Eat Beauty: Chocolate Smoothie is a fun way to kick start eating healthy and let your skin reap the benefits

If you love thick smoothies, the best way to get the right texture if to use frozen banana slices. Have you ever tried it before? I hadn't until last year and now my fridge is always stocked with banana slices. I love it! I usually buy bananas in bulk, let them ripen on my kitchen counter and then slice them, arrange them on a baking tray and pop them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. After that just store them in an airtight container until you need to use them. They are perfect for making smoothies with a faintly sweet taste and rich, creamy texture (without the extra fat, of course!). 

And to make my smoothies taste just a little better, I sometimes like to add a low-sugar jam such as Crofter’s Jam. In this recipe, I used Crofter’s Super fruit spread which is rich in anti-oxidants and adds a rich berry taste and a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients
serves 1


1 banana, sliced and frozen
2/3 cup fat-free milk
1 tbsp low-sugar berry jam/spread
1 tbsp chia seeds
3 tbsp water
1 tbsp desiccated coconut, unsweetened
1/3 cup blueberries
1 tbsp cocoa powder


Step 1: Mix the chia seeds and water in a small bowl and let the seeds absorb the water for a few minutes. 

Step 2: Toss the frozen banana slices in a blender. Add the milk, jam, chia seeds, coconut, blueberries and cocoa powder. Blend well and serve immediately. 

The Chocolate Smoothie is a fun way to kick start eating healthy. Load it up with as many antioxidants as possible and let your skin reap the benefits… here’s the skinny:


Cocoa: Cocoa powder is considered to be one of the foods richest in polyphenols. That’s why, dark chocolate, which has a higher concentration of cocoa powder is actually good for you! It’s fighting off those age-inducing free radicals while satisfying chocolate cravings galore! 

Blueberries: Chockfull of antioxidants, blueberries not only scavenge free radicals for maximum skin protection, but they also can soothe inflammation. 

Chia Seeds: Rich in omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants, chia seeds are known to reduce inflammation and combat signs of ageing. Loaded with both fiber and protein, your stomach will work harder during digestion, an activity that optimizes the health of your stomach. And, according to Chinese philosophies, robust stomachs lead to suppler complexions. 

Bananas: Bananas are loaded with potassium. Why should Beauty Nerds pay attention to this? Because potassium regulates the water content in skin cells. If you find your skin particularly parched, it may be due to insufficient potassium levels – so the best thing you can do is reach for a banana! 

Milk: Did you know that vitamin D, D3 contributes to smooth skin and a stronger immune system? Brimming with Vitamins A, B, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc, milk will literally nourish complexions from the inside out. I personally use Almond milk and Soy milk. Better for you, healthier and tons of benefits!  

Low-sugar Jam: While jam is not good for you per serving, it does contain antioxidant-filled fruits such as berries that could have a positive impact on the skin. I know what you’re thinking – added sugar in jams will negate any health benefits. That’s why, we suggest choosing a low-sugar alternative because this is a great way to get the best of both taste and nutrients!