Hooray, the sun has got his hat on at last! Now that we’ve finally seen some sunshine you’ll most likely be relishing ice-creams and short shorts. As for us, we can’t think of many better ways to cool down than with a cold refreshing smoothie. Especially one of those super healthy concoctions that promise better skin, higher energy levels, and trimmer waistlines.

Plus there are so many great smoothie makers around these days with convenient travel bottles and high-speed settings. Getting a smoothie fix is easier than ever before! We’ve been passing lots of tried and tested smoothie recipes around our office, but we’ve narrowed them down to just three of our personal favourites for you to enjoy.

Super Healthy Green Smoothie Recipe for Skin

For glowing skin, shiny hair, stronger nails, and all-round better health, green smoothies tick all the boxes. We think this particular recipe is the perfect balance between nutritious and delicious!

Recipe:

• A small handful of spinach
• ½ apple
• ½ banana
• 1 kiwi fruit
• 50 ml of coconut water

Why It Works:

Apples contain vitamin C which helps your skin heal, copper which helps protect it from the sun and Vitamin A which helps skin develop.

Spinach is rich in vitamin K which clears your complexion and antioxidants which keep your skin looking young.

Bananas are full of potassium which moisturises and hydrates your skin.

Kiwis are a source of vitamin E which keeps skin youthful and healthy.

Coconut water hydrates your skin leaving your complexion glowing!

Fruity Smoothie Recipe for Weight Loss

All the lovely fruits and veggies in smoothies make them full of healthy vitamins and fibre. But smoothies with lots of milk or sweeteners like maple syrup or honey may not be ideal for slimming the waistline. If you’re going for a honed beach summer body this year, try this filling yet slimming recipe, which you can prepare the night before and enjoy for breakfast.

Recipe:

• A small pot of natural low-fat Greek yoghurt
• 1 tbsp almond butter
• A handful of blueberries
• A handful of pineapple chunks
• A handful of kale
• 150ml coconut water

Why It Works:

Yoghurt is full of calcium and protein and will make your smoothie creamy without adding a whole load of fat and calories.

Almond butter contains calcium and fibre which help encourage weight loss and will keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer.

Blueberries are a low-calorie fruit and are chock full of antioxidants and vitamins.

Pineapples are a source of bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion.

Kale has an impressive array of nutritional benefits, despite being low in calories and contains fibre essential for the digestive system.

Tropical Smoothie Recipe for Energy

Sun can zap energy and make you lethargic and really hot weather can make sleeping difficult too. This is a great smoothie for drinking early in the day when it’s just too muggy to stomach a morning coffee. It’ll give you a boost at breakfast time and keep you going throughout the day.

Recipe:

• 150ml almond milk
• 1 large mandarin orange (remember to remove the seeds!)
• A handful of mango chunks
• ½ banana
• 1tbsp natural almond butter
• 1 tbsp honey
• Dash of chilli powder if you need an extra alertness kick!

Why It Works:

Almonds have all sorts of energy-enriching vitamins and minerals, including magnesium which helps you move about for longer without getting tired.

Mangos contain Vitamin B which boosts your energy levels.

Oranges like most fruit and veg release their nutrients gradually, giving you energy for longer.

Bananas are full of natural sugars and carbs which keep you full and alert.

Our Smoothie Making Tips

If you find your blender is leaving your smoothies chunky we can recommend a cure – you may need to replace your blender blades. You’ve heard you should never mix your drinks, but when it comes to smoothies mixing is a must! No one should be cursed with a lumpy beverage, so keep your blender in tip-top condition and mix to your heart’s content.

Tags: Smoothie Recipes, Smoothie Tips