By Jane Ward

It’s nice to see the days getting longer and the thermometer creeping up a little bit each day. What better way to celebrate than with these healthy smoothie recipes to kick start a new spring routine. Smoothies are a really simple way of getting your 5 recommended fruit and veg portions into your diet each day, and these combinations are a refreshing alternative to regular fruit juice.  For a variation you can add spices and herbs such as cinnamon or mint, even some fresh ginger.

Spring Smoothie

½ a glass of cranberry juice

1 banana

3 tablespoons of fresh blueberries

a couple of ice cubes

Low fat or frozen yogurt

Honey

Cranberry juice can help to increase goof cholestorol and lower bad (LDL). New research has also shown that it can reduce your risk of by preventing bacteria from sticking to teeth.

Just Dew It – Melon Smoothie

Honeydew melon chunks

1 orange

½ a peach (pitted)

Fresh pineapple chunks

Ice

Honeydew Melon is a good source of potassium which can help to control blood pressure. Potassium is present in every cell in the human body, so it’s important to get the right amount in your diet.

Breakfast Berry Smoothie

Equal parts Blueberries, Strawberries and Blackberries

1 Carrot (peeled)

Pomegranate (or cranberry if you prefer)

Ice

Blueberries, Strawberries and Blackberries are all rich in anti-oxidants which are essential for a healthy immune system. As well, strawberries contain more Vitamin C than oranges.