There is a well known saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And nutritionists generally concur with that.
However it is easier said than done to always have a decent breakfast. Our busy lifestyles mean that we often have little or no time to sit down to eat.
That’s where your smoothie maker can come in. Use it to make a fruit smoothie in two or three minutes. Then, if you don’t have time to have it at home, drink it whilst waiting for the bus, in a traffic jam, or when you get to work.
What fruit to use? Well you might think that fresh is best. Nutritionists argue over the benefits of fresh and frozen fruit. However it has generally been flash frozen and may well have retained more vitamins than “fresh” fruit that may be past its best. Frozen fruit certainly generally tastes better in a smoothie. And fresh fruit tends to make thinner smoothies – more like juices. Frozen fruit is also usually cheaper.
When buying frozen fruit make sure that it doesn’t contain any additives or sweeteners. Blackcurrants, blueberries, strawberries and cherries are always good choices. Frozen bananas are also a good basis for a smoothie. They’ll ensure that it’s thick and also give it a smooth texture. You’ll need to freeze these yourself – and its best to cut a banana in half before freezing in case you just want one half used or a whole one won’t fit in your smoothie maker.
Smoothies are perfect to make for breakfast. Not only are they full of goodness but if you add nuts or oats to them it will help slow down the sugar absorption from the fruit into your bloodstream. Almonds can be an interesting choice – supposedly good for the heart. The nuts and cereal will give you more energy for longer.
