A green power smoothie can be a great start to your day for many reasons. It is energising, nourishing and an easy alternative for a morning breakfast. It is packed with leafy greens full of potassium, magnesium, vitamins and minerals that help you stay active.
Below we share some easy, simple recipes to kick-start your morning with a power breakfast smoothie. Plus its the perfect pick me up after the Christmas sugar binge.
Firstly, why a Green Smoothie?
1. It's a quick easy breakfast to make and you can take it with you.
2. It provides you with an instant boost of energy and can help stave off those sugar pangs, and can be a great alternative as a morning drink replacement to caffeine.
3. If you make a good size portion power smoothie, there is no reason why you won't be kept satisfied and full till lunch.
4. Smoothies can be nutritious, healthy and tasty. Be sure to make green smoothies with a small amount of a naturally occurring sweet fruit or nut butters (peanut butter, almond) or vegan sweeteners (agave, maple syrup) for a healthier tasty portion.
Top ingredients to add to your smoothie and why
1. Protein: An important ingredient which your body uses throughout the day.
2. Carbohydrates: Fats are needed to give you energy throughout the day. Be sure to enjoy healthy fats, for example avocado, nuts or coconut oil.
3. Fibre: Stick to low glycemic fruits for example apples and berries, and citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruit or half small sized banana.
4. Extras: A spoon of chia seeds, nuts, organic powders (acai, matcha green tea, wheatgrass, spirulina) or nut butters are great compliments to enrich your smoothie drink with vitamins and minerals for a powerful punch.
Three delicious power smoothie recipes to try
1. Kale, Spinach and Avocado smoothie
Mix a handful portion of kale, spinach, celery, juice of half a lemon, half an avocado, and a small cup of coconut milk* (add a little more to smoothie to thicken or for larger portion) Tip: *Substitute for almond milk, soya or your favourite milk alternative.
2. Apple, Carrot and Kale smoothie
Mix a handful portion of kale, carrot, and one small green apple chopped in pieces,
and a small cup of coconut milk* (add a little more to thicken as needed)
Tip: *Substitute for almond milk, soya or your favourite milk alternative drink and add a vegan sweetener (such as agave or maple syrup).
3. Banana, Spinach and Pistachio
Half of a small sized organic banana, a handful of spinach, 1 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk and four ice cubes. (bananas and spinach have a high amount of potassium which helps prevent fatigue, great to minimise tiredness during the day.