Drinks

Acai berries (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) are a traditional food of the Amazon rainforest and are highly revered for their superfood quality. Purple foods such as acai berries contain purplish coloured antioxidants called anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins. Relative to other antioxidants, these have the greatest sting in their ability to quench free radicals thereby preventing cellular damage. Purple berries are also said to stimulate the brain and nervous system and protect it from stress injury. The omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds also nourish the brain while maca powder supports the adrenal glands helping the body cope with mental and physical stress. What a perfect morning snack!

1 frozen brick acai pulp

1 banana

1/2 green apple

300ml coconut water

2 heaped tsp maca powder

2 tsp chia seeds

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and mix until smooth.
• Pour into two glasses and serve with a sprinkle of hulled organic hemp seeds.

Very simple, very hydrating, and very alkalising. Just what your body needs. And a secret weapon to rebalance after a bit of indulgence.

2 stalks of celery

1 green apple (with skin)

1 Lebanese cucumber

1/2 bunch of fresh mint (leaves)

300ml coconut water

• Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

You are what you eat, they say! Blueberries and acai are very good sources of antioxidants, almond milk is rich in calcium and vitamin E (another important antioxidant which is great for the skin!) and also very alkalising. Flaxseed oil is rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids essential for healthy smooth skin and shiny hair. Vanilla is a gentle, comforting aromatic which calms nerves and relaxes the body. And probiotics keep the gut happy – voilà: beauty does come from inside…

A big handful of blueberries (fresh or frozen)

1 tsp acai (freeze-dried powder)

1 cup almond milk

1 tsp flaxseed oil

1/2 tsp vanilla bean (natural essence, liquid or powder)

1 tsp probiotic powder (dairy-free)

• Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

Antioxidants are our best friends! They help reduce inflammation, scavenge the free radicals that our body produces and that we are exposed to in our environment (through cigarette smoke, alcohol, radiation, environmental pollutants and toxic food), they keep us looking young and radiant, enhance fertility and much more. There is a wide array of antioxidants and they need each other to be ‘recycled’ in the body. Some of the major antioxidants include vitamin C, E, carotenoids and flavonoids – and they are all in this smoothie!

A big handful of mixed berries (fresh or frozen)

1 tsp Goji berries

Juice of 1/2 orange

Juice of 1/2 lime

1 tsp chia seeds

1 cup coconut water

1 knob of fresh ginger (peeled)

• Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

200 ml Homemade almond milk

2 tsp coconut butter (this will add lovely creaminess)

2 tsp Cacao powder (or more to taste)

pinch cinnamon (or ginger or vanilla powder - to taste)

3 drops liquid stevia (or drizzle of raw honey)

tiny pinch cayenne pepper (Optional: A tiny pinch of cayenne gives that extra warming kick)

• Pour milk in a small pot and add all other ingredients, stir well.
• Heat up slowly until nice and warm. Avoid boiling the milk.
• Pour into your favourite cup and enjoy!

All the goodness of life-giving greens combined with essential omega-3 fatty acids and turned into a rich, creamy shake – a real green Goddess! This is a real nutrient boost that is filling and delicious and alkalises your body.

1 small Lebanese cucumber

2 stalks of kale

1 frozen banana

A big handful of baby spinach

1/2 avocado

1 tsp chia seeds

1 knob of fresh ginger (peeled)

1 tsp flaxseed oil

Juice of 1 lime

1 cup coconut water

• Wash the cucumber and chop into large chunks with peel intact.
• Wash the kale and remove leaves from the thick stalks. To de-stalk kale grab the end of the stalk and then run your fingers down it, shearing the leaf off. Tear leaves roughly.
• Place cucumber, kale and all other ingredients in a high speed blender and mix until smooth.
• Add a little more coconut water or filtered water to adjust consistency if desired.

Your body (as well as your mind and emotions!!) will love you for this refreshing green drink. Highly alkalising, cleansing and energising.

2 stalks of kale

1 kiwi fruit

1 green apple

1 small cucumber

Juice of 1/2 lemon

A knob of fresh ginger (peeled)

A handful of fresh mint

A handful of ice cubes (optional)

• Wash the kale and remove leaves from the thick stalks. To de-stalk kale grab the end of the stalk and then run your fingers down it, shearing the leaf off.
• Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and mix until smooth.

Add a handful of fresh parsley or coriander for extra liver support.

This is guilt-free chocolaty indulgence made from whole food ingredients. Raw cacao is rich in antioxidants and minerals like magnesium and potassium. For young children, you can replace raw cacao with organic carob powder which is caffeine-free.

1 cup of milk (organic full fat dairy, almond, rice, coconut)

1 banana (fresh or frozen)

1 tbsp nut butter (almond/cashew/macadamia butter or ABC spread)

2 tsp raw cacao (powder)

1 tsp vanilla bean (natural essence, liquid or powder)

• Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

Add a handful of ice cubes to the blender to make an iced chocolate smoothie version. If you need more sweetness, add a fresh date.

A dairy-free alternative to milk

Almond milk is a great alternative to dairy and it is so easy to make at home. Almonds have the highest calcium content of any nut (332mg/cup) and are also rich in magnesium, vitamin E and heart- and skin-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids. Almond milk can be used for drinking, in smoothies and in cooking and baking.

