Green Smoothie

Absolutely delicious and filled with goodness

There are hundreds of variations of the green smoothie but this is my favourite recipe.

Feel free to change it up and swap any ingredients you like - it's just important to use leafy greens like spinach or kale, with liquid like water or almond milk, and then any fruit of your choice.

Banana is probably essential since it makes it thick and smooth when blended.

Tip: Boost your smoothie by adding linseed mix, chia seeds, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, protein powder or whatever you wish!

I add Juice Plus complete vanilla powder to mine which makes it sweeter so perhaps add a little honey if it doesn't taste sweet enough for you.

Ice cubes are also essential - I find that the colder the smoothie, the better it tastes!

Makes 1 large smoothie

- 1 large handful of fresh spinach leaves

- 1 cup of cold water

- 1 small-medium banana, sliced

- 1 large handful of green grapes

- 1 large handful of chopped pineapple (fresh or tinned)

- 1 scoop of Juice Plus complete powder (or protein powder) - optional

- Ice cubes

1. Start by blending together the spinach and water until  smooth - it should just turn into green water!

2. Next, add all of the fruit (banana, grapes and pineapple) and powder (if using), and blend until completely smooth.

3. Place some ice cubes at the bottom of a large glass, then pour in the smoothie.

Enjoy :)

Delicious, nutritious smoothie

January is a great time to whack out the blender and detox with nutritious and delicious smoothies (but beware they do contain a lot of sugar) - and lucky for you, this one doesn't contain spinach or kale like my other recipes - although if you want a green kick then feel free to throw some in for extra nutrition!

I'm using Juice Plus Complete vanilla shake powder in mine as a nutritional supplement, so if you are a Juice Plus user then this is a great smoothie recipe for you, but most of you who don't have this, this smoothie is just as fab on its own and has a lovely sweet flavour - with four different fresh fruits, what could be a better way to start your day, or as a nutritious snack!?

Makes 1 large smoothie (about 500ml)

- 3-4 spoonfuls of low fat natural yogurt

- 1 banana, sliced

- 2 pineapple rings, chopped, plus some of the juice (use tinned pineapple)

- handful of blueberries (fresh or frozen)

- handful of raspberries (fresh or frozen)

- half a scoop of Juice Plus Complete vanilla flavour (optional)

- about 100ml of cold water (depending on how thick you like your smoothie)

1. Add the yogurt to the blender, then add the banana, pineapple (plus some of the juice) and the berries.

2. Add the Juice Plus powder if using (or any other supplement like protein etc.)

3. Top off with the cold water then blend for a minute, or until completely smooth!

Enjoy :)

Juice Plus Complete shakes

Just a quick post about Juice Plus Complete vanilla shakes which I've tried for the first time today, and wanted to share with you what they are and why I've decided to try them.

Juice Plus Complete 'provides all the nutritional elements of a whole meal; a balanced mix of carbs, proteins and fats as well as dietary fibre and vitamins and minerals'.

I decided to try these Juice Plus shakes due to a friends recommendation, and am using them as a nutritional supplement and for pre or post-workout recovery since the powder contains a good amount of protein, calcium, zinc and all other great vitamins and minerals. I will probably also add it to a home-made smoothie for a nutritional boost and to make the shake taste nicer and last longer!

For those of you wanting to lose some weight in the new year - Juice Plus shakes can also be used for weight control, by replacing a meal with a shake (they come in chocolate flavour as well!) I know a number of people who have successfully lost weight using Juice Plus as a meal replacement whilst eating healthily and staying active.

I will keep you updated with my thoughts on the shakes - so far they seem good as a motivational thing for me where it encourages me to eat healthy and eat clean, to give my health a boost and as a post-gym shake to replenish my energy levels. I will also have a Juice Plus Complete smoothie recipe up soon so keep checking back if you are interested!

(p.s. don't worry this food blog has not turned into a health freaks blog - I will still be posting a range of recipes!)