Bananas are a very popular smoothie ingredient because they add density and create a nice texture. If they are frozen prior to being used they become even sweeter and create a thick, creamy smoothie. Nutritionally they are a well known source of potassium, an electrolyte that balances sodium and has been shown to help lower blood pressure. They also have notable amounts of vitamin C for strong immunity and wound recovery as well as vitamin B6 for maintaining hormone balance and forming red blood cells and transmitters in the nervous system. Continue Reading →
Vanilla Spice Smoothie
There are no greens or weird sea algae powders in this smoothie as is my usual habit- sometimes it’s nice to have a sweet treat with a relatively simple, familiar ingredient list. This version has vanilla protein powder for extra nutrients, frozen banana to make it creamy and medjool dates for some extra but natural sweetness. The addition of spices assists digestion and adds some seasonal flavour, while vanilla almond milk brings it all together. It actually tastes surprisingly similar to egg nog, Continue Reading →
Tropical Smoothie Bowl with Fruit Roses
My very first job as a teenager was at a bakery. I couldn’t believe that I got paid to bake bread and decorate cakes all day, tasks I would have gladly done for free. I loved working with the piping bags and one of my favourite things to make were little icing roses. Nowadays I like to keep my icing intake to a minimum for health reasons, but a similar effect can be created easily with strawberries and thinly sliced fruits with smooth flesh like mangos, kiwis and plums. Continue Reading →
Apple Cinnamon Green Smoothie
As the weather gets colder smoothies are not as ideal as they are during the summer but adding in lots of warming spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg can remedy this and make them easier on our bodies. Protein powder, oats and almond butter also weigh it down a bit, making it very filling and nourishing. As the days get shorter and darker and temperatures drop it is natural to start craving heavier, fattier foods. While it is important to listen to our bodies and transition with the seasons, it is most beneficial if we go for nutrient dense, not just calorie dense, foods. Continue Reading →
Strawberry Almond Milk
Homemade almond milk has a fresh, light taste and a silky smooth consistency. It is not as stable as commercial versions- it only lasts for a few days and it doesn’t heat well for warm drinks like hot chocolate. That being said, its richer flavour makes it worth trying. Plus, there is an upside to its fragility- since it does not contain any of the stabilizers and preservatives that commercial versions do, it is a viable option for those with digestive issues and sensitive systems. Continue Reading →
Raspberry Kefir Smoothie
Kefir is a fermented milk product very rich in probiotics. It is similar in texture to regular yogurt, thick and creamy but not as thick as Greek yogurt and it has a slightly tart taste. If we have yogurt why bother with kefir? Well it is an even better option because it tends to have more strains of beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, in higher quantities. It is to yogurt what kale is to iceberg lettuce- not substitutable in every circumstance but a more nutrient dense option. Continue Reading →
Strawberry Watermelon Mint Infused Water
Infused water is basically to water what sangria is to wine. It is about adding in fresh, flavourful ingredients like juicy berries, crisp herbs and sweet melon. This combination of strawberries and watermelon with fresh mint is full of vitamin C, a nutrient important for a strong immune system and fast wound healing, plus it acts as an antioxidant. Flavoured water is a good option for those who do not normally drink enough and find the taste too bland- spiking it can make it more appealing and less like a dreaded health obligation. Continue Reading →
Strawberry Watermelon Coconut Smoothie
This is the kind of snack or light meal to enjoy out on the patio or out at the beach as the days get hotter. Smoothies are really easy to digest so they provide fast nutrients on lazy summer days. This combination features hydrating watermelon with fragrant strawberries, rich coconut meat, creamy cashew butter and a date for extra sweetness. Continue Reading →
Red Ginger Citrus Juice
Even the pickiest of eaters, children and adults alike, who generally avoid fruits and vegetables enjoy fresh pressed juices, especially when they are made mostly from fruits and have a vibrant color. Fresh juices are more delicate in flavor than commercial juices processed for a long shelf life and they are full of antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins and minerals Continue Reading →
Smoothie from the Sea
One of the trendiest ingredients out there for smoothies is chlorella and/or spirulina powder. It is very fine and a rich evergreen colour with impressive nutritional components. It is one of those foods that tastes as healthy as it is- it’s pretty gross but once the smoothie is blended you cannot taste or smell it at all, you only get the benefits. Chlorella and spirulina are both microalgaes rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, chlorophyll, calcium, iron, zinc, protein and essential fatty acids. A lot of the (warranted) hype around these products is based on its alkalizing and chelating abilities. Continue Reading →