DO IT YOURSELF

DIY Smoothies: Let's Get Blending!

By EAT SMARTER

Delicious, healthy and practical: Smoothies are the ideal drink for the summer. And the best part is that you can easily make them at home for a fraction of the cost. EAT SMARTER has found some great recipes for you to try at home.

Berry, apple or banana smoothies are great refreshment. And on top of that, the iced drink is super easy. Simply wash, peel and cut the fruit and you are practically done. Filling it into bottles makes it the perfect meal for when you are on the go.

How Healthy Are Smoothies Really?

So can smoothies replace your regular fruit intake? No, the drink should be a supplement to the fruit you are already eating. This is because, unfortunately, there are some disadvantages to smoothies. Some of the vitamins can be destroyed if you fill smoothies into plastic bottles. This is mainly because vitamins A, B2 and K are very sensitive to light. Also, fresh fruit contain more phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. In addition, due to the high calorie count, smoothies are really more of a snack than a drink.

However, smoothies are still healthier than regular juices. This is because (except for the core and skin) the whole fruit is processed. As a result you get significantly more digestive fiber.

Be Wary

Always make sure that the smoothies you drink are of good quality and they consist of at least 50% real fruit. The other half is generally mostly water or juice. A lot of smoothies have tons or added sugar as well. However, if you make your own smoothies you know exactly what is goes inside them!

DIY Smoothies: How It Works

First wash, peel and cut the fruit into cubes. What kind of blender you use depends on the quantity of fruit. Always makes sure to leave a little extra room in your blender since the puréed fruit can rise up on the edges.

Tip: If your smoothie is too thick, simply add a little bit of water or juice.

DIY Smoothies: Recipes

Banana Berry Smoothie

Our favorite is the red currant banana smoothie. These are the ingredients:

1 grapefruit
2 ripe bananas
500 g / 1.1 lbs. currants
1 tbsp. barley grass (organic)

First cut the grapefruit in half. Then squeeze out the juice into the blender. Add peeled and sliced bananas. After you wash the currants, add them into the blender with the barley grass and ice cubes. Then simply mix and you are done!

You will find more great smoothie recipes in our Smoothie Recipe Gallery.