It’s springtime!  That means, I can get away without wearing slippers and have finally been able to take the big heavy dooners off the bed. It also means that I’m not searching for a hot breakfast, instead I’m blending up delicious smoothies. I am still unable to eat solid foods, so the smoothies are a staple and a very important way for me to get essential and very vital nutrients.

So I thought I would share with you my new favourite combination: Beetroot and Berries (blueberries, strawberries and blackberries). Now it may seem bizarre to mix fruit and vegetables together in a smoothie, but it really is lovely and refreshing.

• Juice of 1/4 fresh beetroot (using a juicer)
• Handful of mixed berries
• 1.5 cups your choice of milk
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 3 tbsp keffir (or yoghurt)
• 1 tbsp honey

Nutrition

This is something you should always keep in mind.

• Any fruit or vegetable that is red is high in antioxidants.
• Anything high in antioxidants is super good for you.

Why? Antioxidants run around the body and mop up ‘free radicals’ which are teeny molecules that damage our cells. Free radical levels in our body naturally rise as part of the ageing process, but are also increased as a result of smoking, stress, pollutants, viruses and bacteria. Antioxidants are the natural way of counteracting free radical damage. So by simply drinking something as delicious as a smoothie full of antioxidants, we can  potentially stop free radical damage to our body.

Fruit and vegetables are also high in potassium which is our hearts best friend. Potassium helps to keep our blood pressure within normal range and therefore prevent heart disease. I regularly have swollen ankles and find that eating a diet high in potassium helps to keep the swelling down.

While you are here, check out my recipe for:

• Strawberry Smoothies
• Smoothie Cubes

Do you have a favourite RED fruit or vegetable recipe? We would love to hear from you if you do!

Stay happy and healthy…

The Nutrition Guru