Three energy boosting smoothies

All you need is a blender and your choice of healthy ingredients. You'll need a base, such as water, milk or yogurt, but otherwise there are very few limits to what you can add in to your smoothies. They are such a good way to add immunity- and energy-boosting nutrients that will help keep you on track towards your health and fitness goals.

Here are three of my favourites:

Chocolate health shake

This is a thick and creamy shake that is packed with goodness. All the deliciousness of chocolate, without the guilt!

Ingredients:

• 3 chopped dates
• 1 frozen banana, skin removed
• Flesh of 1/4 avocado
• 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
• 2 tbsps cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk of your choice

How to make:

1. Soak the chopped dates in a few tablespoons of boiling water and allow them to soften for a few minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. Chop the banana into a few chunks and pop into a blender or food processor. I always use my amazing Kenwood Food Processor, it comes with a jug attachment!
3. Add the remaining ingredients, including the soaked dates, and blend thoroughly before serving.
    

Adapt it: This smoothie has a slightly coarse texture because of the seeds and dates. If you prefer to have a smooth shake then replace the pumpkin seeds with peanut or almond butter and soak the dates for a little longer before adding them.

Top tip: For a rich chocolate taste, try using raw Dutch cocoa. You can buy it at some supermarkets, health stores and speciality food stores.

Red velvet smoothie

There are loads of cake recipes which have chocolate and beetroot and they work well, so why not try the same in a smoothie. This is so tasty and toddler approved too, my little boy loved it.

Ingredients:

• 1 raw beetroot chopped or pre cooked
• 1 small or 1/2 ripe banana
• 1 tbsp cocoa (I love Equagold Dutch cocoa)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup frozen berries
• 1 cup milk

How to make:
Blitz together (I used my amazing Kenwood food processor) and enjoy!!
Tip: Next time I think I might add a slice of avocado and make it even more creamy

Carrot cake smoothie

Another cake flavour favourite, so if you're feeling like a treat, here is a healthier, more nourishing version!

Ingredients

• 1 small frozen banana, peeled
• 2 medium carrots, peeled
• 1 tbsp oats
• 1 tbsp desiccated coconut
• 1 cup trim milk or alternative of choice
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground ginger
• Pinch of nutmeg - freshly grated or dry
• Optional 1 date or 1 tsp maple syrup
• 2-3 walnuts
  
  

How to make:
Blend all ingredients in a blender serve and enjoy.

Don't be afraid to mix up the ingredients with healthy additions to create your own favourite blends. Smoothies are good way to get some of your 5+ a day intake in, and are a good way to stop ripe fruit from going to waste!

This recipe was created by Qualified Nutritionist Claire Turnbull who is an Author, Professional Speaker and the Director of the Mission Nutrition who offer nutrition consultations and workplace wellbeing services nationwide. For 75% off the cost of a nutrition consultation with Mission Nutrition, BOOK HERE

Facebook: From @claireturnbullnz from @missionnutritionnz
Instagram: From @claire.turnbull from Mission Nutrition www.missionnutrition.co.nz