The Classic Breakfast Smoothie
280kcal, 15g sugar
Whether you’re the type who finds it hard to chew when you’re still half asleep, or just fancy a sure-fire nutrient boost first thing, this breakfast drink will help ease your way into the day. “Maca is a great natural stimulant, brilliant if you’re not a morning person,” says smoothie expert Jamie Meek, founder of Glo! Juice bar in Clapham. “It’s a Peruvian root, good for increasing energy and balancing hormones but also said to increase libido.” Blend together:
- 250ml almond milk (43kcal, 0.5g sugar)
- 1 banana (90kcal,12g sugar)
- 1 tbsp of peanut butter (90kcal, 1.5g sugar)
- 1 tbsp maca powder (20kcal, 1g sugar)
- 1 tbsp of ground flaxseed (37kcal, 0g sugar).
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The Skip-A-Meal Smoothie
346kcal, 16g sugar
Missing meals completely is never good for maintaining balanced energy levels, but if you don’t have time to chew then you can still keep yourself pepped with Christina McKevitt’s (the in-house nutritionist for kitchen technology company Smeg) meal-replacement shake. Chia seeds have been favoured by the Mexican Tarahumara running tribe because they believe they can provide sustainable energy, and Stevia is a sweetener.
- 1 cup of water with half a medium avocado (150kcal, 1g sugar)
- Half a cup of blueberries (85kcal, 15g sugar)
- 1 tbsp of chia seeds (60kcal, 0g sugar)
- Half a tbsp of coconut oil (60kcal, 0g sugar)
- Half a tablespoon of Stevia (1kcal, 0g sugar).
The Energy Boost Smoothie
496kcal, 37g sugar
Some days you need more calories than you realise, and this smoothie is a quick, healthy way to get in nearly an extra 500 without too much stress on your digestion. Meek says: “Matcha green tea powder helps you focus but unlike coffee doesn’t cause jitters.”
- Half a teaspoon of matcha powder (0kcal, 0g sugar)
- 200ml of coconut milk (300kcal, 0g sugar)
- A large handful of raspberries (64kcal, 5g sugar)
- 2 medjool dates (132kcal/32g sugar).
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The Immunity Booster Smoothie
362kcal, 33g sugar
“Spirulina is perfect for boosting the immune system because it’s packed with plant-based protein and omega 3s,” says Meek. “Avocado is also high in healthy fats and can help you absorb nutrients more easily.” Blend:
- A small handful of spinach (7kcal, 1g sugar)
- 1 medium apple (95 kcal, 19g sugar)
- Half an avocado (150kcal, 1g sugar)
- 1 banana (90kcal, 12g sugar)
- Three-quarters of a cup of water
- A quarter cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of spirulina (20kcal, 0g sugar)
The Coffee Smoothie
165kcal, 8g sugar
Your adrenal glands will thank you for blending your java with other nourishing ingredients; the caffeine release is tempered by the rest of the smoothie giving you less of a jolt (a bit like having an espresso after a meal). Blend:
- A double espresso (10kcal, 0g sugar)
- A handful of ice
- 50ml of coconut milk (75kcal, 3g sugar)
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (approximately 80kcal, 5g sugar. The values of sugar and calories in protein powders vary widely so check the label to be exact.)
- A pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg.
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