The start of a new year seems to be the time that many of us make resolutions to change something in our life for the better. While I’m not one to do so because I feel like I am setting myself up to fail, it is a time that I reflect on my achievements and challenges.
Last year bought about some minor health challenges for me that saw me changing my diet and having a new eating plan. I’ve been sugar free for quite a while now and at times I might try something that has sugar in it, generally I steer well clear. It has been interesting to see how my body has reacted to the dietary changes. As to be expected everything tastes much sweeter than ever before and to be honest I don’t like things that are sweetened with “white” sugar.
I’ve always been one for testing things on myself just to see what happens, at least when it comes to food and exercise. I’ve tried many different lifestyles including Ayurvedic principles, vegetarianism (for a long time), gluten-free and dairy-free. Recently I’ve been reading about (and dabbling in) the Paleo lifestyle. What an interesting concept, especially for an ex-vegetarian :).
So part of the reason I developed these recipes was because they fitted the plan and also because I needed to feel “healthy” after the Christmas indulgences. So if you want some New Year zeal then try these.
trio of paleo smoothies – mango and coconut, (yummy) green smoothie, chocana almond, (recipes created by Fiona at Food 4 Thought).
mango and coconut – makes approximately 1 ½ cups
Ingredients
200g fresh mango flesh (cut into cubes)
100g coconut milk (slightly chilled)
50g ice cubes
100g almond milk (see tips for nut free options)
Preparation
Place all ingredients into TM bowl and mix for 1 minute on speed 10. Scrape around sides of bowl, and pour into glass.
Serve immediately.
My tips: *If you don’t want to use coconut milk, you can just add more almond milk. If you prefer a nut free option you could substitute coconut water or just chilled water.
taste: 6.5/10 From G and 8.5/10 from me. This had an intense mango flavour. I liked this chilled a little after making it.
“green” smoothie – makes approximately 1 ½ cups
Ingredients
50g celery, chopped into 3cm pieces
50g spinach, washed and dried
150g nectarine or peach flesh (approx. 3 – 4 small nectarines and 2 – 3 peaches with stone removed)
50g ice cubes
100g chilled water
10g raw honey
squeeze lemon juice (approx. 2 teaspoon)
Preparation
Place all ingredients into TM bowl and mix for 1 minute on speed 10. Scrape around sides of bowl, and pour into glass.
Serve immediately.
My tips: *You can use whatever “greens” you prefer. Try cucumber, a little mint and even some basil or coriander. *If you like it a little thinner in texture add a little bit more water. *Chill this before you drink it, it makes it much nicer and taste a little less “green”.
taste: 9/10 From G for healthiness and as a choice of drink 5/10 and 8/10 from me. Given that I’m not into “green” smoothies at all, I thought this was really good 
.
chocana almond– makes approximately 1 ½ cups
Ingredients
1 frozen banana (approx. 120g)
150g almond milk
2 teaspoons agave nectar or honey
1 teaspoon raw cacao or cocoa powder
small handful of spinach (optional)
Preparation
Place all ingredients into TM bowl and mix for 1 ½ minute on speed 10. Scrape around sides of bowl, and pour into glass.
Serve immediately.
My tips: *You could make this nut free by adding your favourite milk, however some options may not be paleo. *I would suggest a mixture of coconut milk and coconut water as a great paleo nut free option.
taste: 9/10 From G and 9/10 from me. We both love this shake. Quick, easy and delicious! The end.
My overall tips: *For nutritional reasons, smoothies are always best consumed soon after they are made. However, if time dictates, you could make these and store them for use in the morning. *Make these for breakfast to give you a morning full of energy or as a healthy snack.
ease: 9.5/10. Healthy is easy.
prep time: 15 minutes. For all three.
cooking time: 0 minutes
total: 15 minutes.
taste: 7.4/10 (on average) From G and 8.5/10 from me. A great healthy start to the day.
would I make it again: Yes, yes and yes.
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