Green Monster Smoothie

Green smoothies are a quick and easy means of getting large amounts of nutrient-rich leafy goodness into your diet and are a delicious, natural method of helping towards achieving a healthy glow.

Greens such as kale and spinach are a great source of fibre and they contain an abundance of phytonutrients, vitamins - such as A, B, C, E and K - plus a hefty dose of minerals including calcium and iron.

In terms of achieving optimum skin health, vitamins C and E are fantastic for providing antioxidants to fight of damaging free radicals and vitamin A has a long-standing connection with normalising skin conditions and rebuilding and repairing skin tissue.

Vitamin C, along with the mighty mineral iron, is also a great supporter of the body’s natural immune system. You’ll have noticed that when you’re feeling under the weather your skin takes on that dull, drained effect; keeping your immune system in tip top shape with a diet loaded in nutrients can arguably help you resist common illnesses and improve your recovery time so you’ll be looking – and more importantly, feeling – radiant in no time!

The idea of adding a great handful of greens to your deliciously sweet breakfast smoothie can be a tad daunting but I’m sharing a great recipe to try if you’re new to the club.

Yes, it does contain avocado and spinach but rest assured, the avocado offers a super creaminess and the spinach isn’t overpowering in flavour. Blitzing with a frozen banana allows for that appetising sweetness and it’s ramped up by just a touch of good-quality Manuka honey. I’ve also added Brazil nuts, another great source of vitamin E, and a spoonful of full-fat Greek yogurt, both of which provide a dose of healthy fats keeping you fuller for longer.

Give it a go! I’m sure you’ll love it and will soon be chugging this Green Monster smoothie on the regular!

Take it with you for the perfect on-the-go breakfast or snack!

Green Monster Smoothie

Serves 1

100ml milk*

3 brazil nuts

A big handful of fresh spinach

1 frozen banana (about 110g)

¼ ripe avocado

1 heaped tbsp full fat Greek yogurt

1 tsp Manuka honey

1 tsp Baobab**

A handful of ice

If you have time, add the milk and brazil nuts to your blender and allow to soak

When you’re ready, add all of the remaining ingredients and blitz until smooth and creamy.

*I used oat milk purely because this is what I had; cow’s milk or almond milk would be just fine, as would water

** I popped in a tsp of baobab for added nutrients but it’s not necessary