REAL FOODREAL RESULTS
A COMPLETE GUIDE TO EATINGGREAT TASTING HEALTHY FOODS
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SMOOTHIE BOOK
Medical DisclaimerThe recipes within these pages are for information purposes only and in no way supercede any prior advice given by a medical practitioner, registered dietician or nutritionist. Should you prepare and consume these recipes, you are choosing to do so of your own free will, without coercion and in the full knowledge that the recipes have not been personally designed for you and that should you suffer from a medical condition of any kind or suspect that the ingredients may cause you a medical problem of any kind whatsoever that you should speak to a qualified medical practitioner for advice.
Further, if you choose to prepare and consume these recipes and feel that you are experiencing any adverse effects, then you should cease using these recipes immediately and consult your doctor.
© Copyright 2015 The Fitness Lodge
All rights reserved.No part of this book may be reproduced,stored in a retrieval system or transmittedin any form or means whatsoever withoutthe prior consent and written permissionof the author.
Introduction
Smoothie Recipes
Contents
Peaches & cream smoothie 1
Apricot, peach & melon cooler 2
Peach, grapefruit & spinach smoothie 3
Chocolate brownie protein smoothie 4
Banana & ginger smoothie 5
Banana, coconut, ginger & sea salt smoothie 6
Beetroot refresher smoothie 7
Berry sensation smoothie 8
Blueberry bliss smoothie 9
Carrot cake batter smoothie 10
Chocolate almond probiotic smoothie 11
Green apple smoothie 12
Chocolate nut smoothie 13
Strawberry, blueberry, grape & spinach smoothie 14
Lychee, melon & coconut smoothie 15
Cocoa, banana & nut smoothie 16
Coconut, almond, vanilla & ginger smoothie 17
Creamy banana & almond smoothie 18
Cucumber, avocado, grape & mint smoothie 19
Fresh & green smoothie 20
Raspberry & chocolate protein smoothie 21
Oaty, fruity protein smoothie 22
Grapefruit, orange, carrot & ginger smoothie 23
Avocado & mint smoothie 24
Green passion smoothie 25
Green tea & berry protein smoothie 26
Green velvet smoothie 27
Grapefruit, strawberry & iced white tea smoothie 28
Hidden greens smoothie 29
Kiwi, apple, blueberry & vanilla protein smoothie 30
Green tea & grape smoothie 31
Mango lassi protein smoothie 32
Mango, mint, avocado & strawberry smoothie 33
Mango & spinach protein smoothie 34
Melon, grape & lettuce smoothie 35
Nectarine, pineapple & flaxseed smoothie 36
Creamy nectarine protein smoothie 37
Orange, nectarine, spinach & vanilla smoothie 38
Minted melon cleanser 39
Pear & chocolate protein smoothie 40
Pineapple perker smoothie 41
Pineapple, banana, kiwi & grapefruit smoothie 42
Mango & tulsi iced tea smoothie 43
Pineapple, cardamom & ginger digestion smoothie 44
Pumpkin spice smoothie 45
Pomegranate & chia smoothie 46
Pumpkin pie smoothie 47
Rhubarb & custard smoothie 48
Strawberry, grapefruit & white tea smoothie 49
Strawberry, kiwi & protein smoothie 50
Strawberry, lime & banana cooler 51
Berry, avocado, mint & vanilla smoothie 52
Berry, chocolate, chia & spinach protein smoothie 53
Mango delight smoothie 54
Strawberries & cream smoothie 55
Sweetcorn & spinach smoothie 56
‘6-a-day’ salad smoothie 57
Veggie cleanser smoothie 58
Papaya dream smoothie 59
Chocolate, coconut & chia probiotic smoothie 60
Welcome...
Welcome to the Real Food, Real Results Smoothie Book. This book will be your bible over the coming weeks! In case you didn’t know, nutrition will count for about 80% of your results. That’s right 80%! There is an important lesson to be learned from the story below...
