LOVE AT FIRST SMOOTHIE

I may not be Nigella’s spirit animal in the kitchen, I do however, blend like a boss! I’m not saying I could win Masterchef, but if they dealt exclusively in smoothies, I’d take the crown.

The thing is, as much as I’d love to be covered in flour creating mouth-watering delights with a Stepford (wife) smile on my face… I don’t exactly love cooking. Truth be told... I hate it! While hate is a strong word, if there’s one thing this gal loves, it’s convenience. And while MasterChef does in fact have me emotionally invested in every immunity challenge, life's good when blender is bae!

WHAM BAM THANK YOU MA’AM

And who said romance is dead?

I guess my whirlwind love affair with smoothies began with the realisation that I could prepare, eat (or drink) and clean up in all of 20 minutes. I’m talking chop, blend, drink and rinse – a truly poetic culinary experience.

And if you really want to get frisky, forget chopping and simply bust open a packet of organic frozen berries (or fruit of choice), add a splash of water or your fave plant-based milk (I love Nutty Bruce) and blend baby, blend!

KEEP THE LOVE ALIVE

More than a one night stand

If you want to keep the party going, you can make smoothies in batches and store them in your fridge. I find this encourages me to stay on track with my budget and booty goals!

Kimberly Snyder (The OG of Green Smoothies), recommends storing smoothies in the fridge for up to three and a half days. Adding citrus to the mix can also help retain nutrients and preserve freshness. All you need is an airtight jar, and it’s smooth sailing.

If you’re one of those next level planners and want to hook yourself up for the entire week, Kimberly also recommends freezing smoothies and thawing them out in the fridge overnight.

NOTE: It’s best to stick to BPA-free containers (an industrial chemical your bod can do without). Think glass, stainless steel or BPA-free plastic.

YOU HAD ME AT COST-SAVING

Menulog, where did we go wrong?

At first our courtship seemed promising, but like all dysfunctional relationships, it wasn’t long before this twisted romance took everything. With one too many $60 (maybe $70-ish) dinner orders racked up on my Mastercard, I knew it was time to say goodbye. Let’s just say things got a tad awkward, explaining to my accountant that my credit card debt was mostly attributed to laziness in the kitchen.

Sure, most girls blow their budget on designer shoes, bags and overpriced active wear, but have you ever thrown caution to the wind and ordered an entree, main, side salad and dessert online after a long day at work? Just an average day in the life of an adrenalin junkie! Some opt for extreme sports – I’m all about extreme ordering. At least I was, until I discovered I could create a delish smoothie for roughly ten bucks. It’s been real Menulog.

PLAY THE FIELD

Smoothie options

While I favour the simple side of life (a la open a packet of organic frozen fruit and add liquid), for all you fancy pants peeps out there your smoothie possibilities are endless.

That said it pays to consider your flavours. As much as I’m a huge advocate for world peace, not all ingredients are going to blend in perfect harmony. Take it from someone who tried to create a raw soup with no recipe. Yes. Raw. Soup. Let’s just say that raw onion and garlic blended in the wrong proportions can inflict deep emotional scarring that I don’t wish upon anyone.

The moral of the story is to go ahead, play the field and sow your wild smoothie oats (organic of course). Just know there are literally a gazillion FREE recipe videos online, should you want to expand your flavour horizons, without assaulting your taste buds. Here are a few ideas from three sassy smoothie greats to get you started.

OG GREEN SMOOTHIE

Kimberly Snyder has earned her stripes as one of Hollywood’s most sought after health and wellness experts, with Drew Barrymore, Chris Hemsworth, Kerry Washington and Magic Mike (AKA Channing Tatum) amongst her favoured A-list clientele. Here’s Kimberly’s take on creating an og green smoothie.

INSTA-WORTHY SMOOTHIE BOWL

For those of you who want to feel like you’re ‘eating’ as opposed to drinking, a smoothie bowl may be more up your alley. Here’s a recipe from the absolute QUEEN of picturesque raw food that tastes just as good as it photographs – the one and only Fully Raw Kristina.

SHAPE SHIFTER SMOOTHIES

Not one, not two, but three deliciously nutritious smoothie ideas from plant-based pioneer Rawvana. These bad boys are simple to blend and super nourishing for your bod.