Smoothies are a great way of eating a healthy nutritious meal in an interesting and enjoyable way, and lately they have become rather en-vogue. The humble blender has been rebranded Smoothie Maker and is literally flying out of the shop doors. So why are they so popular and what is all the fuss about.

A smoothie is basically a blended drink usually containing fruit. Some recipes use yoghurt to make almost a milkshake type drink whilst others just use the fruit juices. Other ingredients include chocolate, peanut butter, tofu and jams.

Smoothies can be a good base to add other powdered supplements such as protein powder, oatmeal, wheat germ, bee pollen etc. These products can be purchased from health food shops and adding them to your smoothie should not affect the overall taste.

Here are some of my favorites

Merry Berry Smoothie
Low fat natural Yoghurt
Strawberries
Blueberries
Blackcurrents
Grapes
Orange juice (or any other juice if you wish)

Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add granulated sweetener to taste.

Peanut Butter Smoothie
Peanut Butter
Vanilla Ice Cream
Milk

Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until just combined.

Purple Passion Smoothie
Banana
Low fat yoghurt
Blueberries
Strawberries
Ice

Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add granulated sweetener to taste.