You see I used to have a client, let’s call her Lisa. Now Lisa trained very hard and never
missed a training session and so with all this effort and dedication to her training she
thought that the scales and the measuring tape would really be moving in the right direction
at her weights and measurement day. I will never forget the look on her face when she found
out that she lost only 1lb and half an inch from her waist. She was disappointed and so
was I.
“You have read the information on the importance of nutrition and you have been using the
recipe book I gave you?” I asked. It turned out she never read it because she thought she
already knew about nutrition and that her personal trainer wasn’t going to know more than
she did.
Sometimes we learn the hard way! I’m pleased to say that once Lisa had become fully aware
of the importance of nutrition for fat loss, we were able to make some important changes.
28 days later she was 14lbs down and almost 2 dress sizes smaller.
As the saying goes, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”
And you are ready! That’s why you are reading this!
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Below I have included the key principles that work for nutrition for health and fat loss. If
anything you read, see or hear deviates from any of the six principles below, chances are
you can dismiss it immediately as a short term fad diet. This is a way of eating that will
enable you to achieve both fast and permanent results in a way that is 100% sustainable.
You see this change has to be permanent so it has to be both straightforward and above all
enjoyable. The good news is that my recipe book will show you how quick, easy and tasty
eating this way is.
Follow these principles
and you will get results...
1. Eating fewer calories than you burn (calorie deficit)
2. Eat more vegetables and fruits because they are rich in
antioxidants and micro-nutrients (vitamins and minerals)
3. Eat plenty of protein for repair and maintenance
of lean tissue, and to keep you feeling full (protein satisfies
the appetite more than any other macronutrient)
4. Eat enough healthy fats from oily fish, nuts, avocados,
coconut and olive oils (healthy fats are an essential part
of a balanced diet)
5. Drink plenty of water to naturally detoxify the body,
keeping the brain and body hydrated so it can function
properly (green and herbal teas count towards this
water intake)
6. Limit processed foods and artificial sweeteners
and preservatives
Now go and learn, cook, and experience the benefits that
my recipes have to offer – enjoy!
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A bit about smoothies...Smoothies are a wonderful thing.
Why? Well, for a start, smoothie machines have never been so cheap and high quality!
When purchasing a smoothie maker, look for the following features:
- 1 litre (minimum) capacity
- easy to clean (with removable parts)
- BPA (bisphenal A) free
- 300-500 watts power
- a pulse button – ideal for crushing harder ingredients like ice
Smoothies are a great way of packing in good quality fruits and vegetables, and are so
quick and easy to prepare. With so many ingredients to choose from, there’s a smoothie to
suit everyone, even the kids! So everyone can enjoy the healthy benefits that smoothies
have to offer.
Smoothies will help you increase the amount of fibre in your diet as well as getting a good
boost of vitamins and phytonutrients. And the great news is that the process of blending
will not destroy the goodness in your smoothie.
Studies have shown that eating a wide variety of plant foods can greatly reduce the risk
of cancer. For example, a study conducted on women who carried the BRCA1 and BRCA2
genes and were considered to be “at risk” of developing breast cancer, showed that by
consuming 23 different fruits and vegetables per week, their risk of developing breast
cancer was reduced by 73%!*
A 10 year investigation in the Netherlands revealed that the participants who consumed the
widest variety of vegetables were 36% less likely to develop cancer than people eating the
least variety.**
*Ghadirian P, Narod S, Fafard E, Costa M, Robidoux A, Nkondkock A, Breast cancer risk in relation to the joint effect of BRCA mutations and diet diversity. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2009. ** Jansen MC, Bueno-de-Mesquita HB, Feskens EJ, Streppel MT, Kok FJ, Kronhout D, Quantity and variety of fruit and vegetable consumption and cancer risk. Nutrition and cancer 2004;48(2):142-148.
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A gentle caution...
