As I went around the shops yesterday, I noticed just how many different types of drink you can buy. Not only can you buy several types of mineral waters and fizzy drinks, but you can now get a large number of smoothies and fruit juices. Rather than buying them, you can always make your own at home.

Smoothies and fruit juices are becoming a healthier alternative to fizzy drinks and are certainly marketed in such a way. Although smoothies can be a good source of nutrients, here are a few things to remember.

Firstly, always read your labels. The best smoothies are made only from fruit, with a little added yogurt or milk products. Some juice companies add sugar, while others say ‘made from concentrate’ which are equally high in sugar. Having a large amount of sugar in one go, whether it be from fruit juices or a spoon of sugar in your tea, can cause imbalances in your blood sugar levels.

Secondly, be careful added of preservatives and colourings, and especially the term ‘No added sugar’ as these can contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame.

Also, check the shelf life of the juice or smoothie. A long shelf life can mean the product has been heavily pasteurised which can have an impact on the precious nutrients inside. Many companies claim that smoothies and juices can count towards your 5 a day, however I would rather see people eat 5 fresh whole vegetables or fruit a day which are packed full of fibre and other nutrients.

As part of my Eat Real Food for Summer Campaign, why don’t you try making your own? The recipe below contains a mixture of fruit and vegetables ensuring a reduced sugar content. You can use anything you want! I’ve packed it full of goodness, with some protein in the form of yogurt and some essential fatty acids in the form of linseeds.

Super Green Smoothie

1 large handful of spinach or kale
2 tablespoons of yogurt
1 tablespoon of ground linseeds
1 apple - chopped
Water

Place the spinach and apple in a liquidiser and add a small glass of water. Whizz till the spinach is well liquidised.
Add the yogurt and the linseeds and blitz.
Add more water if needed.

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