Super smoothies

Smoothies are fast becoming the most desirable health drink on the market. All over health kiosks and trendy restaurants, waiter trays are flooded with bright, bold smoothies, oozing with flavour and appeal. These delicious drinks are packed with fresh goodness and taste like heaven. Not only are they kind to your taste buds, but also a big bonus to your hard-earned figure.

A smoothie can replace any meal of the day or simply add to a healthy meal, although they look good in magazines and at restaurants, some smoothies are destroyed by common mistakes people make. Get Fit introduces you to ten hints to help you make your smoothies burst with flavour and goodness 1. To keep your calorie level low, opt for low fat or fat free dairy products when making smoothies. Avoid any full cream yoghurts or milk products, as these will cancel out the health benefits of drinking smoothies.

2. To create the best tasting smoothing, make use of only the highest quality, freshest fruit. Fruit that is perfectly ripe and in the prime of its season will allow your smoothie to burst with colour and flavour.

3. Avoid using artificial sweeteners as much as possible as they leave a bitter aftertaste. For additional flavour, rather use a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup instead. If you'd prefer to stick to the healthiest method of making a smoothie add half of a ripe banana into your smoothie recipe.

4. If using frozen fruit, make sure you use it within two weeks as the flavour fades the longer they are kept frozen.

5. Experiment with flavoured ice cubes. This is a great way to create a cool and thick smoothie, full of concentrated flavour. To make, simply pour the juice, tea, or nectar of your preference into an ice cube tray and freeze.

6. Freeze up some juice into ice cubes and experiment with various flavours. All you need to do is add some fresh fruit or herbal flavoured tea into an ice-cube tray and freeze.

7. Using a blender, crush the plain or flavoured ice cubes or for maximum consistency crush the ice cubes before adding them into the blender. Simply wrap up the ice cubes in a clean dishtowel and using a frying pan or rolling pin, smash the ice until crushed.

8. For a thick smoothie, add an additional handful of frozen fruit, frozen yoghurt and crushed ice. If you prefer a lighter smooth, simply add more liquid.

9. If you're interested in adding some protein to your smoothies, simply add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry protein powder to your mixture and enjoy as a complete meal.

10. Enjoy your smoothie at its very best by drinking it directly after it has been made.

Our top three super smoothies:

Cinnamon-banan blast You will need ? cup of skim milk 250ml fat free banana flavoured yoghurt 8 Crushed strawberry flavoured ice cubes 1 ripe banana 1-teaspoon cinnamon flavoured powder Mint Leaves

Mix ingredients in a blender at a high speed for 8 minutes, pour into a tall milkshake glass and enjoy with a fresh mint leaf on top.

Strawberry protein sensation You will need ? cup skim milk 250ml fat free strawberry flavoured yoghurt A handful of fresh chopped strawberries 1 scoop strawberry flavoured protein powder 8 crushed ice cubes Mix ingredients in a blender at a high speed for 8 minutes, pour into a tall milkshake glass and enjoy with whole strawberry on top.

Mango and papaya paradise You will need One ripe chopped mango One ripe chopped papaya ? cup skim milk 250ml fat free peach flavoured fruit yoghurt 8 crushed, mango juice ice cubes

Mix ingredients in a blender at a high speed for 8 minutes, pour into a tall milkshake glass and enjoy with whole slice of papaya shaped around the top of the glass.

About the Author

Dimi Deliyiannis is the founder and editor of http://www.GetFIT.co.za, a free online magazine with information on training, diet and nutrition. She regularly writes articles for top South African magazines, including: Fitness, Muscle Evolution and Women's Value. Visit her website on http://www.getfit.co.za and sign up for her free monthly fitness supplement on http://www.getfit.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=227&Itemid=91