Be careful not to get too carried away when you start out. Smoothies can be easy to
over-consume, because they are so delicious! If you are not used to consuming lots of fruits
and vegetables, your body will not be used to digesting so many vegetables and fruits in one
go, and as a result, you may experience stomach pain.
Overconsumption may also lead to bloating. Fibre absorbs a lot of water, so be sure to
consume plenty of water to avoid constipation!
Also, it is better to consume your smoothie soon after making it, because once the blending
process stops, some nutrients may be lost.
Alternatively, freeze the blended smoothie mixture in batches for a later date, or make into
ice lollies.
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Before you get stuck into the recipes, let’s go through some education to ensure you understand the benefits of what you will be drinking!
Please note: The FDA has not approved any of these ingredients to cure any medical condition.
COCOA POWDER
There are many different polyphenols (important micronutrients) in cocoa. These naturally-
occurring polyphenols act as powerful antioxidants, protecting the cells in our bodies
and reducing the risk of diseases. Cocoa also offers a mood boosting effect via caffeine,
theobromine, phenethylamine and anandamide with these different compounds offering
a mild stimulatory effect, endorphin release, and potentiation of neurotransmitters in the
brain. No wonder some South American populations drink up to 5 cups of cocoa every day!
COFFEE
Like cocoa, coffee is packed full of antioxidants which is
great for protecting our cells from reactive oxygen species
(ROS) caused by pollution, stress and exercise. Studies
have also shown coffee to be beneficial in reducing type
2 diabetes, cognitive decline and even depression. The
caffeine in coffee can also boost exercise performance –
ideal for that occasion when you feel a bit fatigued but have a training session planned. But
be careful not to overdo it – too much coffee can leave you wired, causing difficulties with
relaxing and sleeping.
If possible, use 100% organic Fairtrade coffee, as this is free from chemical pesticides and
better for the environment. Organic coffee is high in nutrients, as it is farmed in soil which
is rich and fertile, due to good crop rotation. It is also rich in antioxidants. If you prefer your
coffee decaf, again organic is more preferable to non organic. No chemicals are used during
processing – instead water is used to remove the caffeine content from the coffee beans.
Let’s get started...
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MILK ALTERNATIVES
Want the creamy taste and texture of milk without the
lactose or even the calories of dairy milk? Check out the
alternatives like almond milk, rice milk and oat milk.
Just watch out for added sugar – if possible, opt for the
unsweetened varieties.
GINGER
As well as adding heat and flavour to smoothies, ginger is also a powerful anti-
inflammatory. This is good because exercise produces inflammation in the body as a part of
the healing process which occurs when we break down our muscle fibres. Some of the other
benefits ginger has been reported to offer include: maintaining normal blood circulation,
easing symptoms of the common cold, strengthening the immune system, helping with
motion sickness and improving digestion.
CINNAMON
As well as adding a lovely sweetness to smoothies without the added calories, cinnamon
has many health benefits, for example blood sugar control, fighting internal candida and
easing IBS. Cinnamon is also a powerful antioxidant.
OATS
Oats are a great addition to smoothies, adding fibre, minerals and slow release
carbohydrates. Although oats are digested a bit better when cooked (cooking helps
break down something called phytic acid which can bind to minerals and make them less
absorbable), they don’t need to be cooked every time you have them. Another benefit of
adding oats to a protein rich smoothie is the time it saves. A complete breakfast in a glass.
STONE FRUITS
Stone fruits like plums, nectarines, peaches, apricots
and cherries are high in antioxidants, fibre, vitamins and
minerals. They tend to be seasonally available so enjoy
them fresh while you can, or frozen / tinned when not in
season.
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BEETROOT
Perhaps the beetroot smoothies are for the more adventurous amongst us, but beetroot has
some amazing health benefits. The nitrates in beetroot can help to relax and dilate blood
vessels reducing blood pressure. Beetroot is also a proven exercise performance booster
with the effects of the nitrates helping to improve exercise efficiency. You’d probably need
to consume beetroot regularly to obtain the performance boosting effects though. Beetroot
is also high in vitamin C, fibre, and minerals.
