In a Smoothie
Tired of the usual smoothie recipes?
Summer has so many good things, and fruit is one of them!
For three months, this season provides a “perfect storm” of colors and flavors, enough to soften the hardest, most stressed minds and bring them back to nature 🙂
Starting early Summer with the orange in apricots, peaches, and nectarines, and up to the greens and dark roses of plums, melons, and figs that take us to the brink of Fall – throughout the scarlet joy of strawberries and watermelons – there is no way we can resist the seduction of natural sugar.
Smoothie for breakfast? Yes!
That’s how I enjoy my mornings: with a simple plate of fruit or, even better, with a smoothie that gives me all the joy of fruit and also an early dose of greens, that will balance me on so many levels.
The fruit: melon and blueberries
Last Summer I discovered this particular combination, and it quickly became a favorite. I don’t understand why I did not share it earlier: melon and blueberries.
It’s not the most beautiful smoothie in the world. The blueberries will darken any mix they get in. Add some green leaves, and it gets even worse. But I assure you, the flavor more than makes up for the lack of beauty!
This smoothie has the additional advantage of introducing one of the most antioxidant fruits – blueberries – in a very unusual mix, away from the usual “red berries” mixes. Not that I don’t like those, it’s just that a girl needs some change in life 😉
Melon sometimes can be hard to digest, however it does not seem to happen, in this combination.
Moreover, melons are not just delicious, they are very diuretic, helping with the elimination of toxins from the body. And it has an exciting combination of vitamins and minerals, reinforcing the antioxidant effect of this smoothie.
So, if you needed additional motivation to try this recipe, there you have it!
Green leaves
I’m mixing spinach with watercress, for a fantastic combination of micronutrients, fiber and a touch of piquancy.
Note: do not exaggerate on the amount of watercress you add, it can become overpowering and shadow the delicate balance of flavors from the fruit. I’ve found it the hard way. Keep it on a 3 to 1 ratio: 3/4 of a cup of spinach to 1/4 of a cup of watercress.
You can also add a few mint leaves to this mix. I sometimes do.
Protein?
I do this smoothie in two versions, depending on my goals:
- A simple one, with just the fruit and veggies, for easier digestion when I’m going to the gym.
- One with added protein, if I want slower digestion or if I’m having a post-workout drink.
Your protein source can be one of the following:
- hemp protein for an earthier flavor;
- pea protein, for a neutral taste;
- spirulina – because it’s Summer and the theme is the sea, why not invest in a packet of this micro-algae, which is super rich in protein, vitamins (including B12), antioxidants, minerals, etc.…?
If you want to have only one of these protein sources at home, I will vote for spirulina. It’s a true superfood, perfect to balance a detox meal such as this smoothie.
And, now, the recipe:
Melon and Blueberry Detox Smoothie
Ingredients
for a large glass
- 1 cup of melon
- 1 cup of blueberries, either fresh or frozen
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3/4 of a cup of spinach
- 1/4 of a cup of watercress
- One teaspoon of spirulina (optional, read my opinion above)
- A few tablespoons of water, or coconut water, to adjust the consistency to your taste
Method
Add all the ingredients, except the water or coconut water, to your blender.
Blend until it becomes creamy.
Add a bit of cold water, or coconut water, if it looks too thick – it might not be necessary; it depends on the amount of water the melons has.
If you’re using fresh blueberries, you may want to add one or two ice cubes.
As you can see, it’s really easy!
Try it out and share your comments here or on Instagram.
Read more on:
- Melons’ nutritional value, HERE.
- Blueberries’ nutritional value, HERE.
- Spirulina’s nutritional value, HERE.
- Watercress’s nutritional value, HERE.
And, for more delicious Glow Chef smoothie recipes: HERE.
Or, even better, download the free Ebook with 5 delicious Power Smoothie recipes, for a week of healthy breakfasts.