For optimal mixing, flavour and consistency, follow these steps in order, don’t ad-lib, don’t stray off-piste. This system has been tried and tested and it works.
A good blender can make all the difference between a smooth delicious shake and a glass of multi coloured sludge. Our recommendations are linked to below:
Budget: £20-25 Kenwood - We started with one of these and with regular use they'l last about a year before they start to lose power. Nowhere near as powerful, quick or effective as either of the other options, but a great starting point.
Good: £69 Nutribullet - We got one of these shortly after they were released and were blown away by how good they are. It lasted just over three years before it started to slow down. Now significantly more affordable than when they first came out.
Best: £89 Nutri Ninja - We've now got one of these and the versatility is what made us chose it. In addition to making super shakes it purees, chops and does all sorts of other cool stuff (although it doesn't clean itself). For build quality, outstanding performance and sheer versatility this is our current top pick.
You can spend both more or less than those above, but of all the ones we've tried, these three represent the best cost to quality ratios. In addition, whilst each company makes other models, we've found that the extra benefits don't justify the cost or the reduced cost reflects too great a compromise on quality.
Step 1: Start with Ice
Use 1-4 cubes for a thinner shake or 5-10 cubes for a thicker, pudding-like shake
Step 2: Pick a Fruit
If you like a thick shake, go with frozen over fresh. Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, Blackberry, Banana or Mango
Step 3: Throw in a Veggie
Sprouts. 25-40g should do it and although it may sound strange to put vegetables in a shake, if you use the right ones, you’ll barely taste them. They’re in there to give you the benefit of specific extra nutrients. Spinach or powdered greens, Tenderstem or Steamed Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, Kale (minus stems).
Step 4: Add Protein
50-60g (2 scoops) pea/rice/milk/whey protein, with whey being ideal if possible. Our favourite whey proteins can be bought here (vanilla) or here (strawberry and a multitude of other flavours) on Amazon.
Step 5: Select a Fat
Add 30g/2 tbsp of nuts per shake. Walnuts, Almonds, Pistachios, Macadamias (nut butters are also ok) or half to a full avocado
Step 6: Select a Seed
Add 2 tbsp of seeds per shake. Linseed, Hemp seeds, Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds
Step 7: Add liquid
How much depends on how thick or thin you want it. If you have a weak blender, more liquid makes it easier to blend. Coconut or Almond Milk. If you're using one of the 'upside-down' blenders above, put the liquid in first as Step 1, then proceed as normal.
Step 8: Choose Your Topper
This step is optional, but it nicely finishes off any shake. Dark chocolate, ground coffee beans, coconut, cinnamon, vanilla extract
“Jungle Massive”
200-250ml coconut milk
50-60g vanilla protein powder
1 chopped banana
1/2 cup fresh kale
2 tbsp almonds
2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
Top with dark chocolate