So it comes to that time of year again when everyone is trying to get that bikini body for their holidays. I still see lots of people, especially women, reaching for all sorts of expensive potions and processed shakes to achieve this, but let’s keep in mind that these are short term fixes (if they even work at all!) and usually involve some sort of laxative effect….fun.
So why not try a real food, nutritious way of starting your day combined with a good exercise plan for the time leading up to your holidays and actually properly care for and nourish your body this year? Go on, your body deserves it.

Bikini body summer smoothie Advice Breakfast Grainfree snack vegan

I designed this smoothie based on foods that have beneficial effects on metabolism and exercise performance (see below for more details) meaning it’s great to have first thing in the morning and best combined with some exercise. Don’t forget to fill the rest of your day with wholesome nutritious meals as well, try my avocado pesto, green omelette, chilli Pb stirfry or rainbow summer squash salad.

So without further ado, here is my recipe for your bikini body summer smoothie!
Recipe (serves 1)
-80g blueberries
-200g strawberries
-1/2 tspn Ceylon cinnamon
-1 handful spinach
-125ml cooled green tea plus 50 to 75ml milk of choice
-1 Tbspn ground flaxseed
-1 Tbspn almond butter
optional: 1 Tbspn oats/scoop of protein
Note: It’s important to use Ceylon cinnamon if you’re using cinnamon on a regular basis to avoid consuming too much coumarin

Bikini body summer smoothie Advice Breakfast Grainfree snack vegan

So many benefits to these gems!

Directions
Simply soak a green teabag in warm water overnight, you can use a flavoured one if you like for more taste but choose one that still has a high percentage of green tea eg. 97% GT, 3% flavouring/lemon etc. The same goes for the flaxseed, if you want a bit more flavour there are plenty of varieties out there that taste great such as the Linwoods apple cinnamon one.
The next morning blend together all of the ingredients and drink up!

Bikini body summer smoothie Advice Breakfast Grainfree snack vegan

Bikini body benefits
Overall this smoothie uses low sugar berries for taste, is low carb, high fibre and includes heart and belly benefiting monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) plus helps to balance blood sugar levels and hence cravings.
Specific food benefits include:
*Berries- are high in antioxidants, low sugar but high in water and fibre to keep you full. Strawberries are a good source of VitC which combats unhealthy weight in many ways but of particular interest to this post, it helps fight cortisol (stress hormone) levels and thus prevent fat being stored around the tummy
*Green tea-The combination of antioxidants and caffeine in green tea may help to boost metabolism (differs between individuals) and can increase fat burning effects of exercise especially the visceral fat around the tummy. To max it’s benefits also try to drink another few cups throughout the day. If you can’t drink multiple cups then try drinking a cup of matcha which is powdered green tea & hence more concentrated
*Cinnamon-this helps to balance blood sugar levels and acts as a carminative ie. reduces bloating by aiding digestion. Remember to use Ceylon cinnamon if using regularly
*Almond butter– source of fibre and a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats which are good at preventing belly fat storage (esp when subbed for high carb options). This good type of fat also helps you to feel satisfied and full
*Flaxseed– Provides omega 3 anti-inflammatory fats and fibre for fullness and keeps you regular so reduces bloating
*Spinach– adds to your daily greens consumption and in my opinion is a better addition that kale as firstly it blends better but kale is a cruciferous veg which means some people may find that it bloats them whereas spinach won’t

I hope you find this recipe and information helpful, remember to workout because you love your body, not hate it and eat well to nourish your body rather than to be skinny, this will ensure that your bikini body is your healthiest and happiest one too!
Much love xox

Further reading/Sources
Green tea studies: Link A  Link B
MUFA benefits: Link A
Almond benefits: Link A