BERRIES
Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries
are relatively low in sugar, packed full of vitamin C,
antioxidants and high in fibre. Berries are a great way to
add sweetness and nutrition without adding a lot of sugar
or calories. Frozen berries are just as nutritious and work
really well in smoothies.
PINEAPPLE
Such a delicious and beneficial fruit, rich in vitamin C for immune health, manganese for
bone strength and bromelain for digestion.
WHEATGRASS AND BARLEYGRASS
(FRESH OR POWDERED)
Some of the smoothies in this book contain wheatgrass
and barleygrass and you might want to add them to any
of the other smoothie recipes that they might be suited
to. It’s like adding a bunch of vitamins, minerals, amino
acids and enzymes to your smoothie. Wheatgrass actually
contains 19 amino acids and 92 minerals making it
highly nutritious!
CELERY
Particularly high in vitamin K which is good for the heart, brain and bones. Celery is a super
low calorie food containing fibre and minerals as well as vitamins A, C, B6, K and folate.
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TOMATO JUICE
Tomato juice is a nutritional powerhouse containing fibre, vitamins C, A, B3 and the
powerful antioxidant lycopene, which has been shown to prevent certain cancers. It tastes
great in savoury smoothies with beetroot and other vegetables like celery. Some people love
it, while others see it as medicine and just get it down them!
SEEDS
The addition of seeds like flax, chia and pumpkin can be a
good way to get some healthy fats in the diet. As well as
essential fatty acids like Omega 3, seeds are also high in
fibre and in the case of flax, may offer cancer protective
effects via phytoestrogens called lignans. Pumpkin seeds
contain zinc and have been shown to help maintain a
healthy prostate gland.
LYCHEES
Grown in warm, humid climates like Sri Lanka, India and China, lychees are high in vitamin
C, B vitamins, potassium and copper.
RHUBARB
Rhubarb contains fibre for a healthy digestive system, vitamin K for a healthy heart, brain
and bones, and antioxidant vitamins C and A. Rhubarb is also a good source of calcium. Add
it to smoothies after boiling and cooling, or try tinned rhubarb in juice (not syrup).
GRAPEFRUIT
Grapefruit is a source of vitamin A, C, and B. It also
contains a type of fibre called pectin, which is associated
with maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Red and pink
grapefruit varieties also contain lycopene, which has been
shown to protect against certain cancers. Grapefruit also
contains a flavonoid called naringenin which can help to
repair damaged DNA in human prostate cells and prevent
them from becoming cancerous.
PUMPKIN (PURÉE)
Pumpkin is a nutrient dense food, rich in vitamin A, E, fibre and potassium and low in
calories.
Introduction 13
AVOCADO
Fat isn’t something we normally associate with fruit, yet
a medium sized Haas avocado contains around 22g of fat.
Avocados are very low in sugar and are an excellent source
of healthy mono-unsaturated fat and potassium.
KIWI
Want to boost your vitamin C intake? Look no further than the humble kiwi fruit.
Containing 5 times the amount of vitamin C of an orange in one serving, kiwi fruits are a
superb immune-boosting food. Research has shown kiwi to protect against asthma and
respiratory difficulties like wheezing. One report showed that young children consuming
6-7 servings of kiwi and other vitamin C rich foods per week had a 44% lower incidence of
wheezing.
PAPAYA
Papaya is high in vitamin C, A and fibre. It also contains many different flavonoids which
protect against free radicals that can cause premature ageing and degenerative diseases.
It contains an enzyme, papain, which is great for protein digestion and has an anti-
inflammatory effect on the stomach.
CARDAMOM
Adding a very interesting flavour and fragrance to smoothies, cardamom is particularly rich
in the mineral manganese which is good for bone health. It is also noted to be able to
improve digestion and inhibit tumour growth.
