I have to admit that I was a little sceptical a year or so ago when reading up on spinach smoothies. For me spinach was something that goes into a curry or stew, added to a salad or steamed and served as a side with some grilled meat or fish. Not something that you drink to kick start your day. But actually spinach works really well in a smoothie due to it’s ability to easily blend without leaving large chunks and also for it’s neutral taste when blended with fruits. It is a great ingredient to use as it is packed full of goodness and contributing to your five a day.
There is something so virtuous about starting your day with a glass of strikingly green liquid. Green smoothies in particular have become a major health trend thanks to the clean eating crowd but they have started to receive some negative press about being bad for you, that I think is a little unfair. Some of the reasons are that smoothies can still contain too much sugar and they actually have a lot of calories. It is important to note that I am talking about home made smoothies, not popping to a juice bar where there may be some added refined sugars and other hidden ingredients. I also have to say that a lot of the smoothie recipes out there do put me off trying them out – combining chia seeds, avocado, 3 different fruits, nut based milks all in one glass is enough calories for me to have to need to work out in the gym all day long (I don’t, I sit at my desk..). This is why I always keep my smoothies simple, and if it helps people to pack in a bit more fruit and veg into their diet then I think it is a positive thing.
Smoothies are quick and easy to make. All you need to do is roughly chop up a load of fruit, add the rest of your ingredients and blitz away. If I am running short on time in the mornings then I make my smoothie first and drink it while getting ready.
- 1 apple (peeled and chopped)
- 1 banana (peeled and chopped)
- Handful of fresh spinach
- 4 ice cubes
- 25ml cold water
- Add everything to a blender and blend until it turns to liquid.
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