Tag: smoothies

Delicious Smoothies…!

The lovely, fruity, refreshingly cool smoothies are almost everyone’s favorite. Available in all varieties, be it fruity or veggie contained green smoothies, served with straw. So popular now, are found in all restaurants, grocery stores and even coffee shops, there’s nothing not to love about smoothies. They may sound like healthy option above all which they are undoubtedly but yes, there are some aspects to it which make not so good. They are considered healthy and come under this umbrella term because most of the time they are made of soy milk, yoghurt, frozen fruit or skim milk. They make a really good options for meal or snack when made with natural fruits. Well, let’s enumerate the health benefits of smoothies;

Smoothies keep you hydrated: Having smoothie in breakfast helps in keeping you hydrated for the whole day. This is what something like soda, tea or coffee won’t do. The body do gets water from many foods and resources, so one doesn’t need to drink water while having smoothie. As milk and yoghurt are largely water, it will quench your thirst eventually. In hot weather, it is preferable to add some extra ice cubes for extra water and the chillness.

Smoothies are perfect or Breakfast: Breakfast needs to be king size, I know you know that. Smoothies make up an excellent choice for breakfasts because they make you feel fuller and are heavy as fruits and veggies are blended together with milk or yoghurt. The classic breakfast of bread, peanut butter, jam and any fruit smoothie is easy-to-make and perfect for any day. Sipping smoothie in the morning prevents you from indulging in unhealthy urges like donuts or drive through. Also, if you have problem taking in those cod liver oil directly, you can add some drops in your smoothie and this will make it all the more nutritious.

Smoothies are Easy, Portable and Custom-made: Smoothies are really easy to make and are really good on-the-go choice. Just pick some fruits, throw them in the blender, put some milk and drink the mixture. If you own a blender, it will be ready in no time. Also, they can be stored and will stay fresh for 24 hours if kept cool and sealed in a right container and you can carry it anywhere in the car or train or gym to have it anytime you like. A vacuum flask is a right choice if you want to keep your smoothie cool and fresh on the move. Moreover, the fun part is you can add all types of ingredients you like in your smoothie and make it as per your taste and mood.

Smoothies are blend of Vitamins and Minerals: They are way better than Multi-vitamins. Drinking fruit smoothie every day is more healthful than taking those multivitamins, even recommended by nutritionists. As just a glass full provide us with enough fiber and loads of all the required vitamins and minerals. Smoothies are a true blend of nutrition. This in turn helps in digestion and may help in control blood sugar and lower cholesterol.

Smoothies are Nutrient-dense and source of calcium: Smoothies are best when they are all natural made with real fruits and veggies. The nutrient –dense ingredients provides vitamins and oils necessary for complete nutrition. A truly healthy smoothie is the one that has dietary fats in the form of cream for the body to use in assimilating the vitamins and minerals. Just simply blend bananas with skim milk or yoghurt or soy milk and get a great deal of benefits and nutrients. And yes, the milk or any base you use is a rich source of calcium, giving it all the more richness.

With all the pros of smoothies, let’s have a look on the ingredients that probably you shouldn’t be using but are preferable to put into your smoothie to make it really rich, which are like,

Aloe Vera, Pomengranate juice, Kefir, Coconut Milk, Chia seeds, Moringa powder, Milled flax seed, Spirulina etc. Well, the great news if you want to know is that if you want to lose weight, smoothies can be used as a meal replacement not an addition to it, so just take it this way and enjoy the results. Like, sip a dairy based smoothie for breakfast or water-based smoothie as a snack. All the fruit or veggie smoothie can be a healthy additional meal plan as long as you maintain proper meal portion. Its better to incorporate smoothies in your diet plan by consulting your dietician or doctor.

Some Awesome smoothie recipes:

Coconut Water-Mango smoothie:

2 cups unsweetened coconut water

Pinch of cayenne powder

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 cups ripe mango chunks

Blend all the ingredients in blender till smooth. Gulp them and enjoy the delicious smoothie.

Now, Here’s is what a really healthy green smoothie will contain, just perfect for your body;

¼ cup water

1 banana

¼ cup orange juice

1 cup spinach

¾ cup strawberries

½ cup blueberries

Blend till smooth and enjoy the green richness of the drink.

All these less calories, full of refreshment and deliciousness smoothies make up really good combination in breakfast or as a evening snack. Basically, smoothie is perfect for a busy life like present time, counts as an ideal on the go drink and is really easy to make, ready in no time. Smoothies are now-a days everywhere, people are talking about it a lot on the internet or in general. Why? Because it is Healthy. Yes, It definitely is healthy. There’s more to green smoothies but smoothies or protein shakes in any form is healthy. Though, taking fruits and veggies straightforward form is also healthy, but sipping on smoothie gives a new refreshing touch to them.

