Friday 19 September 2014

 KEEPING IT HEALTHY!



Happy Friday everyone!
How has your week been?
Mine has been super busy with trying to get back to normal having been away last week.  Catching up with clients and work projects as well as getting the house organised and getting on top of the dreaded laundry….the price to pay for taking time out!

Talking of the 'price to pay'….although I like to think we have a very healthy lifestyle here at home, holidays are undoubtedly a time when many of us overindulge just a little bit!  All those delicious meals, local wines and lazing about…but hey, isn't that all part of the fun?!  

Well, Mr SH and I arrived home last weekend, full of resolve, ready to take on a stricter week, and try and lose the inevitable couple of pounds or so that can shockingly creep up on us when there have been one too many treats.  I was also keen to get back to the gym for some classes and kick start a particularly nutritious regime that would give us some much needed energy, to take on what is looking like a very busy Autumn for us.





I may be a little late to the whole 'Nutribullet' craze, but for any of you who have not heard of this amazing gadget, I can honestly say that I am absolutely hooked, and loving it!  Having heard rave reviews, I decided to invest in one not long ago, and it has now become an addictive start to our early morning routine.

Perfect for creating ultra delicious and nutritious smoothies and juices, the Nutribullet claims to be unlike any other blender.  Because of its unique blade, it breaks down pulp, skin, seeds and stems of the fruits and plants we eat, in to tiny particles, extracting every ounce of goodness.  





When I first came across recipes for 'green' smoothies….especially for breakfast….I admit I didn't find the idea overly appetising!  Always one to give things a go though, I stocked up on ingredients such as 'chia seeds', 'spirulina' and 'hemp powder' and also bananas, which give smoothies that perfect texture as well as being such a healthy start to the day. With plenty of flavour packed and nutritious berries, spinach, kale and chard in the garden, I was ready…







Ok….it doesn't look the most appealing of drinks first thing, but I promise you, it is absolutely delicious!  If you really can't face the 'greenness', just leave out the Spirulina!

It's a good feeling to know that you have started your day with a power house of vitamins, minerals and plant proteins…after just a week of getting back in to our new daily ritual, we are feeling the benefits….great for glowing skin and energy levels too. Amazingly more satisfying than toast or cereals with no hunger pangs all morning!

I have been mixing up all sorts of different combinations of fruits, with greenery,  but here is a favourite recipe to try:

Green smoothie

1 banana
Mixed frozen or fresh berries 
(I love blueberries, red currants and raspberries)
Handful of green leaves (spinach, chard or kale)
1 tsp Spirulina powder (blue/green algae that is a great source of protein, essential amino acids and minerals)
1 tsp Hemp powder (rich in protein, minerals and omega fats)
1 tsp Chia seed (rich in protein, Omega 3 and fibre)
Water, fruit juice, coconut water or natural yoghurt to dilute)


In a hurry in the mornings?  In less than the time it takes to boil a kettle, you can whizz up this powerful start to the day, so super quick and easy.

So, if you haven't got in to making your own nutritious smoothies yet, are you tempted to give it a go?  Perhaps you have been creating these healthy starts to your day for a long time?  
Either way, I would love to hear from you and perhaps you smoothie officionados out there would like to share your favourite recipes and combinations?

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Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, whatever you have planned….ours will be spent now trying to get on top of new overwhelming weeds and jobs in the garden.  
What did I say about 'a price to pay'?!

Sophia xx

PS. If you would like some more 'fruity' inspiration, check out my latest guest post on the Sarah Raven website's blog 'Garlic and Sapphire' entitled 'This year's fruity addition to the garden', by clicking on the link.



6 comments:

  1. I have been wanting to try this out for ages having read so much about it. I really think that I am going to have to invest in one myself and give it a go.
    Have a wonderful weekend Sophia x

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  2. Highly recommended Alison! Have a wonderful weekend too!

    Sophia x

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  3. Hi Sophia
    I love my Nutri bullet as well and yes Spirulina is definitely an acquired taste! I often add bee pollen to my smoothies. Enjoy all that green goodness.
    Debbie

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    1. I have been reading about Bee pollen Debbie, and now you have inspired me to try it! Thank you.

      Sophia x

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  4. I'm waiting for my blender to give up the ghost before I invest in a Nutri bullet.
    Great to read your review Sophia - I'm sold!!
    Have a lovely day,
    Liz x

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    1. You'll be so pleased when you get one Liz, I'm sure! Highly recommended. Certainly don't have any association with Nutribullet but just very pleased!

      Sophia x

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