Guest post: creative smoothies by Heather Cuthbert

Smoothies are so easy to make and are the best way to add a nutritional boost to your diet.

They are also a great way to sneak some green leafy vegetables into your kids’ morning breakfast, or even mask the taste of that green super-food powder (spirulina/moringa/wheatgrass powder etc.) you have everyday.

But lets make these smoothies more creative, nutritious and extra tasty.

Here are some recipes to try at home using locally sourced goodies.

Cacao and Banana Smoothie (serves 1)

1.5 tbsp Epicurious Hedgehog cacao powder
1⁄2 avocado
1⁄4 cup coconut milk (see here on how to make fresh coconut milk)
1⁄2 cup water
1 frozen banana
1 tbsp protein powder (pea or hemp)
1 tsp Epicurious Hedgehog vanilla extract

Optional garnish: Epicurious Hedgehog cacao nibs

Directions

• Blend all ingredients up in a blender.
• If needed add extra water until you reach desired consistency.

Nutritional Goodness

This recipe contains good quality protein and beneficial fats to help slow down the release of glucose into the bloodstream. The creamy consistency is created by the avocado, banana and coconut milk.

Cacao powder contains flavonoids, a type of antioxidant compound that promotes general health, helping to reduce the risk of cell and tissue damage.

Cacao and bananas are also said to contain mood-boosting properties, due to their high tryptophan content.

Mango and Moringa Smoothie (serves 1)

1⁄2 mango diced
1 tsp moringa oleifera powder (from Healthy U, Spinners Web or Bonsai Global)
4 tbsp natural yoghurt
1⁄4 cup filtered water
1 tbsp ground flaxseeds

Optional garnish: bee pollen

Directions

• Blend all ingredients up in a blender except for the bee pollen.
• If needed add extra water until you reach desired consistency.

Nutritional Goodness

Moringa oleifera is a vibrant green powder made from the dried leaves of the moringa tree. Moringa is said to contain B vitamins, vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin K, manganese and protein, which could help to boost energy levels and support the immune system.

Flaxseeds add extra fibre to aid digestion, and omega-3 fatty acids to prevent internal inflammation.

Bee pollen is great for the immune system, but unfortunately I have not found it here.

Papaya and Baobab Smoothie (serves 1)

1 cup papaya diced
juice of 1⁄2 lime
1 tbsp baobab powder (from Healthy U, Spinners Web or Bonsai Global)
1 tbsp Dr. Chia Africa seeds (soaked overnight in 3 tbsp water. Chia seeds are also available at Spinners Web)
1⁄2 cup of coconut water
1⁄2 cup almond milk

Optional garnish: Papaya slices

Directions

• Blend all ingredients up in a blender.
• If needed add extra water until you reach desired consistency.

Nutritional Goodness

The baobab is a beautiful grand tree, also known as the ‘tree of life’. Baobab powder is simply the blended up pulp of the baobab fruit. It is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants to support the immune system and full of fibre, helping to balance blood sugar levels and support digestive function.

Papaya contains the protein-digesting enzyme papain, known to aid digestion and promote recovery from sports injuries.

About Heather Cuthbert

Heather Cuthbert of nuts about nutrition is a nutritional therapist based in Nairobi, Kenya. She offers nutritional therapy consultations for those who are overweight, over-stressed or need nutritional support.

The smart foodie highly recommends you try Heather’s delicious range of food products, in particular her brownies, sukuma wiki crisps and crackers. See here for more info on what she offers or contact her at:
Email: nutsaboutnutrition.co@gmail.com
Phone: +254 722 305 876
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Images courtesy of Heather Cuthbert