Healthy Eating. Happy Life.

January 1, 2015
Every Day Smoothies !!!

Weight Gain is a fear every girl goes through . Yes I am part of that herd who is checking out her inches and freaks out when she doesn’t fit in her two months old jeans. Yes ! I am that normal silly , messed up screwed up , average looking , part of the crowd girl who wants to make a mark of herself which makes her stand out from the rest. Are you relating with me ? I am sure you do . More than half of the population does. Why do I spare boys they too feel the same . Its true that i have cried several hours for my pimple marks , hair fall, eyebrow issues, Bad hairstyle day ( And I am talking about serious problems here …Don’t Laugh!!!) .We all go through this bizarre life and we all feel why are we the chosen one ? To have a positive thought process or to have a happy smile (not fake) its a simple theory to get it right to eat healthy , to boost your brain cells to positivity, to assure yes! I am the chosen one for the right things in life.

Now you would be thinking how come I am thinking this way when I myself agreed to have cried for several hours on pitty issues. I have a true answer to this . I was tired of crying , pretending everything is okay , pretending I will clear the deep dark sky to my desired sunshine. It doesnt happen this way . For healthy mind you need nutrients and healthy lifestyle to think and behave wealthy. I am true to you guys because nobody can make you happy if you yourself don’t try or behave the way you should. We all have blessed lives and we all are chosen ones for miseries and happiness . believe me cribbing is the nascent stage of depression . Don’t crib , pull up your sock and get a grip of your own life. Wake up early with a beautiful smile and straight away head to the kitchen. Its a paradise of surprises and innovation. Take out the green veggies , nutritious fruits and vegetables and start cooking healthy food for yourself. To start a fresh day have a smoothie. As a health freak I had to write this article. I don’t want to be boring and strict for you guys to give you tasteless drink recipes which i myself wont drink , so I have few interesting smoothie recipes which I would love to share with you guys for so that you can start your day with a healthy and fresh . Smoothies or juices are very easy to make and you don’t need any rocket science theory or a tag of five star chef to enjoy the richness and benefits of healthy drinks . When you will read the recipes you will feel the same way. So cutting short the “Gyaan or Funda” and moving to the actual data of happiness . Do try it and have a blessed and happy smile .

24 Carrot:

Yes I am talking about Carrots and not Carat’s. Definitely is a health gold recipe for you . Do try it and have a sparkling day ahead.

Ingredients : Handful of cracked ice ( To get the crackling effect just make a poly ice bag and beat it hard to get cracking ice), 2 carrots coarsely chopped, 100 g pineapple pieces , 2 cups pineapple juice , Chilled strip of cucumber to garnish . Garnishing can be of your choice.

Servings : 2

Method :

Put the ice into the food processor or blender, add the carrots , pineapple pieces , Pineapple juice , and process it until it gets to thickness of a slush. Take a glass pour the slushy smoothie into it and serve it chilled.

This drink is healthy , with balanced nutrients , and moreover tasty. We often think healthy stuff is tasteless , this recipe will prove you wrong . Live love louder.

Tropical Smoothie :

Being healthy is worth living your life. We all are having hectic schedule and we often miss out our breakfast ( The most important meal of the day …Yes I am right …and I know you miss it !!!) If we think our body is a machine ,then breakfast is its battery charger. To have a charged up day you have to start a heavy diet ( healthy too ….I am not talking about parathas ). This smoothie will solve all your troubles as its fast and easy to make. Try out !

Ingredients : 1 ripe papaya peeled , stoned and chopped .1/2 fresh pineapple , peeled and chopped . ( You can prepare this overnight to avoid early morning hassle .1 cup soya milk ( A healthy source of protein ) , 2 cups low fat yoghurt. Chopped pineapple for garnishing . If you feel lazy don’t garnish but yes please do make the smoothie.

Servings :2

Method : Place all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Meanwhile switch on your radio and do listen your favourite frequency. Cooking will be better and effective when you have music in your company.

Pour into glasses, Decorate or don’t decorate it . Wear your office clothes Have a sip and have a kick-start day .

