Are you a smoothie operator? I love smoothies; I find them a super convenient and tasty way to pack in the nutrients, be it for breakfast or later on in the day to refuel when you are World-weary or simply need to reenergise. (I love them after a hard workout session!)
This green melon smoothie is refreshing, tangy and a powerhouse of nutrients; from anti-oxidants, fibre to protein.
I have sweetened this with melon, banana and pineapple and balanced out the sweetness with spinach and cucumber. Pineapple is a great addition to smoothies; not only is it a great source of antioxidants, but also a rich source of bromelain, which helps to reduce inflammation, so can help alleviate joint pain, digestive complaints and allergies. Furthermore, did you know, pineapples are also a rich source of the ‘feel good’ amino acid, tryptophan? This is a precursor to the ‘happy hormone’ serotonin and so helps boost mood to prevent depression and anxiety. Food is medicine!
To bump up the nutritional profile, I have added protein powder and a blend of chia and dried goldenberry (Goldenberry and Chia powerblend).
You can make this smoothie and drink it from a glass or pour it into a bowl. I love making smoothie bowls so I can add toppings!
Preparation time: 5 mins
Makes: 500ml
Ingredients:
- 40g baby spinach
- 1 frozen banana*
- 130g frozen pineapple chunks*
- 100g Galia, orange or Honeydew melon
- 75g cucumber chunk
- 1 tbsp Goldenberry and chia powerblend
- 4 tbsp protein powder (I use pea or soya bean varieties).
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 3cm chunk of ginger (optional)
- 60ml coconut water or plant milk
*Frozen if possible. This will work too unfrozen, but the end result will be less creamy
Topping ideas: Fresh fruit, quinoa crispies, granola, protein crispies, coconut chips, sliced carrot or radish, dried goldenberries, pumpkin seeds, goji berries, hemp seeds and chia seeds.
Method:
- Add all ingredients into a blender and whizz to combine. Pour into a bowl and decorate as desired.
- I used a combination of puffed quinoa, melon balls, toasted coconut, fresh blueberries, radish flowers topped with chia seeds in the middle (stamens!), sliced grapes, pumpkin seeds, dried goji berries and dried goldenberries.
An absolutely beautiful, healthy smoothie bowl – packed with nutrients. I feel healthier just looking at it. 🙂
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