Smoothies and Supplements

Healthy eating is something that is really important to me. I'm not saying I don't like my fair share of treats (hello Ben and Jerry's cookie dough ice cream!) but at the same time I am quite conscious of making sure I get enough of the right things in my diet.

Nearly every day I will start the morning with a green smoothie. I am always trying to think of new healthy things to add to this, so I was really happy when Detox.Me got in touch and asked if I would like to review their Udo's Choice Ultimate Oil Blend.

This oil blend contains a huge array of good for you oils, and provides Omega 3, 6 and 9. The product is suitable for vegans, so I guess this would be a great way for anyone who doesn't eat fish to get their  omega 3 in! 

Some of the benefits Udo's choice can provide includes; healthy glowing skin, gain of energy, weight loss, reduction of inflammation, muscle soreness and reduction in the risk of heart disease and lubricates joints. As well as being great for enhancing your sporting performance the natural way. Sounds good to me!

I have been adding a little of this to my green smoothie every morning, and I have found it incredibly easy to include into my diet that way. I haven't noticed that it makes it taste any different either which is great! You can also mix it with pasta, drizzle it over vegetables, put it in porridge and use it to make your own dressings. Although you are advised not to heat it as it greatly reduces the nutritional value of the oils.

If you are interested in improving your diet, I would highly recommend investing in a blender and getting into the habit of having a smoothie everyday. Its such an easy way to make sure you are getting your 5 a day, as well as introducing some supplements like Udo's choice with minimal effort.

Want some inspiration for smoothie ideas? Check out some of my favourites below!

Watercress, Blueberry and Pineapple

 Watermelon and Strawberry

Mango, Banana and Goji Berries

Avocado and Banana

 Pina Colada

What do you like to add to your smoothies?

Laura xXx

Disclaimer - The product mentioned above was sent to me free of charge, however all opinions given are my own.

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My favourite healthy green smoothie

You may remember my little series of healthy smoothie posts that I did a little while back. Well, I have now perfected my favourite healthy smoothie, and I wanted to share it with you today! Here are the quantities of each ingredient that I use;

Ingredients

2 large handfulls Spinach

1 handfull Watercress

1 tin of Pineapple (432g)

A thin slice of chopped Ginger Root

Lemon - Juice of one segment.

Just a sprinkling of Turmeric

For a more filling smoothie add...

1 Banana

Half an Avocado

These all go in the blender together, and I blend until smooth. 

Now I want to tell you a little bit about why I put each of these ingredients into my smoothie;

Spinach - I don't eat a huge amount of leafy greens, and I'm not a huge fan of spinach in a meal, but I know they are good for me and what to get them into my diet regularly. I find that when you put it in a smoothie mixed with the right ingredients you barely even notice it is there!

Watercress - I was watching a TV program a little while ago and they were investigating studies that watercress has cancer preventing properties. Sounds good to me! As watercress goes off quite quickly, we will often freeze a bag as an emergency supply.

Pineapple (tinned or fresh) - Pineapple is the best ingredient for overpowering the flavours of the spinach and watercress, plus it is really refreshing. If I have run out of pineapple, I will sometimes use pineapple juice instead. It's not quite as filling but is just as good for you.

Ginger - This has been used since ancient times for its medical properties, and I also like the zingy flavour it adds!

Lemon - Again this is good for overpowering the peppery watercress, but the other day whilst watching 'How not to grow old', I also saw that it has anti ageing properties!

Turmeric - This is a relatively new discovery, again made whilst watching 'How not to grow old'. They said that as well as lemons, turmeric is great for its anti ageing properties.  I'm not going to lie, this is the one ingredient that can make the smoothie taste a little strange, like you have just dropped a bit of your curry in it by accident. BUT, supposedly it is really good for you, so I have been just adding a small sprinkling.

I drink this smoothie practically every day, and since I have been I have noticed my skin has really improved! I also feel more energetic and generally healthy! I usually have it first thing in the morning, sometimes I will also have breakfast later, and sometimes I will add banana and/or half an avocado to it to it to make it a bit more filling. You might also want to add a little bit of water if the smoothie looks too thick for you.

If you are dying to try out this recipe, but find yourself blenderless, fear not! I am running a competition to win a fantastic Kenwood Blender at the moment! So don't miss your chance!

What is your healthy smoothie preference?

Laura xXx

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