LETTUCE
As random as it sounds, lettuce can actually help us sleep. Lettuce contains a substance
called lactucarium, which works by relaxing the nervous system. Not being one of the most
desirable foods as far as taste is concerned, making a smoothie with lettuce and some fruit
results in a quick and convenient bedtime snack to help you drift off to sleep.
SPINACH
Spinach is a very nutrient-dense food meaning that it contains a lot of nutrients in relation
to the amount of calories. Rich in vitamins and minerals, flavanoids and fibre, spinach is a
great health food.
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BROCCOLI
Broccoli is rich in potassium, calcium, fibre and vitamin C. Our grandparents were right
when they told us to eat our greens. Broccoli also contains a substance called sulforaphane,
and studies have shown that this can help to improve blood pressure and kidney function as
well as offer protection against certain cancers.
POMEGRANATE
Pomegranates have been eaten for thousands of years and
have even been found in Egyptian tombs. Pomegranates
are rich in vitamin C and various antioxidants. The quickest
way to remove the seeds is to cut the pomegranate in half
then turn each piece upside down over a bowl and hit with
a wooden spoon!
TEA
Tea has been revered for it’s health benefits for thousands of years. It contains antioxidants,
caffeine and a substance called theanine which can have a calming effect. Try adding it to
smoothies to increase your antioxidant intake, while at the same time giving your brain a
gentle boost.
PROTEIN POWDER
Adding protein powder can help you to reach your daily protein intake in a quick and
convenient way. Protein powders can be dairy or non-dairy depending on tolerance and
preference. If choosing a dairy protein like whey, bear in mind that the best ones on the
market are made from EU grass fed cows and are processed at low temperatures, this
ensures that the product is a better quality. If going for a non-dairy protein powder, consider
using rice and pea proteins.
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...a nourishing probiotic drink
Kefir is one of the most probiotic-rich foods. It’s a cultured
dairy product that gets it’s name from the Turkish word
‘keif’, which means good feeling. Makes sense when some
health experts call the gut ‘the second brain’. It’s made by
adding kefir ‘grains’ – which are living cultures – to cow’s,
goat’s or coconut milk. Kefir is amazing for gut health and
immunity! Forget those processed, sugary probiotic yoghurt drinks, kefir is the real deal!
Because the kefir grains break down the lactose in the milk, the resulting kefir is very low in
lactose. It adds a nice creamy taste and texture to smoothies.
To make kefir, you will need...
2 tbsps kefir milk grains (find on Amazon or Ebay)
1 litre sized glass jar with lid, sterilised
1 litre full cream cow’s / goat’s / coconut milk
a plastic sieve
a plastic or wooden spoon
a glass bottle, sterilised
Note: Do not allow the grains to come into contact with metal as it will damage them.
Place the kefir grains in the glass jar. Add the milk and close lid gently (do not fasten lid).
Place jar in room temperature and away from direct sunlight. This is found to be the best
environment for kefir fermentation. Leave for between 12 hours to 2 days. After 12 hours,
you will have a mild tasting milk kefir. After 24 hours, it will be more tart. After 48 hours, it
will have a more zesty taste.
Use the sieve and spoon to separate the milk from the grains. Pour the kefir milk into a
sterile glass bottle and refrigerate. You can now allow the grains to rest for a few days,
covered in a little cold water or milk and placed in the fridge, or start another batch again.
remember to rest the grains every few weeks to get the best out of them. Your grains will
last a lifetime, if you look after them!
How to make kefir
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Peaches & cream smoothie200ml unsweetened almond or
rice milk
100g fresh peach (or use tinned
in juice, drained)
20g vanilla whey or rice protein
powder
70g frozen raspberries
65g plain yoghurt (or use dairy
free yoghurt if preferred)
3 ice cubes
SERVES 2
LIGHT OPTION!
Put all of the ingredients into a blender, water first so the blender doesn’t jam.
Pulse until smooth. Add more liquid if required, until you reach the desired consistency.
