Easy-to-prepare smoothies to keep you fresh this summer

The summer months can get very warm in Malta, with the mercury often rising to 35 degrees or above. No matter how much of a ‘foodie’ one might consider oneself to be, such sweltering days often cause our appetite to just go away.

However, smoothies are a great way of ensuring that you still nourish your body with essential nutrients during summer. Their freshness renders them the ideal go-to summer snack. What’s more, since smoothies are made up of a combination of fresh fruits and vegetables, they’ll help you regain back your energy (which the sun so forcefully drains away) in no time.

Read on to discover smoothies you can easily create at the comfort of your home!

1. Berrylicious smoothie

This fulfilling smoothie refreshingly combines four berry flavours. Its brightly-coloured look as well as the impressive number of health benefits that berries provide, help explain why this beverage is a popular favourite.

Ingredients (4 servings):

• 3  cups frozen unsweetened strawberries
• 1 ½  cups frozen unsweetened raspberries
• 1 ½   cups cranberry juice
• 1 cup blackberry yogurt

2. Raspberry lemonade smoothie

What’s better than the revitalizing taste of lemons on a sizzling summer day? Lemon sorbet and home-made lemonade are great, but this invigorating beverage will have you sipping all summer long. To make it even better, this smoothie also includes raspberries which contain strong antioxidants that fight against cancer, heart and other diseases!

Ingredients (4 servings):

• 1 ½  cup fresh/ frozen raspberries
• 2  bananas
• 4  tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 3  tablespoons honey (for a sweeter taste)

3. Pina colada green smoothie

This protein-packed, green smoothie is a piña-colada your personal trainer will surely approve. For adults, this is your healthy way to fiesta, and if you want to sell it to your kids, simply call it ‘The Incredible Hulk Smoothie’!

Ingredients (4 servings):

• 1  ripe avocado, pitted, peeled
• 1 cup coarsely chopped kale
• 1  cup frozen pineapple chunks
• ½  cup coarsely chopped coconut meat
• 2  cups coconut water
• 3   tablespoons fresh lemon juice

4. Watermelon Mango Smoothie

One of Malta’s favourite summer fruits, the watermelon is a staple of every Maltese person’s fridge during summer. If you’ve eaten a bit too much watermelon this summer, this smoothie is ideal as it offers you a new creative way of devouring your favourite fruit.  With mango also being involved, this smoothie will certainly make your summer feel the more tropical!

Ingredients (4 servings):

• 3 cups cubed watermelon
• 1 mango – peeled and diced
• 1 banana
• 1 cup of plain low-fat yogurt

These irresistible smoothies will surely have you reaching for more! The best thing about them is that while enjoying these goodies, you will also be looking after your health. Safeguard your health to the full with Laferla’s Health Insurance Plan. Get a free online quote today.