BerryFlex Smoothie
This vibrant and refreshing smoothie is packed with antioxidants, natural sweetness, and a good protein boost, making it perfect for a post-workout recovery or a healthy snack.
1 serving Prep time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Smoothie:
Handful of frozen chopped strawberries (about 1/2 cup / 75g)
1 ripe banana
300 ml (approx. 1 ¼ cups) apple juice
1 tsp beetroot powder (for extra colour and nutrients!)
For the Protein Top:
2 scoops vanilla protein powder
100 ml (approx. scant 1/2 cup) apple juice
- Make the Smoothie:
- Add the frozen strawberries, banana, 300 ml apple juice, and beetroot powder to your blender.
- Blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick for your liking, add a tiny splash more apple juice.
- Pour the smoothie into a tall glass.
- Prepare the Protein Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the vanilla protein powder and 100 ml apple juice.
- Whisk vigorously with a spoon or small whisk until smooth and lump-free. It should be a pourable, slightly thicker consistency than the smoothie itself, almost like a thin custard or glaze.
Gently pour the protein topping over the top of your smoothie. It should sit nicely on top due to its slightly thicker consistency.
Tips & Variations:
For a Thicker Smoothie: Use less apple juice initially, or add a few ice cubes when blending.
For a Different Texture: You could use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) instead of apple juice for a creamier, less sweet smoothie base.
Boost the Nutrition: Add a handful of spinach (you won’t taste it!), 1 tbsp chia seeds, or 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds to the smoothie blend for extra fibre and nutrients.
Sweetness Control: If your banana isn’t very ripe or you prefer it sweeter, add a small drizzle of maple syrup or honey to the smoothie.
Protein Topping Consistency: If your protein topping is too thick, add a tiny bit more apple juice. If too thin, add a tiny bit more protein powder.
Benefits
Benefits of the Smoothie Ingredients:
- Frozen Chopped Strawberries:
- Rich in Vitamin C, an antioxidant important for immune function and skin health.
- Good source of manganese, potassium, and folate.
- Contain anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants that give strawberries their red color.
- Provide dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
- Ripe Banana:
- Excellent source of potassium, crucial for blood pressure regulation and muscle function.
- Provides carbohydrates for energy.
- Contains Vitamin B6, important for metabolism.
- Good source of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health.
- Apple Juice:PURE NOT CONCENTRATE
- Provides hydration.
- Contains natural sugars for quick energy.
- Offers some vitamins and minerals, though processing can reduce levels.
- Beetroot Powder:
- Rich in nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide, potentially improving blood flow and exercise performance.
- High in antioxidants, including betalains, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Good source of fiber, folate, and Vitamin C.
- May support detoxification processes.
Benefits of the Protein Top Ingredients:
- Vanilla Protein Powder:
- Provides a concentrated source of protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and maintenance.
- Helps with satiety, which can aid in weight management.
- Supports overall bodily functions, including enzyme and hormone production.
- Convenient way to increase daily protein intake.
- Apple Juice (in Protein Top):
- Provides additional hydration.
- Adds natural sweetness and flavor to the protein top.
- Offers quick carbohydrates to help with post-workout recovery by replenishing glycogen stores (when consumed after exercise).
