Juices and Smoothies

Wherever you look in the supermarket these days, you'll see "1 of your 5 a day", referring to the fruit and vegetable portions we should be eating. We all know we should be having a regular intake of fruit and veg, but some may struggle to eat the 5 portions a day.

A fantastic way of adding fruit and veg into your daily diet is from having freshly made juice and smoothies. One of my favourites is a green smoothie made with spinach. When I tell people about the smoothie I make, they usually cringe and can't imagine having to drink spinach. But added with juice and fruit, this is a great smoothie to have. I will usually add in some flaxseed (see link below) too, which has great properties and this is an easy way of adding into my diet. For a list of heath properties of spinach click on this link 11 Health Benefits of Spinach.


Green Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients

• Large handful of spinach
• 1 banana
• 1 apple (cored and chopped)
• 1 cup of orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/2 cup of water

Optional

• Dessert spoonfull of flaxseed

Preparation

Add the spinach, water, juice and apple to the blender. Start the blender on a low speed, mix until smooth.

Add in the banana and flaxseed and increase the speed. Add in more water if required. Blend till all is mixed well.

Pour into a glass and enjoy

Documentary on Channel 5


On Wednesday 10th July 2013, 8pm (UK) on Channel 5 a new documentary called Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead will start, which follows Joe Cross who was 100 lbs over weight. Joe trades in his junk food diet and sets off on a US road trip with a juicer and generator, vowing to only drink fresh fruit and vegetable juice for 60 days. Follow the documentary to find out how Joe gets on and maybe you will be inspired to follow Joe's example.


Juicer Machine

If you're looking for a juicer to purchase, it's worth getting one that is good quality so it won't brake after a few uses.

One that can be recommended is the Sage by Heston Blumenthal Nutri Juicer BJE410UK and will be featured in the documentary on Channel 5.

Product Details (taken from Debenhams website)

• Easy cleaning
• HWD: 43 x 39 22 cm
• Warranty: 2 Years repair or replacement with 5 year motor warranty
• 1200w
• Material: Chromed base
• Brushed metal finish
• With bigger 84mm chute for juicing bigger fruits and veggies
• Extracts up to 70% of the nuturients from the fruit
• Long lasting titanium blades
• Dual speed for hard and soft fruits and veggies