Smooth operator: 4 healthy smoothie recipes to try

Courtesy @blend

Courtesy @blend

Courtesy @blend

Boost your energy with these four flavourful, easy-to-make smoothies packed with healthy ingredients.

Recipes and photos provided by @blend, a cafe specialising in "nutritionally advanced healthy" dishes, at Shoreline Beach Club 4, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Open from 8am to 10pm. Visit www.atblend.com.

Guilt-free

Coconut butter and avocado are excellent sources of healthy fat and help keep you full for longer.

Ingredients

350ml fresh pineapple juice

1 cup frozen mango

1 tsp coconut butter

1/4 avocado

1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder

Method

Blend all ingredients together until smooth.

Pro-nut

This high-protein blend, including almonds and flaxseeds, which are high in omega-3, is perfect as a meal replacement or post-workout protein/carb replenishment.

Ingredients

350ml almond milk

6 whole raw almonds

1 ripe banana

1 tbsp flaxseeds

1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder

Handful of ice

Method

Blend all ingredients together until smooth.

Kickstart

The veggie-packed smoothie is full of everything you should have eaten today, but didn’t have time for. It has four servings of nutrient-dense greens to help you reach your daily requirements.

Ingredients

350ml apple juice

1 cup spinach

1/2 cup chopped kale

6 cucumber slices

2 broccoli florets

1 cup strawberries

Handful of ice

Method

Blend ingredients together until smooth, then add ice.

Antioxidant fix

Rich in antioxidants from blueberries, this blend is packed with protein, giving your body the essential nutrients required to get the most of your workout.

Ingredients

350ml almond milk

1 cup blueberries

1 frozen banana

1 scoop of vanilla whey protein powder

Handful of ice

Method

Blend all ingredients together until smooth.