Talk has turned to weight loss for summer holidays. So now we’re all thinking about the dreaded bikinis and swimsuits we’re going to have to wear with no escaping! Well if you’re feeling like you’re in a food rut, sometimes it’s a good idea to shake things up a bit and try out something new, so why not blend up a delicious summer smoothie to kick start your summer weight loss!
If you are going to make a summer smoothie part of your diet we suggest you use as much live raw food as possible, especially free vegetables, fruit (bearing in mind the natural sugar content) and of course protein, which can include pulses – these are also full of fiber.
In this particular smoothie we choose to use spinach as our base. These dark leafy greens are so important for skin and hair, bone health, and provide protein, iron, vitamins and minerals. The health benefits of consuming spinach include improving blood glucose control in diabetics, lowering the risk of cancer, lowering blood pressure, improving bone health, lowering the risk of developing asthma and more.
One cup of raw spinach contains 27 calories 0.86 grams of protein, 30 milligrams of calcium, 0.81 grams of iron, 24 milligrams of magnesium, 167 milligrams of potassium and 58 micrograms of folate. Surprisingly most of the calories in spinach actually come from protein.
Once you start incorporating green smoothies into your diet, you will soon feel the invigorating effects of pure goodness!
Ingredients
2 cups of baby spinach OR 8 slices of cucumber OR 2 large hanfuld of curly kale
Approx 200ml pure (not from concentrate) orange juice
4-6 strawberries
½ small banana
OPTIONAL – 125g pot of Vitalinea fat free/sugar free yoghurt OR 2 baby light cheese – eat these separately but at the same time as smoothie.
Directions
Blend on fast speed until you see a bright green, lump free smoothie.
Pour, drink, feel energised and GO!!
