Summer is the perfect time of year to enjoy a refreshing, nutrient rich smoothie. As an energy – boosting snack or an easy to prepare breakfast or lunch, you can create a delicious combination from whatever you have in the fridge, freezer and cupboard.

So why start the day the smoothie way?

It is quick and easy…

60 seconds is all it takes to throw your ingredients into a blender, whizz it up and serve – it’s never been easier.

It maximises nutrition…

A smoothie is a perfect all-in-one solution to squeeze in a few of your daily serves of fruit and veg, some quality protein, fibre, good fats and hydrating liquid.

It is gentle on digestion…

Sometimes it’s nice to give our overworked digestive systems a break by sticking to liquids until lunch time. After the night’s fasting, a liquid breakfast can support gut health, especially if it contains gut boosting ingredients such as papaya, pineapple and ginger, collagen and kefir or yoghurt.

Can assist with weight management…

Smoothies are excellent for those looking to maintain or lose weight as they help boost metabolic function, fill you up with health giving ingredients while keeping you full and satisfied throughout the morning. Add in some metabolism boosting ingredients such as avocado, nuts, coconut oil, green tea and a quality protein powder for extra fat burning benefits.

Can enhance immune function and support healthy skin, heart and brain health…

A smoothie with a good combination of fruits and vegetables (particularly leafy greens); good fats such as avocado, nuts and seeds; and coconut products can help keep your immune system firing, support healthy function of the brain and heart and assist in creating enviable glowing skin.

Not sure what combination is right for you?

Check out these five winning summer smoothie combinations to wow the taste buds and nourish the body…

Metabolism Booster: pour in some chilled green tea, frozen mango and pineapple, a knob of ginger, some baby kale and ¼ of an avocado to rev that body into fat burning mode.

Antioxidant Burst: whizz up almond milk, a cup of baby spinach, frozen blueberries, acai berry powder, some chia and hemp seeds and a sprinkle of goji berries to finish.

Hormone Help: blend coconut milk, frozen cherries, Maca and cacao powder (a tsp of each should be plenty), ¼ of an avocado, ½ frozen banana, a serve of leafy greens and a tablespoon of coconut oil – happy hormones!

Skin Support: combine almond or coconut milk, ½ of an avocado, frozen banana, ground flaxseeds, a tsp of spirulina, a sprinkle of hemp, chia and sunflower seeds and a tablespoon of collagen powder – bring on the glow!

Gym Junkie: whizz up a protein packed mixture of organic cow’s, almond or coconut milk, peanut butter, cacao powder, frozen banana, baby spinach, high quality whey isolate or plant based protein powder (chocolate, vanilla or neutral work well), some kefir or yoghurt and a tablespoon (or two) or MCT oil. Excellent after a workout for muscle building and repair, boosting energy and improving recovery time (but you DEFINITELY don’t need to have exercised at all to enjoy this combo).

These combinations are a guideline only so feel free to use them as a base and add or take away your own ingredient choices. Perhaps you’ll create something magical to share with us all.

written by Emma H for go natural foods