Smoothies

Vanilla Buzz Protein Smoothie

I’m not a huge fan of protein powders as I prefer to eat whole foods as much as possible.

Having said that, sometimes there’s a time for it. Like when I need something to keep me going for a few hours, I don’t have a lot of time and / or I don’t have a lot of food in the house.

Adding a protein powder to my smoothies in these situations is a great way to fill me and stop me being tempted by unhealthy snacking.

If I do use a protein powder, I look for one without any hidden nasties and artifical ingredients. The latest powder I’ve tried is from the “Amazonia Raw” range. I really like these products. This one is the Vanilla Raw Slim and Tone.

It’s free from wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, GMOs and nuts and full of nutrient dense, bio-fermented live ingredients so it’s good for your gut heath too.

Today’s combination resulted in a delicious smoothie that will become a regular:

Vanilla Buzz Recipe

1 Banana
2 heaped tablespoons of Raw Vanilla Slim and Tone Protein Powder
1 tablespoon of Bee Pollen
1 date
1 tsp of ground ginger
1/2 cup coconut water
1 cup of ice

Blend well and enjoy!!

Smoothies the Kids will Love!

My constant challenge is coming up with recipes that are full of the ingredients I love to use and at the same time are something that the kids will actually enjoy and ask for more. I’ve been experimenting with different smoothie combinations and have a found a few winners.

As I’ve said before both my boys are huge milk fans and a regular treat if we go is a milkshake. When we are at home I like to make sure I can offer them something much more nutritious and avoid giving them too much dairy. I find smoothies are also a great way to sneak some extra ingredients into them and give them a boost when they need it. They are a great before or after school boost.

The smoothies pictured here are the “Strawberry Milkshake” combo and I used these jars with lids as an easy way to make them transportable. They made a perfect after-school pick-me-up before swimming lessons.

Dairy-Free Chocolate “Milkshake”

My kids both love dairy and they love a milkshake. It’s their first treat of choice. Whist we are not diary-free I do try to limit the amount of dairy that we all consume. I was making this version of my chocolate smoothie the other day and gave some to the boys to try. Both boys LOVED it and now request it on a regular basis. I can give them one a day and feel happy that their ‘treat’ is actually good for their health.

Dairy-free (& sugar-free) Chocolate “Milkshake”

Ingredients: (makes 1 large drink or 2 smaller ones)

1 cup Coconut water
1 Banana
1/2 cup of ice
1 tbsp of raw cacao powder
1 tsp of Maca powder (optional) – read about it here
1 tsp of Mesquite powder (optional) – read about it here
(alternatively you can add a handful of frozen raspberries)
1 medjool date
1 tbsp of chia seeds

Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy!

Chocolate Smoothie – An afternoon Pick-Me-Up

Sometimes by early afternoon I’m craving an energy boost before school pick up that will keep me going through the crazy afternoon routine. It’s easy to fall into the habit of having an extra coffee at that time to keep you going. This chocolate smoothie is much more satisfying and a healthier energy boost.

Chocolate Smoothie and Chocolate Chia Slice!

Much healthier than coffee and cake and yet equally comforting, more satisfying and a whole lot healthier.

Jungle Juice

This drink is actually a smoothie as opposed to a juice. The difference being that juicing removes all of the pulp, or fibre from fruits and vegetables, whereas smoothies blend the whole fruit or vegetable. Therefore you are getting all of the important vitamins and minerals and fibre.

Green Smoothies are a great way to get a big dose of everything good in one quick drink. It’s also an excellent energy boost and pick me up!