Images / Copyright Mike Ahern
Midweek slump? I suffer from these most weeks, in fact, probably most days. I attribute this frequent occurrence to a theory that I am burning off so much creative energy, it's leaving me drained! However, I think I may have found the perfect antidote after re-discovering the merits of smoothies, following an impulse purchase of a Nutribullet. Since then I have noticed a distinct boost in my energy levels and a greater sense of feeling good about myself.
I want to be clear, this is not a promotional post and there are other brilliant smoothie-makers available, but I just happened to choose this brand because of its incredibly straightforward function. Having seen my amazing Sister demonstrate just how easy it is to clean after use (my old smoothie machine literally required complete dismantling) - I knew that a Nutribullet was the right brand for me.
I have been through countless phases of obsessing about my 5-a-day intake for as long as I can remember, with varying degrees of success. The bottom line is that I don't always enjoy munching on a piece of fruit, and ashamedly, there are occasions where fruit & vegetables, still edible, have been confined to the composter for early retirement because I have simply lacked the inspiration to eat them!
However, onto a new chapter of healthy intakes, and I've not only cut-out the wastage of fruit & veg, I have even bought additional ingredients that I wouldn't normally eat on their own, such as nuts and seeds.
So I thought today would be a good day to share one of my favourite pick-me-up smoothie recipes - brilliant for that mid-week or mid-afternoon dip in energy levels and perfect for staving off those niggling urges for a naughty snack. This is also a vitamin powerhouse with the addition of the Vitamin C-oozing Kiwi fruit!
I've called this particular concoction 'Banana + the Gang' because there are too many ingredients to fit into one name and, you've guessed it, Bananas are the predominant fruit here. I also like the sound of any name that has a hint of a 1980's pop group about it!
Ingredients:
2 Bananas
1 Kiwi
1 apple (cored)
4 Raspberries
4 Grapes
1 Date
6 walnuts
1tsp honey (Manuka)
1tsp mixed seeds
Add water or Almond milk
Method:
Blend!
I want to be clear, this is not a promotional post and there are other brilliant smoothie-makers available, but I just happened to choose this brand because of its incredibly straightforward function. Having seen my amazing Sister demonstrate just how easy it is to clean after use (my old smoothie machine literally required complete dismantling) - I knew that a Nutribullet was the right brand for me.
I have been through countless phases of obsessing about my 5-a-day intake for as long as I can remember, with varying degrees of success. The bottom line is that I don't always enjoy munching on a piece of fruit, and ashamedly, there are occasions where fruit & vegetables, still edible, have been confined to the composter for early retirement because I have simply lacked the inspiration to eat them!
However, onto a new chapter of healthy intakes, and I've not only cut-out the wastage of fruit & veg, I have even bought additional ingredients that I wouldn't normally eat on their own, such as nuts and seeds.
So I thought today would be a good day to share one of my favourite pick-me-up smoothie recipes - brilliant for that mid-week or mid-afternoon dip in energy levels and perfect for staving off those niggling urges for a naughty snack. This is also a vitamin powerhouse with the addition of the Vitamin C-oozing Kiwi fruit!
I've called this particular concoction 'Banana + the Gang' because there are too many ingredients to fit into one name and, you've guessed it, Bananas are the predominant fruit here. I also like the sound of any name that has a hint of a 1980's pop group about it!
Ingredients:
2 Bananas
1 Kiwi
1 apple (cored)
4 Raspberries
4 Grapes
1 Date
6 walnuts
1tsp honey (Manuka)
1tsp mixed seeds
Add water or Almond milk
Method:
Blend!
