As I mentioned earlier this week, smoothies have become a large part of my daily diet. My new life and routine (or lack thereof) has persuaded me to really focus on nutrition and gaining as much energy for the day as possible. When busy and running around (like a headless chicken, comme moi!) it’s very easy to grab junk food on the go, or survive on coffees for three fourths of the day, and with late sleeping hours, a very unhealthy snack/meal at 1 a.m.
That particular snack/meal at 1 a.m. is what general kills my diet efforts on a daily basis. As I write this at 1:33 a.m., I am sipping on this exact smoothie I am sharing with you.
I make a pot of green tea (current obsession: jasmine flavoured) and leave to chill in the fridge. I tend to sip on this frequently through the day. When a smoothie calls, I add a bunch of berries, always a chunk of pineapple, a tablespoon of chia seeds (benefits of chia seeds noted here), and the green tea. Since it’s strawberry season, I am taking full advantage of lovely fresh big strawberries, along with frozen blueberries and/or raspberries (available at most supermarkets).
Pineapple is one ingredient that seems to be a constant in most smoothie combinations. Pineapple gives a great kick to your metabolism, full of Vitamin C and A, is an anti-inflammatory, helps strengthen bones, and aid in digestion. I would always recommend adding one slice at least to the smoothie. (However, it is still far more beneficial to eat a chunk of the pineapple than to juice it!)
Now, another main point I’d like to emphasize on is quantity. A smoothie is a great filling substitute for an unhealthy meal, processed foods and ingredients. But, it can be high on calories as well as sugar if you end up using canned fruits and syrups. Try to go as natural as you can, even if it is a bit of an effort. A large glass may not do you as good as you think. I suggest a smaller glass, and if possible, eat the fruits and veggies!
