Did you realise that berries are the healthiest fruits that we can eat? This is because they are packed with nutrients including polyphenols, vitamins and minerals and, as with many fruits and vegetables, the darker in colour the better they are for us.
Strawberries and blueberries are fantastic for our health and immune functions and an easy way to pack in the goodness at the start of every day is to enjoy a berry smoothie. Easy to wizz up and prepare these smoothies will set you up for the day as you can go about your business knowing that those wonderful antioxidants are doing their job and combatting any free radicals in our systems that may cause harm.
Its easy to buy fresh fruit all year round now but do remember that, with modern farming methods, frozen fruits and veg can be just as healthy as the so called fresh produce that we see in the supermarket. This is because often, as the fruits are picked, they are immediately frozen thus retaining all their goodness. In contrast to this some of their ‘fresh’ cousins can have been flown almost half way around the world and be up to ten days old before they’ve even reached our shopping baskets!
Here is a recipe for a wonderful berry smoothie that not only will keep you full of vim and vigour but also contains only 117 calories per serving. You can also make these in advance and decant them into smaller beakers prior to freezing them. Then, before bedtime, take one out and leave it on the counter in the kitchen all ready to be enjoyed first thing in the morning before you rush out of the door.
Berry smoothie:
– 450g bag of frozen berries of your choice or buy a mixed bag for greater variety. Suggestions include; raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and so on…
– 450g low fat plain or flavoured yoghurt or plant based alternative.
– 100ml milk or plant based alternative such as almond, soya, coconut or hemp milk
– 2 teaspoons of agave or brown rice syrup (healthier than sugar or honey).
– 25g of rolled oats
Method:
In a blender, mix together the berries, milk, yoghurt and oats until smooth and frothy. Either pour into glasses and enjoy immediately or store in beakers and place in the freezer for later. Drizzle the syrup over the top according to preference.