6 recipes to make your heart sing

We're sure you've realised by now that we like to share the love and keep you updated on the latest and greatest health news.

Well, to celebrate Valentine's Day this year, we thought we'd share a lovely recipe collection we stumbled upon today.

6 smoothies and juices to make your heart sing and dance:
1. Frank Lipman's 'Blueberry Avocado' Smoothie
2. Kim Snyder's 'Rainforest Chia Seed Heart-Healthy' Smoothie
3. Cynthia Pasquella's 'Berry Healthy for Your Heart' Smoothie
4. Cherie Calbom's 'Green Lemonade'
5. Bonnie Taub Dix's 'HeartSmart' Smoothie
6. Lisa DeFazio's 'Heart Healthy' Smoothie

These 6 recipes will make your heart skip a beat for all the right reasons! Check them out here.

And while you're at it, check out our very own spring/summer recipes.

Healing Avocado Smoothie

We love this little beautie. So simple but so divinely nutritious (and yummy).

Ingredients

• Avocado (half, ripe)
• Banana (half, ripe)*
• English spinach (small handful)
• Coconut oil (1 tsp, extra virgin)
• Chia seeds (1 tbsp, black or white)
• Raw vanilla powder (sprinkle)
• Water (300ml)

Low carb/fructose option*: leave out the banana!

Preparation

• Pop all ingredients in blender
• Blend
• Serve
• Drink
• Yum

And there you go, a smoothie that will tantalise your tastebuds and leave you feeling energised and satisfied. It's the perfect morning smoothie, pre or post-workout snack, or guilt-free dessert. It's packed full of good (fat-burning) fats, vitamins and antioxidants – with iron-rich spinach and a nice dose of bad-bacteria-busting coconut oil.

Enjoy!

Green smoothie heaven!

We’ve been busy bees testing new recipes for the autumn/winter ’12 menu, even thinking as far ahead as spring/summer! There are some mouth watering treats heading your way soon and to get you in the mood, we thought we’d share one of them with you… This super green coco and vanilla smoothie is low in carbs (no apple or orange in sight) and high in essential fatty acids (yep, fat that’s good for you).

Ingredients
• ½ avocado
• 1 medium-sized banana
• 1 tbsp desiccated coconut (or 2 tbsp fresh coconut meat)
• 1 whole vanilla pod* (or 1 tsp natural vanilla essence)
• 1 tsp black or white chia seeds
• 150ml water

*You can put the vanilla pod in whole or scoop out the inside.

Preparation
• Chuck all ingredients in blender
• Blend
• Chill
• Serve
• Drink
• Yum

If you want a bit of zing you can add the juice of half a lime. And if you're feeling posh, garnish with mint and raspberries. Voilà!