05 Sep SMOOTHIE SATURDAY – MANGO BANANA COCONUT (N)ICECREAM

September is now, according to the latest issue of ES magazine, the thinking woman’s January. A time to capitalise on the mounting energy of the new term and indulge in a little lightweight self improvement (along with essential new purchases of A/W appropriate bags, boots and coats, naturally). If the words ‘self’ and ‘improvement’ make you shudder, try this almost-too-tasty-to-be healthy recipe for smoothie Saturday from Christine Joos, a lady who knows a thing or two about eating well, without sacrificing on taste. If anything, it’ll keep you going while you try on your 15th coat in Zara…

We’ve been a bit deprived of sunshine in the UK these last few weeks, so I’ve decided to create my own. In a glass.

This creamy, ice-cream-esque smoothie is one of my all-time favourites and brings a trio of tropical tastes together with some serious health side effects − just the thing to re-energise you for the new term, whether you’ve got kids or not.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, bananas are powerhouses of goodness packed with essential vitamins and minerals− B6, manganese, potassium, magnesium − to keep you firing on all cylinders, no matter what the new term throws at you.

Mangoes are rich in pre-biotic dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which aid digestion and help alkalise your system to fight infections to keep all those classroom/public transport bugs at bay.

Coconut not only tastes amazing, it’s full of essential fatty acids which help with focus and cognitive function. Brain food basically.

As with many of my other smoothies, I love to add chia seeds for a) their creamy texture and b) their high protein, omega and fiber values. A more nutritious little seed you’d be hard pressed to find!

• 1 banana, frozen or unfrozen
• 1 handful frozen mango
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 3-4 tbsp coconut yoghurt (available as dairy free)

Optional toppings:

• a few blueberries
• coconut chips
• coconut sugar

Blend the banana, mango and coconut yoghurt until smooth, adding a splash of almond/coconut/hemp milk if it’s a bit on the thick side. Pour into a glass and top with blueberries, coconut chips and a sprinkling of coconut sugar. Self-improvement that tastes like ice cream, what could be more motivating?

Christine Joos, aka @london_yogini, is a designer, smoothie alchemist, yoga teacher and mum who lives in North London. She’s a passionate yogini who believes in the transformative power of nutrition. As well as posting her wellbeing inspo here, you can also find her flexing her creative muscles for brands like ASOS, Virgin and Adidas.