Five quick and easy smoothie recipes you can make in a hurry

A healthy balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients is imperative to help our bodies function normally so we can feel at our best.

You should be able to get all the vitamins and nutrients you need from a balanced diet.

Research by VÖOST revealed that 58% of women confessed they struggle to get their recommended five portions a day, with 44% of those who said they don’t get their '5 a day' admitting it’s because they find it difficult to incorporate fruit and vegetables into their daily diet.* Remember foods that make up your  '5 a day'  include fruit or veg that's fresh, frozen, dried or canned.

Smoothies are a super quick and easy way to get some vitamins and minerals into your diet. From blueberries to chocolate, there’s something for everyone. Here’s five quick and easy smoothie recipes that you need to try! Just pop all the ingredients in your blender and blitz until smooth. Ideal for when you are in a hurry and need that fruity fix.

1. Blueberry Smoothie

• A handful of blueberries

• 2 bananas

• One natural yoghurt

Not only are blueberries delicious, they are also fantastic for your health. Blueberries can be substituted for any other berry of choice depending on what is in season or what takes your fancy.

2. Mango Smoothie

• 237 ml. low-fat milk

• One Greek yogurt plain, vanilla or honey

• A handful of ice cubes

• 1 banana if frozen, leave out some of the ice

• 1 mango about 1 cup chopped

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1 tablespoon honey

This sweet treat is rich in natural sugars, ideal if you are craving chocolate but want to make a healthier choice.

Original recipe found here.

3. Strawberry and Banana

• 1 ripe banana sliced about 1/2 cup

• 10 ounces frozen sliced strawberries you can also use fresh if you have them

• 1/2 pint milk

Original recipe found here.

Strawberries and bananas are a match made in foodie heaven. This simple smoothie is made with just 3 ingredients. Strawberries, bananas, and milk. Just blitz the ingredients together in a blender for a few seconds until it’s smooth and creamy. Consider adding an extra zing with a twist on the original by adding kiwi fruit.

4. Banana and Almond Smoothie

• 1 medium to large frozen banana (break your bananas into chunks before freezing)

• 1 heaping spoonful of almond butter (or peanut butter)

• 2 spoonfuls of flax seed

• 120 ml of almond milk, yogurt or regular milk

• A drizzle of honey

• A tiny drop of almond extract or vanilla extract

Original recipe found here.

5. Chocolate Strawberry Breakfast Shake

• 237ml unsweetened almond milk

• 1 ripe banana (frozen or fresh)

• 2 1/2–3 cups strawberries (frozen or fresh)

• 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa or raw cacao powder

• 1 Tbsp almond or peanut butter (optional)

• 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup (optional)

• 2–3 Tbsp chocolate chips

We think this sumptuous smoothie is best enjoyed alone. This way no one will ask for a sip.. this decadent drink is not for sharing! Simply delicious.

Original recipe found here.