tea-infused smoothie recipes
by carolyn lindrea
pic @alphafoodie instagram
BENEFITS OF DRINKING HERBAL TEA
In addition to the endless therapeutic benefits of herbal tea and the fact it is caffeine free (except for green tea), it is also good for:
- stomach and digestive problems, IBS
- calming the nervous system
- source of vitamins and minerals
- anti-inflammatory properties in all blends
- boosting immunity, reducing colds & sniffles
- cleansing the body
- relieving stress
Smoothies can be enjoyed warm or cold. Just plan ahead the night before if wanting it chilled. For convenience just use my ‘Brew as you go’ tea bottle and place in the fridge overnight! Steep a weak or strong brew to taste. I use a nutria bullet to blend my smoothie’s as it liqufies seeds as well, but any blender will do.
RECIPES
Ginger Ninja’s hot n’ spicy
1 cup ‘ginger ninja’ herbal tea*
1 cup mixed rocket and spinach
1⁄2 cup V8 hot and spicy vegetable juice (can also use original and add a dash of cayenne pepper)
add 1⁄4 avocado to thicken or take the edge off spicyness if desired
GI Jane’s
Chocolate-Covered Berries
1 cup ‘GI Jane’ herbal tea*
1⁄4 avocado
1/2 cup berries, fresh or frozen
1 tablespoon ground flax seeds
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon raw cacao
1⁄2 tsp vanilla essence
stevia to taste (optional)
Aussie Jem’s Cleanser
1 cup ‘aussie jem’ herbal tea
1/2 cup mixed green leaves
1/2 cup frozen broccoli
1⁄2 cup frozen grapes
1 tbsp coriander
1⁄4 teaspoon turmeric
Max out with bee
1 cup ‘max out’ herbal tea*
1 cup spinach
1⁄2 frozen banana
juice from 1 orange
1 teaspoon bee pollen (optional)
1 tbs chia seeds
Grace’s after dinner mint
1 cup ‘grace’ herbal tea
1 tbsp mint
1⁄2 cup natural lactose free yogurt
1/4 avocado (adjust to tolerance level)
1⁄2 frozen banana
1⁄2 cup fresh/frozen raspberries or strawberries
1 tbs flaxseeds
stevia to taste
Slim Jim’s lemon & blueberry splice
This is a favourite of the whole family with only 4 ingredients!
1 cup ‘slim jim’ herbal tea*
1⁄2 cup natural lactose free yogurt
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 tbs sesame seeds
*contains a FODMAP
ADDING BOOSTERS
Remember to experiment and alter to taste. These should be simple and fun to make! There are so many superfood powders on the market (cheaper at discount chemists) like camu camu, maca, acai and kale to name a few. If you want probiotic benefits, add probiotic powder (available in the fridge at your local chemist) or yogurt containing live cultures. Other protein and good fat boosters include flaxseeds, chia, sesame seeds, pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Your favourite plant protein powder can make for a more filling blend too. Stevia to taste if desired.
ADDING TOPPERS
If you are making a ‘smoothie in a bowl’ (halve the liquid in recipes) you can add toppings for extra crunch. Sprinkle homemade granola, coconut flakes, seeds, flaked almonds, LSA, berries, dark choc bits or choc covered blueberries. Use your imagination!
Drink yourself skinny antioxidant water
Drink yourself skinny and boost your immunity with this drink. Not only can you flush away toxicity, but you can get vital nutrients, minerals and antioxidants from your herbal concoction. You will also be hydrated and more satiated especially if you include Slim jim, Ginger Ninja or Gi Jane to the mix! The whole range are all divine chilled, I promise.
1 litre herbal tea (approx. 4 tsps) I use a mesh infuser ball that you can hook on the side or throw in.
1 lemon sliced
1 orange, sliced
1 large cucumber, sliced
6 strawberries sliced in half
10-20 peppermint leaves
Ice – as much as you like
Simply take a large HEAT SAFE jug or plastic container, and fill with fresh herbal tea and let cool then transfer to fridge. (make sure it is heat safe as we don’t want any exploding glass)
Refrigerate your antioxidant water for 4-6 hours adding fresh fruits (cut the fruit into small chunks), mint for extra natural flavouring and stevia or rice malt or coconut syrup for sweetness (optional). Serve with ice. Drink this skinny drink all day and flush your tummy troubles away. Great to take on the go in our tea flask! I take mine to the gym:)
* I mix and serve from a dispenser bottle (one of those with a tap on the front) when I hold gatherings at home. Nice to top up your champayne glass with too!
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Tip: Herbal tea infused ice cubes are a convenient way to be super organized. Use about 5 in place of a cup of tea in recipes. You guessed it, just let your tea cool and pour in trays and put in freezer. Enjoy!
Happy brew as you go!
I hope you have enjoyed these recipes and feel inspired to embrace the art of incorporating herbal tea into your day. And as you can see you don’t have to stick to the norm! As I say "3 cups a day keeps the docter away" and you will get maximum benefits from your herbs this way too!
Always check labels on all packaged goods used in the context of any low-FODMAP recipe prior to recipe preparation or consumption to be sure they do not contain high FODMAP ingredients. Please note that recipes have not been individually evaluated for their overall FODMAP content. The designation of ingredients as low-FODMAP is dependent upon the latest updates published by the researchers at the FODMAP friendly food program.
