Super Smoothies

By: Dimi Deliyiannis

Smoothies are fast becoming the most desirable health drink on
the market. All over health kiosks and trendy restaurants,
waiter trays are flooded with bright, bold smoothies, oozing
with flavour and appeal. These delicious drinks are packed with
fresh goodness and taste like heaven. Not only are they kind to
your taste buds, but also a big bonus to your hard-earned
figure.

A smoothie can replace any meal of the day or simply add to a
healthy meal, although they look good in magazines and at
restaurants, some smoothies are destroyed by common mistakes
people make. Get Fit introduces you to ten hints to help you
make your smoothies burst with flavour and goodness 1. To keep
your calorie level low, opt for low fat or fat free dairy
products when making smoothies. Avoid any full cream yoghurts or
milk products, as these will cancel out the health benefits of
drinking smoothies.

2. To create the best tasting smoothing, make use of only the
highest quality, freshest fruit. Fruit that is perfectly ripe
and in the prime of its season will allow your smoothie to burst
with colour and flavour.

3. Avoid using artificial sweeteners as much as possible as they
leave a bitter aftertaste. For additional flavour, rather use a
tablespoon of honey or maple syrup instead. If you'd prefer to
stick to the healthiest method of making a smoothie add half of
a ripe banana into your smoothie recipe.

4. If using frozen fruit, make sure you use it within two weeks
as the flavour fades the longer they are kept frozen.

5. Experiment with flavoured ice cubes. This is a great way to
create a cool and thick smoothie, full of concentrated flavour.
To make, simply pour the juice, tea, or nectar of your
preference into an ice cube tray and freeze.

6. Freeze up some juice into ice cubes and experiment with
various flavours. All you need to do is add some fresh fruit or
herbal flavoured tea into an ice-cube tray and freeze.

7. Using a blender, crush the plain or flavoured ice cubes or
for maximum consistency crush the ice cubes before adding them
into the blender. Simply wrap up the ice cubes in a clean
dishtowel and using a frying pan or rolling pin, smash the ice
until crushed.

8. For a thick smoothie, add an additional handful of frozen
fruit, frozen yoghurt and crushed ice. If you prefer a lighter
smooth, simply add more liquid.

9. If you're interested in adding some protein to your
smoothies, simply add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry protein
powder to your mixture and enjoy as a complete meal.

10. Enjoy your smoothie at its very best by drinking it directly
after it has been made.

Our top three super smoothies:

Cinnamon-banan blast You will need ½ cup of skim milk 250ml fat
free banana flavoured yoghurt 8 Crushed strawberry flavoured ice
cubes 1 ripe banana 1-teaspoon cinnamon flavoured powder Mint
Leaves

Mix ingredients in a blender at a high speed for 8 minutes, pour
into a tall milkshake glass and enjoy with a fresh mint leaf on
top.

Strawberry protein sensation You will need ½ cup skim milk 250ml
fat free strawberry flavoured yoghurt A handful of fresh chopped
strawberries 1 scoop strawberry flavoured protein powder 8
crushed ice cubes Mix ingredients in a blender at a high speed
for 8 minutes, pour into a tall milkshake glass and enjoy with
whole strawberry on top.

Mango and papaya paradise You will need One ripe chopped mango
One ripe chopped papaya ½ cup skim milk 250ml fat free peach
flavoured fruit yoghurt 8 crushed, mango juice ice cubes

Mix ingredients in a blender at a high speed for 8 minutes, pour
into a tall milkshake glass and enjoy with whole slice of papaya
shaped around the top of the glass.

About the author:
Dimi Deliyiannis is the founder and editor of
http://www.GetFIT.co.za, a free online magazine with information
on training, diet and nutrition. She regularly writes articles
for top South African magazines, including: Fitness, Muscle
Evolution and Women's Value. Visit her website on
http://www.getfit.co.za and sign up for her free monthly fitness
supplement on
http://www.getfit.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id
=227&Itemid=91