A healthy smoothie can be a convenient, quick and easy way to give your body the essential nutrients it requires. Not only are they a simple way to help you achieve your daily fruit intake, but they are also a delicious breakfast substitute!

Just be sure to keep one important thing in mind when it comes to smoothies: while they can definitely be healthy, they can also contain quite a few calories. So, keep an eye on your overall daily calorie intake if you like to indulge in a smoothie for breakkie each day.

The best way to know the exact ingredients that are going into your smoothie is to prepare and make it yourself. All you need is a blender and some simple components.

We’ve put together some of our favourite healthy smoothie recipes, perfect for any times of day!

Banana and Ginger Smoothie

Filled with ginger, this smoothie can help soothe heartburn, nausea, digestion and other stomach trouble.

Ingredients:

  • 1 x banana, sliced
  • ¾ x cup of vanilla yogurt
  • 1 x tbsp of honey
  • ½ x tsp of ginger (freshly grated is best)

Method:

Place all ingredients in a blender and whizz until you reach your desired texture.

 

Big 5 Berry Breakkie

Start your day with a bang, with this fruit-packed smoothie.

Ingredients:

  • 1 x cup raspberries (frozen or fresh is fine, depending on the season)
  • ¼ x cup of blueberries (again, fresh or frozen is fine)
  • ¾ x cup of almond, soy, or rice milk
  • 1½ x tbsp of honey
  • 2 tsp x fresh ginger (finely grated)
  • 1 tsp x ground flaxseed
  • 2 tsp x lemon juice

Optional extras:

  • Your protein powder of choice

Method:

Place all ingredients (apart from the lemon) in a blender and whizz until you reach your desired texture. Add the lemon juice to taste.

 

Strawberry-Kiwi Smoothie

With high levels of Vitamin C, this smoothie can help you fight disease and stay full for longer.

Ingredients:

  • 1¼ x cup apple juice
  • 1 x ripe banana, sliced
  • 1 x kiwifruit, sliced
  • 5 x strawberries
  • 1½ x tsp honey

Method:

Place all ingredients in a blender and whizz until you reach your desired texture.

 

Apricot-Mango Delight

This sweet smoothie is perfect for the summer months.

Ingredients:

  • 6 x apricots, chopped
  • 2 x ripe mangoes, chopped
  • 1 x cup of reduced-fat milk or low-fat yogurt
  • 4 x tsp of lemon juice
  • ¼ x tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 x ice cubes

Method:

Combine mangoes, apricots, milk or yogurt, vanilla extract, and lemon juice in a blender. Process for about 8 seconds, or until almost smooth. Add the ice cubes, then process until smooth.