So at the end of this do you feel it is blame the day , or your boss , your kaamwali bai or your spouse ( The most common one ) for not giving you a carefree life . I think you have started believing it that I was right when I said its simple to have a healthy smile by having a healthy food. So Instead of sulking and making anybodies else’s life miserable , lets take a pledge to wake up early , grabbing the beautiful smile, slowly opening the room curtains , see the morning sunshine and heading right to our kitchen and cooking the awesome recipes suggested above and if you do like it post your comments for the new ones till happy eating !

December 8, 2014
Strawberry Pleasures

The heart shaped and juicy, as lovely as a love story. A bright red strawberry, is like a symbol of love. These strawberries were considered as the darling of spring’s transition into summers, with this fruit being available only in the month of June. But now with advance in agriculture techniques, these are now available all round the year. You can now enjoy these lovely strawberries anytime your heart desires.

Strawberries, small red fruits clad in scarlet red, dotted with tiny seeds and wearing green little caps, make one of the most delicious and attractive food on earth. They may be found in different varieties, colors or sometimes even different shapes.

Strawberries belong to the rose family and for centuries it grew as wild in America and Europe, but today them are not limited to their native place due to the advancement in crossbreeding techniques.

You’ll fall in love with them, when you know how good they are for you and your belly. These yummy berries are low in calories and fats, high in fiber, potassium, folic acid and antioxidants. You won’t believe that eight medium sized strawberries could impart you more vitamin C than oranges.

One full cup of strawberries contain 45 calories, 0 gm fats, 0 gm cholesterol, 1 mg sodium, 3 gm fiber, 7 gm sugar and 1 gm protein.

Reportedly, United States was the greatest producer of this fruit till 2005. Strawberries also carry the potential to some of the medical and beauty treatments-

l Strawberries if consumed on a regular basis help to reduce the possibility of cancers and heart attacks.

l These berries could also help to remove stains from your teeth.

l Their intake helps in reducing blood pressure.

l Strawberry juice when combined with honey, could provide cure for sunburns and inflammation.

l Intake of nitrate rich strawberries, helps increase flow of blood and oxygen to your muscles.

l Consumption of strawberries by pregnant women is helpful in reducing risk of birth- defects in child, due to the presence of folic acid in them.

Since long, strawberries have been associated with love. During the olden days, newly weds were served with strawberries. Some believe that splitting a double strawberry into two and sharing it with opposite sex may lead you to fall in love with him/her.Some consider them as a symbol of Venice, the Goddess of Love.

There are several strawberry festivals held in different parts of the world, especially in United States. These festivals are organized in late spring, which is the harvest time for this fruit. They are a treat for strawberry lovers as they offer a lot of fun activities and entertainment to the visitors. A number of strawberry delicacies, like pies, shortcakes, jams and desserts are served during this festival.

Some healthy strawberry recipes-

1. Strawberry shortcakes-

Combine 1 tbsp corn sweetener and 1 tbsp corn starch in a small sauce pan. Stir in 1 cup orange juice. Boil it, cook and stir it constantly for 1 min. Until mixture is thickened. Now cool the mixture by stirring. Combine orange juice mixture and some sliced strawberries in a bowl and stir them together. Cover it and refrigerate for 30 min. To serve, spread vanilla sauce over it.

2. Mango- ginger strawberry smoothie-

combine 1 cup peeled mango, 1 cup sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt, 1/4 cup cold water, 2 tsp honey, 2 tsp minced crystallized ginger and some crushed ice. Blend them all together, to make a soft gentle puree and serve in glasses.

3. Fresh strawberry jam-

Combine 2 cup sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice in a saucepan and cook at low heat for 10 min, till sugar is dissolved. Add strawberries and continue to heat for 20 min, until strawberries release their juice. Cook till the juice gels on the cold plate and store this refrigerated in sterilized jars.

4. Strawberry lemonade-

In a saucepan, add 2 cup water and 1 cup sugar and bring them to boil. Heat and stir the mixture, until sugar dissolves. Add lemon juice, and then remove from heat. Let it cool, and then drain it. In a blender, puree the strawberries and add it to the drained mixture with lemon juice. Stir well and serve chilled, garnished with mint and strawberries.

5. Strawberry frozen yogurt-

24 hrs before you start making it, insert your ice cream maker into freezer. Add strawberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar and rum to a bowl and toss. Cover the bowl with plastic and let the strawberries to soften at room temperature for 1 hour. Now, add strawberries with their juice in a blender. Blend the berries, and then add vanilla bean seeds and yogurt to it and continue to blend it. Place it in freezer to chill. Now, turn the ice- cream maker on and pour the yogurt into it. Churn until the mixture looks slushy, after 12 to 15 min.Place it in freezer to make the scoop hard.

June 13, 2014