SEASONAL
RECIPES:
With Easter on the horizon, thoughts turn to all things chocolate… The Healthy Chef,
Teresa Cutter, is no exception – but her smoothie recipe will make for the healthiest
choccy-inspired treat you enjoy all season.
CACAO KAPOW!
Re-energise and revitalise with this delicious and nutritious
‘heaven in a cup’ smoothie. Hydrating and refreshing, it’s
the perfect pick-me-up after a long day’s work or study. The
combination of cacao, coconut water and berries gives you
a nutritious energy kick – and it’s also ideal in the afternoon
when you are craving something sweet and chocolatey!
This super smoothie really packs a powerful punch! Firstly,
coconut water is a natural isotonic drink – it’s one of the
best hydrators and fluid replacers in the world. The coconut
flesh and liquid are loaded with health benefits and using it
in your smoothie will give you a burst of energy and clarity
of mind! You can buy young coconuts in most fruit shops
and supermarkets.
Secondly, cacao is a super bean, loaded with antioxidants
and essential micronutrients for health and vitality. It’s a
great source of magnesium, which aids calcium absorption,
metabolism and protein synthesis. It also contains iron,
copper, calcium and potassium, and has been scientifically
proven to reduce risk of stroke, diabetes and heart disease.
16
valine, leucine and isoleucine), studies
show that BCAA’s can reduce fatigue
and improve exercise performance,
reduce muscle breakdown and
facilitate healing.
Finally, Healthy Chef Organic
Super-food is an awesome
antioxidant and vitality booster.
High in nitrite-rich vegetables,
including beetroot, carrot and
spinach, it can enhance sports
performance and training.
Its
anti-inflammatory
ingredients, such as maqui
berry and acai berry, promote recovery and
assist in energy metabolism.
Serves 1
Time it takes: 5 minutes
Next up, berries – from blueberries, strawberries and
raspberries to mulberries and cranberries – are not only
delicious juicy jewels, but also packed with nutritional
goodness. High in fibre, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous
and potassium, fresh, frozen, dried or powdered berries
give your smoothie an antioxidant-rich, low-calorie boost. Ingredients
1 fresh young coconut (water and flesh)
1 tablespoon cacao
1 banana (frozen is good)
1 tablespoon Healthy Chef Pure Native WPI
1 tablespoon Healthy Chef Organic Superfood
½ cup frozen berries
The next ingredient, native whey protein isolate, such as
Healthy Chef Pure Native WPI, is an amazing lactose-free
super-protein that aids muscle recovery, tissue growth
and repair, and supports immune function and healthy
metabolism. Rich in BCAA’s (branched chain amino acids Once opened (carefully using a meat cleaver or similar –
search online ‘How to Open a Young Coconut’), you can
scrape the soft flesh of the coconut out with a spoon.
Combine all the ingredients in a blender until smooth and
creamy. Pour into a glass and enjoy.
NETWORK AUTUMN 2014 / WWW.FITNESSNETWORK.COM.AU