Grab your Nutribullet or your blender and give one of these easy-to-make smoothies a go when the need arises.

Try this if you want to increase your energy
Vibrant and protein packed, this green smoothie contains an unexpected combination. Broccoli in a smoothie may make you wince, but with this clever combo, you don’t really even taste it! Blitz together a small handful of broccoli florets, half a cup of frozen pineapple or mango, one green apple, one ripe banana and a little Greek yoghurt (use as much or as little depending on the consistency you prefer). Take things up a notch with the addition of powdered cinnamon, chia seeds or some almonds.  

Try this if you are feeling bloated
Take a can of 100% natural and organic coconut water and blend it with your choice of leafy greens (spinach or kale), tropical fruit (papaya, pineapple, or mango), half a banana, ice and a tablespoon of chia seeds. Low in calories, rich in potassium and very hydrating, this smoothie will help banish the bloat in no time while also upping your energy. For the best results, drink in the morning on an empty stomach.  

Try this if you’re feeling anxious
This nutrient-packed combo of ingredients heroes known stress relievers. Combine them together in a blender and enjoy in a calm and serene environment followed by a few moments of meditation – or even just a few deep breaths. Mix one cup of almond milk, a generous handful of baby spinach, one tablespoon of cacao powder, one handful of blueberries, a half a banana and ice – and voila! 

Try this if you need a detox
If the festive season is getting the better of you and you’ve over-indulged, this is the smoothie for you. In a blender add a quarter cup of soaked chia seeds (soak in a little water for 15 minutes), one large banana, one cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, gooseberries), 1 cup water and two tablespoons agave syrup or honey (optional). If your berries are fresh not frozen, throw in a couple of blocks of ice too. 

Try this if you’re feeling down
Turn your frown upside down with this serotonin-boosting smoothie recipe. In a blender add a tablespoon each of hemp and chia seeds, one teaspoon coconut oil (melted), one cup mixed berries, one banana, half a cup of plant-based milk (oat, almond, soya), a couple of almonds, a teaspoon of cacao nibs and a little water (if the consistency is too thick). Sit back, sip it up and put a smile on your dial. 

The post 5 Mood-Boosting Smoothies To Try Now appeared first on MyKitchen.

Have your veggies and eat them too in this super-charged green vegetable detox soup. It’s got all your favourite greens, plus some added flavour.

SERVES 4 // COOKING TIME 50 min

INGREDIENTS
3 tbsp coconut oil
2 large onions, chopped
1 broccoli, chopped
10 kale leaves, chopped, plus to garnish
3 baby marrows, chopped, plus ribbons to garnish
1 L vegetable stock
1 garlic bulb, crushed
½ cup coriander
½ cup parsley
1 lemon, juiced
¼ tsp salt

METHOD
1. Heat the coconut oil in a pot over medium heat. Fry the onions for 5 minutes, until translucent.
2. Add the broccoli, kale and baby marrows, and fry for 5 minutes.
3. Add the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
4. Turn off the heat, add the garlic and allow to cool for 15 minutes.
5. Add the coriander, parsley, lemon juice and salt. Purée the soup with a stick blender.
6. Serve with baby marrow ribbons and kale.

Recipe & styling: Amerae Vercueil & Chiara Turilli
Photography: Andreas Eiselen // HMimages.co.za

If you’re looking for something quick and easy, this spicy green juice is perfect for when you’re on the go.

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It’s healthy, it’s refreshing and it’s delicious! This cucumber, lime and mint green tea is the ideal detoxifier to keep you feeling great this winter.

SERVES 4 // COOKING TIME 15 min

INGREDIENTS
2 cups water
2 green tea bags
Zest and juice of 1 lime
1 cucumber, ribboned
¼ cup mint, bruised
3 tbsp mint leaves

METHOD
1. Add the water, green tea bags, lime zest and juice, half the cucumber ribbons and the bruised mint to a jug. Stir well and allow to infuse for 25 minutes.
2. Strain the tea and place in the fridge.
3. Serve chilled with mint leaves and the remaining cucumber ribbons.

Recipe & styling: Joni Dames
Photography: Peet Mocke // HMimages.co.za

The post Healthy cucumber, lime and mint green tea appeared first on MyKitchen.

These broccoli nuggets are a health-conscious snack if we ever saw one! Filled with nutritious ingredients and flavour, these quick and easy treats are the perfect addition to a healthy lifestyle.

SERVES 4 // COOKING TIME 35 min

INGREDIENTS
1 medium potato
100 g cashews
1 egg
½ onion, diced
2 tbsp chopped parsley
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
1 broccoli

METHOD
1. Preheat oven to 200°C and grease a baking tray.
2. Boil the potato until tender, then set aside to cool.
3. In a food processor, blend the nuts, egg, onion, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper. Process until the mixture forms fine crumbs. Add the broccoli and blend until fine.
4. Mash the potato, then fold into the mixture until just combined.
5. Scoop out about 1 heaped tbsp of the mixture and use your hands to form into nugget shapes. Place on the baking tray.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway, until nuggets are golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, fry for 2 minutes on each side.
7. Serve the nuggets with your favourite dipping sauce.

Recipe & styling: Amerae Vercueil & Chiara Turilli
Photography: Andreas Eiselen // HMimages.co.za

The post Deliciously healthy broccoli nuggets with cashews and garlic appeared first on MyKitchen.

Detoxing is one of those buzzwords that people love throwing around, usually in conjunction with words like ‘weight-loss’ and ‘drop a dress size’. But if you forget about these huge claims for a minute, is there any value in doing a detox? The goal is to rid the body of toxic substances, clean out and reset the digestive system – as a result, many of these diets are very, very low in calories. So, do you detox?

By Jana du Plessis

Detox decoded

Many health websites claim that a detox will make you feel lighter and revitalised after a few days of highly restrictive food intake. Whether it’s a soup cleanse, a juice fast or eating only half a block of cheese for breakfast, all of these will promise a kick-start to weight-loss and ultimate health. Everyday we are confronted with various toxic substances and over time, these can have a taxing effect on the body. From the pesticide, chemical and metal residues on foods to artificial ingredients and pollutants that we accidentally consume, a detox can help to remove these toxic substances from your body to refresh and restore you from within.

Toxic tales

Although it’s true that our bodies are under pressure when it comes to external bacteria and other nasties, detox advocates forget to mention how amazing the human body was created. Each of us are already equipped with detoxifying organs to help deal with the variables we come in contact with. The liver, kidneys, lungs, large intestine and the skin are renewing and cleaning up our insides through normal, daily bodily functions.

Press reset

Sure, some days even we feel like taking on a detox programme (especially after that extra slab of chocolate we sneaked last night!). But what these diets don’t tell us is what and how to eat after the detox is completed. We drank our juices or suffered through our monotonous dinners, but there is still no clear indication as to how the detox will provide us with the tools and knowledge to set us up for healthier eating habits moving forward.

Forward thinking

Whether you are for detoxing or against it, remember that our bodies are naturally detoxifying organs. If we reach for fresh, minimally processed and nutritious foods, would we really need to limit calorie consumption for the sake of removing toxins?

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