Consume immediately.
PER SERVING:
106 Calories
11g Carbs
11g Protein
2g Fat
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Put all of the ingredients into a blender, water first so the blender doesn’t jam.
Pulse until smooth. Add some with cold water if required, until you reach the desired consistency.
Consume immediately.
100ml cold water
2 fresh apricots, pitted
half a fresh peach (or use tinned
in juice, drained)
100g cantaloupe melon slices
2 ice cubes
SERVES 1
Apricot, peach & melon cooler
PER SERVING:
112 Calories
25g Carbs
3g Protein
0g Fat
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Peach, grapefruit & spinach smoothie100ml cold water
100g fresh peach (or use tinned
in juice, drained)
handful of fresh spinach leaves
half a ruby grapefruit
2 ice cubes
SERVES 1
LIGHT OPTION!
Put all of the ingredients into a blender, water first so the blender doesn’t jam.
Pulse until smooth. Add more cold water if required, until you reach the desired consistency.
Consume immediately.
PER SERVING:
108 Calories
24g Carbs
3g Protein
0g Fat
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150ml strong black coffee, freshly
made and allowed to cool (use
decaf if preferred)
200ml unsweetened almond or
rice milk
1 large banana, peeled
35g chocolate whey or rice
protein powder
2 tbsps organic cocoa powder
a few drops of vanilla extract
a pinch of sea salt
3 ice cubes
SERVES 2
PER SERVING:
187 Calories
24g Carbs
16g Protein
3g Fat
Put all of the ingredients into a blender, coffee first so the blender doesn’t jam.
Pulse until smooth. Add some with cold water if required, until you reach the desired consistency.
Consume immediately.
Chocolate brownie protein smoothie
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200ml cold water
50g cooked beetroot, chopped
50g pomegranate seeds
juice of half a lime
1 tsp chia seeds
a pinch of stevia (or use sweetener
of your choice)
SERVES 2
Beetroot refresher smoothie
LOW CARB & LIGHT OPTION!
Put all of the ingredients into a blender.Pulse until smooth. Add more cold water if required, until you reach the desired consistency.
Consume immediately.
PER SERVING:
45 Calories
8g Carbs
1g Protein
1g Fat
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100ml cold water
70g raspberries (fresh or frozen)
70g strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1 pear, cored
200g plain yoghurt (use dairy free
yoghurt if preferred)
handful of fresh spinach leaves
2 ice cubes
SERVES 1
Berry sensation smoothie
Put all of the ingredients into a blender, water first so the blender doesn’t jam.
Pulse until smooth. Add some cold water if required, until you reach the desired consistency.
Consume immediately.
PER SERVING:
181 Calories
24g Carbs
10g Protein
5g Fat
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Carrot cake batter smoothie300ml unsweetened almond or
rice milk
2 medium sized carrots, peeled and
chopped
1 small ripe banana, peeled
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
a pinch of ground allspice
a pinch of ground ginger
1 tsp vanilla extract
10g organic maple syrup or honey
15g ground almonds
1/2 tsp chia seeds
3 ice cubes
SERVES 2
PER SERVING:
178 Calories
27g Carbs
4g Protein
6g Fat
Put all of the ingredients into a blender, liquid first so the blender doesn’t jam.
Pulse until smooth. Add some cold water if required, until you reach the desired consistency.
Consume immediately.
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Cherry almond probiotic smoothie
PER SERVING:
308 Calories
22g Carbs
28g Protein
12g Fat
80g frozen pitted dark cherries
150ml coconut water (or use cold
water)
75ml kefir made with full fat milk -
see the ‘How To Make’ page (or use
dairy free milk of choice)
25g vanilla whey or rice protein
powder
10g ground almonds
SERVES 1
PROTEIN RICH!
Put all of the ingredients into a blender.Pulse until smooth. Add some cold water if required, until you reach the desired consistency.
Consume immediately.