5 TIPS FOR A FAIL SAFE GREEN SMOOTHIE

It’s no secret I love me a green smoothie. There is a high chance I am addicted and I know you may well be too. Seriously, what is not to love about a smooth delicious beverage that is not only cleansing your body, giving your system a mighty big helping hand to eliminate toxins while providing you with nourishing sustenance in the process.

I’ll be honest with you. In my early days when I was only a wee tacker I had my fair share of undrinkable mud coloured concoctions, used the wrong equipment and may have more often than not had to tackle them with a spoon. After a few little mishaps I established some easy tricks to ensure my green smoothies became fail safe. I have decided to put pen to paper today so that you too may continue on your healthy way with ease. 

My top 5 tips for a winning elixir:

• Shaken not stirred – There is no doubt about it, My mum’s second hand 1970’s mini magi-mix just didn’t cut it and neither did the cheap supermarket version of a blender. Some like their green smoothie chompable and enjoyed with a spoon. Me? I like mine as smooth as possible. To make sure the finished product doesn’t look like it was run through a mulcher you really need to use a good quality high speed blender. By using a high powered blender you are also making available more nutritional benefit as the blades are able to unlock more of the nutrients and make them more easily assimilated by your body. Good blenders are surprisingly easy to come by (both on the inter webs and in stores) and if green smoothies are your morning staple you are bound to get bang for your buck. Here is the one I use

• Smooth as –  The ratio of liquid to the bulk of fruit and veggies is the key here.  My general rule is 300ml liquid  such as coconut water to 1-1  1/2 cups all other ingredients to make a 500ml smoothie.

• Order it up – It may surprise you that the order you use to add ingredient can effect the consistence as well. For optimal blend I have found a good order to be: liquid, fruit and veg, green leaves, super foods and berries

•  Flavour boost – A squeeze of lemon is all it takes to take the taste of your green treat to the next level. As an awesome little addition you will help your body assimilate the iron from the green leaves. It is also an essential ingredient if you are not adding any sweetness such as fruit as it balances the bitterness of kale and other strong tasting green leaves.

• Combining – Avoid combining starch with leaves. This can sometimes upset your tummy. For example carrot with spinach. You are better off combining an apple with the spinach or zucchini with the carrot. Easiest way to remember is starch with starch.

Here is my favourite recipe for a super delicious and fresh tasting green smoothie. Perfect for kids, beginners and you, the health conscience: 

Ingredients: 

300ml coconut water or water

1 frozen banana

juice of 1/2 small lemon

big handful of baby spinach

1 small or half big apple cored and chopped

1 dessert spoon chia seeds

Method:

Place all ingredients in a blender

Pulse to combine and blend until smooth.

Happy blending!

What is your favourite smoothie combo at the moment?