Smoothies: Three Ways

Good Matcha Morning

Serves: 2

This creamy, dreamy smoothie is such a great start to the day and is one of Darren’s favorites. My friend Sam got me onto Matcha, and I’m a convert!  I’ve always loved green tea for its taste and energy boost, but matcha powder has over 100 times more antioxidants, making this smoothie a delicious and health-boosting way to get energy and nutrients first thing in the morning.

Ingredients

• 1 frozen banana
• 1 avocado
• 1 large handful of English or baby spinach leaves
• 1 handful of ice cubes
• 2 tsp matcha green tea powder
• 500 ml (2 cups) coconut milk
• 1 tbsp chopped mint leaves, plus extra to serve
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
• Coconut flakes, to serve

Method

1. Place the banana, avocado, spinach, ice, matcha powder, coconut milk and mint leaves in a blender and whizz until smooth and creamy. Taste, and add a little maple syrup if you would like it sweeter.
2. Transfer to glasses and top with the extra mint leaves and coconut flakes.

~~~~~~~

Blueberry Dream

Serves: 2

Blueberries are my favorite fruit to add to smoothies, as they’re high in antioxidants and not too sweet, so when they’re in season I freeze as many as I can. With the addition of protein and a heap of other superfoods, this smoothie seriously gets your glow on!

Ingredients

• 150 g fresh or frozen blueberries, plus extra to serve
• 100 g coconut yogurt
• 3 tbsp vanilla protein powder
  
• 1 tbsp LSA  (linseed/ flax seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• Juice and flesh of 1 young coconut (or 400 ml coconut water)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
• Coconut flakes, to serve

Method

1. Place the blueberries, coconut yogurt, protein powder, LSA, chia seeds and coconut juice and flesh in a blender and whizz until smooth and creamy. Taste, and add a little maple syrup if you would like it sweeter.
2. Transfer to glasses and top with extra blueberries and coconut flakes.

~~~~~~~

Nutty Nana

Serves: 2

This smoothie is creamy, nutty, malty heaven. Maca is an ancient Peruvian food that’s great for regulating hormones and boosting energy.

Ingredients

• 2 frozen bananas
• 4 medjool dates, pitted
• 1 tsp vanilla powder
• 2 tsp maca powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon, plus extra to serve
• 2 tbsp almond butter
• 500 ml (2 cups) almond milk

Method

1. Place all of the ingredients in a blender and whizz until smooth and creamy. Transfer to glasses and top with a pinch of cinnamon.

These delicious recipes can be found in Happy & Whole by Magdalena Roze (Pan MacMillan Australia)

---