We just love strawberries. How something so natural, can be so vibrantly coloured and taste so sweet is just an outstanding feat of nature. The  combination of bright red shiny flesh with contrasting strong green leaves perched on top is just stunning to me. The Chef loves the heady fragrance of strawberries that waft through the kitchen while he reduces them down on the stove with a hint of vanilla and honey, into an umptous compote.

My lovely, stylish friend from Nineteen Seventy Seven blog, arrives at work each day with her morning smoothie in a delightfully cute glass jar. Now, if a cute jar (such a novelty) doesn’t make you want to whip up a juicy smoothie, I don’t know what will. If you are trying to make an effort to eat more fruit, I would suggest not only incorporating smoothies into your day, but in a cute glass jar to make it a bit of fun. Perfect for kiddies, and if you add something colourful such as these pretty straws, I bet the kids will be begging you for a healthy smoothie each day!

And a little tip: Pour this mixture into icypole moulds for a healthy snack.

Here is my guide for Strawberry Surprise Smoothies. You know me by now, I like to encourage a bit of experimentation so it is a ‘guide’ only. Get creative, have some fun and see what combinations you can come up with. As usual, I’ll provide some nutrition information towards the end.

Strawberry Surprise Smoothies

Serves 1

Blitz:

• 3 strawberries
• 2 tsp chia seeds
• 1/4 cup apple puree or unsweetened apple sauce (optional)
• Honey as desired
• 1 cup milk (cow/goat/almond/rice)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla paste
• 1tbsp natural yoghurt

Health Benefits

Strawberries: Fibre for a healthy digestive system and potassium to reduce our blood pressure. They also contain Vitamin C, an antioxidant which prevents free radical damage and can reduce the severity of colds.

Chia Seeds: Very high in fibre, protein and iron as well as high levels of cancer preventative antioxidants. They also contain Omega 3 oils which are essential for keeping skin healthy, reducing inflammation and protecting our heart from heart disease.

Dairy Milk: Protein for growth and repair, calcium for strong bones. Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamin A, and B vitamins.

Apple puree: A natural way to sweeten the smoothie whilst adding fibre.

Natural Yoghurt: Contains good bacteria to aid digestion and nourish the cells of our intestines. Also contains protein for healthy strong bones and teeth.

Do you have a delicious strawberry recipe you would like to share? Leave us a comment.

Take a look at what else we did with the strawberries here Strawberry Sunshine  and our Healthy Choc Peanut Milkshakes!