Health Drink Recipes

In a world of gymnasiums, bulging biceps and toned bodies, health is the focus! We preach about healthy bodies and healthy foods, but has anyone stopped to think of those countless cups of coffee we drink just to get through the day? Or the chocolate shakes you consume that are nothing but packed with calories and zero nutritional content.

Green Tea
The world can’t seem to stop talking about green tea. From Oprah to health experts, everyone is talking about this green wonder. But what is so great about green tea? Green tea is a great antioxidant and has been known to prevent and fight diseases, no wonder the Chinese have been using it for centuries, and we all know how long the Chinese live! Drinking green tea helps in preventing cancer, cardiovascular diseases, strokes and other infections. It also helps fight cavities and increases the metabolism rate, which helps lose weight faster. Green tea comes in so many flavors as well, from honey, apricot, coco mint and even ginseng. If you want decaffeinated green tea, which is available as well.

How to brew a cup of green tea?
This recipe will help you brew a perfect cup of green tea. Here is the method:

• You will need one tea bag for every cup of tea you desire.
• In a kettle, pour one and a half cup of water and let is boil.
• Let this boiled water stand for a while.
• In a cup, place the tea bag and pour the hot water over it.
• All this to stand for 3 minutes and then remove the tea bag.
• Add sugar or honey if desired.
• Add a lemon wedge for extra flavor.

Fruit Smoothies
We all love milkshakes, especially those chocolate filled ones. But those on a path to lose weight will groan every time they see someone else indulging in one as they cant really afford all those calories. Fruit smoothies are a great way to indulge instead, they are delicious, packed with fruits and nutrients.

Apricot Pineapple Smoothie
Ingredients:

• Pineapple, crushed – ¼ cup.
• Apricot, diced – 1.
• Strawberries – 6.
• Banana – ½.
• Water – 1 ½ cup.
• Low fat yogurt – 1 cup.
• Ice, crushed – ¼ cup.

All you need to do is add all these ingredients in a blender till they are mixed well and blended into smoothness. Your delicious apricot pineapple smoothie is ready.

Banana-Berry Fruit Smoothie
Ingredients:

• Pear, cored – ½.
• Mixed berries or blueberries, frozen – ¼ cup.
• Water – 1 ¼ cup.
• Cinnamon – 1/8 teaspoon.
• Low fat yogurt or soymilk – 1 cup.
• Ice, crushed – ¼ cup.

Add all these ingredients to a blender and blend well till is it mixed and smooth.

Fruit Sorbets
For all those who are on a diet and want something cold to drink during the summer months can opt for sorbets instead of ice creams or cola cans. Sorbets are ice-based recipes.

Berry Sorbet
Ingredients:

• Mixed berries, frozen – ½ cup.
• Ice, crushed – 1 cup.
• Water – ½ cup.
• Honey, slim – 1 teaspoon.

Add all the ingredients in a blender till the ice is slush. Serve with a mint leaf.

Lemon-Lime Sorbet
Ingredients:

• Lime juice – ¼ cup.
• Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons.
• Water – 1 cup.
• Sparkling water – 1 cup.
• Ice, crushed – 1 cup.
• Honey – 1 teaspoon.

Add all the ingredients except the sparkling water to the blender and blend well. Pour into a glass and then top with sparkling water.

Cappuccino Ice Sorbet
Ingredients:

• Coffee flavored yogurt, low fat – ½ cup.
• Instant coffee – ¼ teaspoon.
• Ice, crushed – I cup.
• Water – ¼ cup.

Blend all the ingredients together in a blender till the ice is slush.