’t let labels, fancy wordplay and colours fool you. Most store smoothies are off a conveyor belt, without half the natural goodness or flavours you’re going to get from fresh ingredients.
When it comes to food, we can go to great restaurants and eat classy meals. It’s fun and it’s an experience. However, we all know deep down, we just want what mum or grandma cooks – or used to cook – because nothing beats a home cooked meal.
Smoothies are no different. You know what you like: let’s make what you like.
Purple Gains
It’s a gym day and we’re out of protein powder… don’t panic. [I wasn’t, Ed]
I have a solution that’s no bland tasting protein shake.
Ingredients:
1 Banana
1 Cup Blue Berries
1/3 cup Oats
2 Tbsp Peanut Butter Powder
3 Tbsp Hemp Seeds
Plus Favourite plant milk (I use Oat Milk)
Directions:
Blend until smooth and add more milk to thin if you like. Not that hard right?
Money Maker
You know those green smoothies that everyone swears by, that cost north of £6 just for a medium and they claim it’s worth it because “it’s so good” and they “have it every morning”?
Yeah, we’re not spending that kind of money on blended fruits and powder. We are tight (in the old-fashioned sense) and don’t believe in getting robbed at those prices. If you brought one every day before work, you would be spending £30 a week on juice. No thank you. We can make our own.
You’ll pay for a blender in two weeks by the way.
Ingredients:
2 Big handfuls of Spinach
¾ Cup Mango
1 Banana
1 Tbsp Chia Seeds
Water or Coconut Water (add for desired smoothness)
Directions:
The same, blend and mix.
The Minion
So far we’ve made a protein-shake style alternatives and a green revitalising energy smoothie.
Now let’s make an occasional smoothie that’s a real treat but is healthy too.
This one is simple and kids will love it, and love making it, too. You’ll be sneaking in some of their five fruit and veg a day and entertaining them.
This is tested and approved by my daughter.
Ingredients:
1 Banana
1/3 Cup Mango
¼ Cup Strawberry
1 Handful Spinach
Plus favourite Plant Milk
(I tend to add Sea moss to mine also)
Directions:
I shouldn’t have to repeat myself again.
If you manage to make these taste bad than you should not be allowed in the kitchen.
Go out for a smoothie at home. Get the health club vibe. These are too easy to ruin.
Enjoy.
