A delicious refreshing smoothie with coconut milk, banana, mango and pineapple.
Last Friday I discovered that I’m a finalist in the 2016 MAD Blog Awards for best food blog. My first thought was shock, I mean seriously shocked. I’ll admit I’d gently nudged a few friends and family to nominate me, but I’d never in a million years expected to be shortlisted. That was replaced by excitement – the awards do last year looked amazing. Then I hit panic…
The awards do looks amazing because it’s all fancy, there’s a red carpet and all the girls are dressed up in stunning dresses. I DON’T DO DRESSES! The last time I attempted to wear one (when I headed down to London to watch Strictly last autumn), I realised I really didn’t look my best and quickly changed into my standard black trousers and pretty top.
I could probably cope with the idea of squeezing myself into a dress if I wasn’t going to be in a room of such Instagram-happy people. I quickly learnt on my visit to the River Cottage that bloggers actually have cameras surgically attached to them and not only that, they love sharing their pictures with as many people as possible. This all means that I’m on a mission…
I have 141 days (and counting) to get myself looking fabulous, so instead of sharing the oh so yummy Nutella cupcakes I had planned for today, here’s a super healthy* smoothie instead (don’t worry the cupcakes will be here soon, I just needed a few days of proving to myself I have some degree of willpower before I have too much temptation around).
You’ll also be impressed to know that I’ve set my alarm at 6am every day so I can do a kettlebell workout (and less impressed to know that every day I’ve turned off my alarm and gone back to sleep 🙂 ).
* OK it’s quite high in sugar but it’s all natural from the fruit so I don’t feel too naughty.
This smoothie was inspired by the lovely weather we’ve been having recently. It’s made such a pleasant change to have bright sunshine pouring in through the windows and not having to wrap up warm for the walk to school each day. Usually when I make breakfast smoothies I’ll add something like oats to make it more filling but this really doesn’t need it. I drink it for breakfast and it keeps me full until lunchtime.
I use frozen pineapple and mango. I only want a small handful of each and so using frozen avoids food waste, it also makes the smoothie thick, cold and refreshing. Also, who has the time to peel and chop pineapples and mango first thing in the morning? They’re pretty much the most hateful fruit to prepare even when I have plenty of time. I love smoothies for breakfast because they’re so quick and easy, taking time to prepare all the fruit would mean I’d quickly resort back to a bowl of cheerios.
FREE GRAMS TO CUPS CONVERSION CHARTS
Subscribe to the Charlotte's Lively Kitchen mailing list to get your FREE printable grams to cups and cups to grams conversion charts for twelve popular baking ingredients
Tropical Smoothie
INGREDIENTS
- 200 ml coconut milk
- 1 ripe banana
- Small handful of frozen mango - about 50g
- Small handful of frozen pineapple - about 50g
INSTRUCTIONS
- Put all of the ingredients into a powerful blender (I use a Vitamix G750 - it needs to be powerful to cope with the frozen fruit).
- Blitz until smooth and serve
NOTES
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Any nutritional information provided is the estimated nutritional information per serving. Please refer to my guide to Charlotte’s Lively Kitchen nutritional information if you would like to learn more about how this is calculated.
Watch a video if this recipe and get some more delicious banana smoothie inspiration…
Free From/Suitable For…
- Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans
- Dairy-Free
- Gluten-Free
- Nut-Free
- Egg-Free
- Corn-Free
- Soy-Free
The ingredients for this recipe are easily available free from all these allergens. However, please ensure you double-check allergen information for all ingredients.
Kate - gluten free alchemist says
Congratulations. Fab news! I’m sure you’ll look great whatever you wear! I struggle with the dress thing too, so I know where you are coming from. But hey…. what’s wrong with black trousers and a pretty top???
Charlotte Oates says
Nothing really and I may well end up going down that route. I guess when I said “I don’t do dresses” what I really meant was “I haven’t done dresses since having children”. I think this has brought forward a desire to try and get back into shape that I’ve been putting off. Fingers crossed I do OK!
Hayley @ Snap Happy Bakes says
I love a delicious summery smoothie, thanks for sharing to #CookBlogShare ……Sorry I’m late 🙂 and congratulations on becoming a finalist! How exciting!
Charlotte Oates says
Thanks Hayley. No worries about being late, I never expect you to come and comment on all the posts anyway as I know just how much time it takes from my monthly linky. It’s so lovely that you take the time to read them all and comment x
Claire says
Clicked through from #recipeoftheweek because I love all things smoothie at the mo. This looks delicious – I make one similar and add oats to keep me going!
Good luck! xx
Charlotte Oates says
Thanks Claire, oats are definitely great for making smoothies more filling. What are your other favourite flavours at the moment?
Claire says
Banana, raspberry, lychee- again with oats and milk / water – I love them all really!
Charlotte Oates says
I’ve not tried lychee in a smoothie, I’ll have to give it a go sometime.
Nat @ Intolerant Gourmand says
Firstly, huge congratulations on being a finalist, seriously well deserved!!
Secondly, this smoothie recipe sounds divine! I’m a big fan of smoothies, they’re a great way to start the day, and this one sounds so fresh and zinging with energy! x
Charlotte Oates says
Thanks Nat. I always feel better starting the day with something I know is packed full of good things.
emma says
this actually looks like a smoothie id try. I hate milk so I always stay away from those types. good luck dress hunting! #cookblogshare
Charlotte Oates says
Thanks Emma. My coconut, chocolate and banana smoothie is diary free too so you might also enjoy that one.
Sarah says
Congrats on being nominated. I do love a fruit smoothie, this sounds lovely for Summer. 🙂
Charlotte Oates says
Thanks Sarah. This is definitely a summery smoothie – I couldn’t imagine drinking it on a freezing January morning.
Eb Gargano says
Congratulations Charlotte – that’s amazing news!! Hope you find that perfect dress – great excuse to go shopping 🙂 And meanwhile this smoothie looks gorgeous…I like your idea of diet food!! Eb x
Charlotte Oates says
Thanks Eb. I’m trying to create more recipes that make dieting fun as otherwise I just hate doing it. I’ve been getting my spiriliser out quite a bit as a stir-frys and salads just seems more appealing with curly veg in!
Keith @ How's it Lookin? says
Looks delicious. Pineapple is always bursting with flavor, thanks for sharing
Charlotte Oates says
Thanks Keith
Francesca - From Pennies to Pounds says
That looks delicious! I need to have more smoothies, they are amazing! Great tip about using frozen fruit too x
Charlotte Oates says
I’ve got so many bags of different fruits in my freezer now. It’s brilliant to have a look through as see what I feel like each morning without worrying about anything going to waste.
Fionnuala Three Sons Later says
Firstly, well done! Secondly, you just need to find the right dress. Go on a big shopping day and try on anything and everything. Forget your usual style. You’ll be surprised. I bet you’ll find something that really flatters you.
Fionnuala
Charlotte Oates says
Thanks Fionnuala x
My problem is that I always go shopping with a 3 year old in tow – not the best companion for a big dress shopping session! I’ll have to go by myself and take your advice and just try everything.
Helen says
I KNEW it – GREAT shot! 🙂 Lots of luck in the blog awards – hope you find a sparkly little number to shimmy up onto the stage with!
Charlotte Oates says
Thanks Helen. I’m not sure I’ve ever shimmied in my life!