5 Tips for Making the Perfect Smoothie!

Making the perfect smoothie is a bit of an art form. I have to admit I’ve created quite a few disastrous concoctions over the years but I think recently I’ve got it think I've nailed it, less sludge and more smooth-ie. Here are some of my tips on making killer smoothies every single time:

1. Use fruit as the natural sweetener. If you use the right blend and ripeness of fruits in your smoothie, there’s little need for extra sweeteners. I find half a ripe banana always gives my smoothie the right amount of sweetness without making it sickly, and adds the right amount of thickness. Add to that some low sugar fruits like blueberries, raspberries or strawberries and it’s pretty much perfect. And if you use frozen fruit, the consistency tends to be even better and you get a lovely chilled smoothie
2. Always include protein. Protein has many functions including slowing down the release of sugars from the fruit into the blood stream. Adding a protein hit helps to create a much more nutritionally balanced drink too. I like to add some natural bio-live yoghurt to mine, and a tablespoon of flax or chia seeds, but you could also choose organic soya yoghurt…
3. Add in some healthy fats. It’s so easy to add in some healthy fats to a smoothie. From avocado to a handful of nuts, some seeds or some nut butter, there’s lots of options. We need fats not only to produce the hundreds of hormones in our bodies, but they also contain the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. You could even add in a small spoonful of coconut oil to add some medium chain triglycerides to your smoothie, great for brain health!
4. Add in some slow release carbohydrates. If you're using your smoothie as a pre or post exercise snack, it’s great to get some slower release carbohydrates into the smoothie too. I love to add in some oats to my pre-workout smoothie to help power me through. And adding a large handful of greens such as kale or spinach is a great way to add in extra fibre, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.
5. Use milk alternatives. I’m not a dairy milk advocate and there are so many delicious alternatives to cow’s milk that are so much healthier, From almond and rice to oat and hemp, it’s worth trying different ones out for your smoothie to see which you prefer. Just make sure you choose one that is free of added sugars and other nasties such as carrageenan. If you prefer not to use a milk at all, you can just use some filtered water instead.

This is Summer Fruits version is one of my favourite smoothie recipes! 
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The wonderful thing about smoothies is that they are also perfect for kids and can even be set into healthy ice lolly alternatives.

What’s your favourite smoothie recipe? Do share it in the comments below. 

Vee x