Slurp n’ Shake: Six healthy smoothies to kick start your day with

Who else prefers smoothies over fresh juice? We’re team smoothies all the way. Not only are they fulfilling and flavourful, but they’re also a great and quick way to slurp in a nutrient-dense meal. If made the right way, smoothies are literally vitamins, minerals, fibres and antioxidants in liquid form.

It’s pertinent to note that smoothies can be tricky due to their imbalance in sugar content. Whether from whole foods or added sugars, a higher sugar spike will only do more damage to your health. The short term effects can be a crash in energy or severe hunger pangs not long after drinking it.

However, the balance can be achieved by using a foundational five method by Nutrition Stripped, a health and fitness publication, that advises an amalgamation of a non-starchy carbohydrate such as spinach, a starchy carbohydrate like fruit, maple syrup or honey, a healthy fat source that can be chia seeds or nut butter, a protein intake via beans or powder, and finally, the flavour factor using cacao nibs or berries of choice. Pro-tip: Always store your sad-looking, leftover veggies in the refrigerator and use them when it’s time to make a smoothie!

Here are five recipes to help foster some ideas in your head.

1. Almond Butter Pink Beet Smoothie

Beetroots are an amazing source of iron but they’re also hard to add to a diet other than salads. Fear not, we have a solution! All you need for a glass of tempting creamy pink smoothie is almond milk, steamed medium-sized beets, almond butter, frozen chopped cauliflower and lemon juice. Grind all of it together and enjoy the anti-inflammatory and detoxication benefits with your yummy glass on the go!

2. Banana-Strawberry Smoothie

There’s something divine about the classic pairing of bananas and strawberries. However, taste apart, what makes this smoothie extra nutritious is the number of antioxidants in it, including phytonutrients like anthocyanins, tannins, anthocyanins, flavonols, resveratrol, ellagic acid and catechins from the strawberries alone.

3. The Stripped Green Smoothie

Starting your day by checking off ⅓ of your fibre intake is the best thing you can do for yourself. Loaded with dark leafy greens, hydrating vegetables like cucumber, a banana for the sweetness, lots of citrus, and ingredients like cinnamon and turmeric mixed with coconut water, this green smoothie tastes delicious!

4. Matcha Mango Smoothie

This one is for the upcoming summer season. For people sensitive to caffeine, green tea, especially matcha, is an excellent alternative. To make this refreshing energy booster, you need organic matcha powder, spinach, almond milk, half banana, mangoes, lemon juice and sea salt. The slightly bitter caffeine booster combined with a sweet and sour mango will make for a great breakfast addition.

5. Beauty Green Smoothie

Saving the best for last, we bring you a new hack to add to your skincare routine. Good for skin, healthy for hair and tastes amazing, this one is a must-try! Containing strawberries, acai, spinach, coconut oil, chia seeds, and more whole food, the smoothie is rich in vitamins C, A, K, zinc, iron, protein, fibre, and healthy fats. And, the cherry on top? The mixture of greens, sweet fruits, and healthy fats make this smoothie really creamy and truly satisfying.

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