Let’s face it, most of us spent the Christmas weeks (maybe leading up to it too) over-indulging with friends and family. No surprise that many of us are now treating ourselves to a bit of nutritional love-and-kindness to kickstart the New Year and it’s hard to go a past nutrient-lending, protein-packed, oh-so-yummy smoothie as part of a daily routine.
We’ve taken the liberty of picking a few of our favourite ingredients to help you mix up your own smoothie game (or get inspired to start). Your journey to adding a little extra goodness to your day starts here, in 3,2,1…
Spinach & Kale
As we all know green leafy veg are the power players of the picnic patch, with Kale the Head-Honcho. Loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, their benefits include lowering blood pressure, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-depressant and anti-cancer to name a few. If you aren’t a fan of the stronger tasting, darker leaves, why not try the smaller English varieties of Spinach, or add more fruits for flavour.
Berries
Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries are a great way to bring sweeter flavours while adding nutrition punch. We’re talking antioxidants, fibre and vitamins, with strawberries having more per 100g than oranges! Vitamin C plays a key role in collagen production (yes to anti-ageing benefits we say) and has proven to protect the skin from UV light. Many of the berries – strawberries, and raspberries are suggested to have a positive effect on cardiovascular health. Berries also have very low Glycemic index Scores, with research suggesting they may help reduce spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. Pro-tip: keep the leafy green top of strawberries, or calyx, on. It’s edible and is good for you too.
Avocado
If you like a thicker smoothie, save 1/4 of the Avocado from your morning smash and add it to your Smoothie. It’s a great alternative to bananas, they are Avocado high in healthy fats, high in potassium and have been associated with reducing inflammation and having beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer. The fibre, good fats, many vitamins and minerals in avocados can help lower cholesterol, increase eye health and assist in losing weight. Avocados can also help you absorb nutrients from plant foods, making the benefits of the good things you are eating even better. If you aren’t a fan of the flavour, try adding tropical fruits such as mango or pineapple to counter.
Beetroot
You may have tried beetroot in juice, but have you thought about adding them to your Smoothie? Steam or roast them first for smoothest results, or you could juice them first before adding the juice to your smoothie blend. Beets add a lovely earthy sweetness, and also are supercharged with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Edamame
A plant-based protein power-house, Edamame work well in a smoothie – peel them before adding to your smoothie and you’re adding fibre, antioxidants and vitamins. Freeze them before adding and you’re chilling your smoothie as well!
And a few extras
At the moment, we’re also adding fresh mint (because it tastes so good!) Chia and pumpkin seeds (for protein, omega 3 and fibre, and Magnesium) and extras like maple or rice malt syrup (for added sweetness).
Our Traders in Harvest Hall have so much healthy inspiration at the moment, we’re sure you’ll be mixing up new blends in no time (let us know your favourites when you do!) Dont forget to swing by our dried fruit and nut Traders when you’re here for a few extras on hand at home.
See you at the Market!
