Summer treat

June 28th, 2011

Fresh strawberries are one of my favourite summer treats – you know it’s really getting into the summer season when strawberries begin to appear in the shops.

Now the rugby season is over, it’s time to wind down a little and even though training is not as intensive it doesn’t mean I can let my diet slip! Strawberries are a great cheat! They taste sweet but still have great nutritional benefits.

Strawberries are a nutrient packed fruit filled with antioxidants, naturally high in fibre, vitamin C and potassium. They can help maintain a healthy heart and also help your memory function. A little known fact about strawberries is that one serving (between 8 -10 depending on their size) has as much if not more vitamin C than a large orange!

Even though they taste sweet, are an ideal healthy treat, low in calories and provide the perfect way to get one of the five a day. One serving has only 27 calories. They have a low glycaemic index which means that they are broken down slowly meaning they keep you feeling fuller for longer so you are less inclined to snack – which works great for me!

Here is a very simple smoothie recipe from Catherine Fulvio I use in the mornings, it’s a good start to the day and has a nice kick to it:

 Strawberry, Ginger and Lime Smoothie

Makes 2 

15 large strawberries, washed and hulled

250ml natural yoghurt

5 ice cubes

2 – 3 pieces crystalised ginger, roughly chopped

Zest of ½ lime 

  1. Blend the strawberries, natural yoghurt, ice, lime zest and ginger until smooth.
  2. Pour the smoothie into the glass.

 

It’s as simple as that!