Healthy Recipes

A homemade smoothie can boost your energy levels and keep you full for longer. Preferred to fruits, these contain varieties of nutrients and can be consumed anytime of the day.

Below are two recipes. One a fruit smoothie and another homemade lemonade to quench your thirst.

Fruit Smoothie

Preparation time - 5-10 minutes

Ingredients - Assorted fruits of your choice. Here i chose - one whole banana, one kiwi, 5-6 strawberries. 1/2 cup yogurt and 3/4 cup milk. 2 tbsp of protein powder.

Wash the fruits thoroughly and slice them up to a medium size. Add the amalgam of fruits into the blender. Add yogurt, milk and protein powder. For healthier choices, you can replace full fat dairy products with skimmed dairy products. For those going dairy free, use almond or soy milk.

Remove the mixture and stir well. Enjoy the drink for breakfast. I prefer having this blend without ice but those who prefer it cold can add 2-3 cubes of ice.

Lemonade or Shikanji

How many of you find yourself grabbing a soft drink or aerated drinks in summers because it's too hot? All of us. No matter how tempting these drinks look and taste, they do not quench your thirst. Rather leave you wanting for more. Lets look at healthier options to enjoy. DIY lemonade is the best option for a quick fix.

Preparation time - 5-10 minutes.

Ingredients - 3 Lemons, 2-3 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1tsp of rock salt, 1/2 cup of water, 3-4 mint leaves.

Cut and squeeze lemon juice straight into the blender. Add 2-3 tbsp of sugar (can vary to individual taste). Sugar helps restore ions in your body during summer and a good way to add a little energy. Add 1 tsp of cumin powder and rock salt to the mixture and stir well. Add water and 2-3 mint leaves to the mixture. Blend well until smooth and frothy. Garnish with a few mint leaves on top. Enjoy this drink.

For those who enjoy it cooler can add cubes of ice.

Healthier alternatives are always a good choice to make. Easy to make at home and no pressure of added calories.

Few other examples of summer drinks which are totally natural and such a favourite of mine are - Coconut water and Sugarcane juice.

Start today and feel the difference.