This week, I’ve had the pleasure to help two lovely young ladies create some smoothies based on what they have been learning about nutrition and their needs. It seems cherries were a big hit, and rightly so.
Cherries are a packed with fibre, vitamin C and potassium, vital for your body to function optimally. They are a rich source of antioxidants, and they are anti-inflammatory, promoting overall health. Research shows that these properties may help to ease exercise induced muscle pain, inflammation and damage. The potassium provides heart protecting properties, the anti-inflammatory effects may reduce symptoms related to arthritis and gout. Cherries contain melatonin, which may improve sleep quality.
Cherries are a seasonal summer fruit, but don’t worry frozen cherries work great in these recipes!
Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
Mood Booster
Chocolate and cherries are a delicious classic combination, that may even lift your mood and make you feel energised!
This smoothie is full of omega 3's, protein, fibre, calcium, and zinc from the chia seeds. Cauliflower providing some of your daily vegetables, with fibre, and vitamins C and K. Raw cacao, is a natural mood elevator and anti-depressant, it is packed full of magnesium and calcium, has an amazingly high content of antioxidants and is the highest plant-based source of iron.
Ingredients (Serves 2):
2 handfuls frozen cherries
1 Banana large ripe
2 florets of frozen cauliflower
400ml Almond milk
1 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp Raw cacao (cocoa is ok too)
Blend everything for 1-2 minutes, serve and enjoy!
Black Forest Smoothie
Happy Digestion
Another chocolate and cherry combination, rich and luxurious. Supporting your digestion and helping you to feel refreshed.
Naturally sweetened with dates which are rich in fibre, full of calcium, sulphur, iron, potassium and magnesium and great for digestion and easing constipation! Baby spinach is a blood cleanser; super high in iron, folate, B6 and vitamin K, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. Chocolate and cherries for more antioxidants, chia seeds for healthy omega-3’s, and rolled oats for fibre!
Ingredients :
(Serves 2-3)
2 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
2 1/2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
4 Dates, pitted
drizzle of honey (for extra sweetness) optional
1/4 cup rolled oats
1 Tbsp chia seeds
2 handfuls baby spinach
2 cups frozen pitted cherries
Blend everything for 1-2 minutes, serve and enjoy!