1 cup of almonds (preferably soaked overnight in filtered water)

2 ½ cups filtered water

1/3 tsp rock salt

• Soaking the almonds: You can use raw almonds to make this milk if you’re in a hurry. Soaking them overnight though does not only give a better yield but it also easier on the digestive system. The soaking process deactivates enzyme inhibitors and makes all nuts and seeds easier to digest.
• Place almonds in a bowl and cover with filtered water and 1/3 tsp rock salt and soak overnight. Drain almonds and place in a blender, add the water and process until liquid and smooth. Drain the milk through a muslin cloth or very fine sieve into a jug or jar. Store the almond milk in a sealed jar or glass bottle in the fridge for up to six days.

The reserved pulp can be added to smoothies, desserts or used for baking as a GF flour alternative. It will keep in a sealed container or jar for up to 3 days.

Beauty tip: Use almond pulp for a luxurious almond facial! Gently massage pulp into the skin and then rinse with water. You will be left with lovely soft, gently exfoliated skin!

1 cup coconut flakes (unsweetened)

2 1/2 cups water (hot)

• Combine flakes and hot water in a high-speed blender until liquid.
• Strain through a muslin cloth or fine sieve.
• Store milk in a sealed jar or glass bottle for up to six days.

The dry coconut pulp makes a perfect face and body exfoliate.

This smoothie makes a great breakfast or mid-morning snack. Raspberries are simply delicious, high in antioxidants and low in calories, coconut water is very hydrating while kefir nourishes the gut flora and supports healthy digestion. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and also add bulk and fibre. LSA provides a protein boost and extra flaxseeds promote healthy cholesterol levels and overall hormonal health. Maca powder is a traditional Peruvian superfood which nourishes the adrenal glands and adds a nutty flavour.

A big handful of raspberries (frozen)

1 cup coconut water

3 tbsp kefir (or natural full fat yoghurt with live cultures)

1 tsp chia seeds

1 heaped tsp LSA (ground linseed or flaxseed, sunflower seeds and almonds)

1 heaped tsp ground flaxseeds

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

1 heaped tsp maca powder (optional)

• Place all the ingredients in a high speed blender and mix until smooth. Add a little bit more filtered water if needed for consistency.

What a way to start your day: this smoothie gently supports and heals your digestive system and is full of nutritious goodness. Kefir is a potent probiotic containing both bacterial and yeast species that are beneficial for the gut flora thereby protecting against gastrointestinal diseases. It has also been demonstrated to improve lactose digestion in adults with lactose intolerance and to have anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Papaya and pineapple contain high levels of papain and bromelain, enzymes that aid digestion and the breakdown of protein. LSA and nut butter provide good protein for satiety and preventing sweet cravings. Cinnamon also stabilises blood sugar levels.

A wedge of papaya

A slice of pineapple

1/3 cup kefir (or natural plain, full fat yoghurt)

1 tbsp ground flaxseed (or LSA)

1 tbsp ABC spread (almond-brazil-cashew nut butter)

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1-1/2 cups filtered water

• Deseed and peel the papaya.
• Peel and roughly chop the pineapple.
• Combine fruit and all other ingredients in a high speed blender and mix until smooth.

To make it dairy-free replace the kefir/yoghurt with a serving of protein powder (aim for 25-30g of protein. Talk to your nutritionist about which type of protein powder is the most suitable for you; grass-fed whey protein isolate, rice or pea protein). Always choose protein powders that are free of fillers and artificial sweeteners.

This is a true power drink: the protein will help you feel full, stabilise blood sugar levels and prevent cravings. Protein is also needed for muscular and general tissue repair as well as healthy hormone and neurotransmitter production. Cinnamon is well known for its role in controlling blood sugar levels. The powder of the Peruvian maca root supports the adrenal glands and energy levels. Acai berries contain potent antioxidants that help protect cells from inflammation induced cell damage that often comes with overweight. Acai pulp is also high in fibre promoting a feeling of satiety. Chia seeds swell up when combined with liquid making them a very filling digestive aid. Plus, chia seeds are incredidbly high omega-3 fatty acids for a plant food: 1 level teaspoon provides whooping 2.9g of omega-3 alpha-linoleic acid.

1 frozen brick acai pulp (or any other frozen berries)

300ml coconut water

1 serving vanilla protein powder (rice, pea, or grass-fed WPI)

1tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp chia seeds

1 tsp maca powder

• Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and mix until smooth.

When choosing a protein powder quality is the key. Certified organic or all natural powders are best. Check the label to ensure it does not contain any fillers, thickeners, gluten, or artificial sweeteners (e.g. aspartamine, sucrolose, saccharin, equal, splenda or acesulfame K). Vanilla flavour should come from natural vanilla bean, cacao flavour should come from raw cacao, and the most natural sweetener is stevia. Aim for 25-30g of protein per smoothie as a meal replacement (check amount of protein per scoop on the label). If you choose whey protein, make sure it comes from cows that are grass fed and free of hormones rBST or rBGH. Choose the type of protein that is most suitable for your body’s digestive system. Speak to your practitioner if you are unsure which one to choose.