We have several smoothie fans here at Eden Recruitment, always on the look-out for the next great pick-me-up.

Smoothies were made for summer – they’re light and refreshing in hot weather yet highly nutritious. And they’re a really easy way to load up on the good stuff while enjoying the great outdoors or rushing to work in the morning!

Here are three smoothies which we’ve happened upon, and which are just the job to complement that urge to get active on these bright mornings and long evenings.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Meal Replacement Smoothie

No prizes for guessing this is a Stateside creation. And it’s one for the fitness fan – peanut butter provides good fat, the banana and honey supplies quick-digesting carbs to energize you and the whey protein helps your muscles helps repair and build muscle.

• 6 ice cubes
• 25cl almond milk
• 1 banana
• 1–2 scoops chocolate whey protein powder
• 2 Tbsp peanut butter
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder, or more to taste

Hydrating Green Smoothie

Anything green is good, and this smoothie proves it, providing great hydration in warm weather. Spinach is an easy way to get in green veg in without any bitter taste and is an excellent source of vitamins and folate. Don’t forget the mint for taste!

• 250 g chopped honeydew melon
• 250g sliced cucumber with skin
• Handful of fresh mint leaves
• 500 g of fresh baby spinach
• Juice of half a lime
• 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds

Hangover Helper Smoothie

If the Sunday BBQ or after-work drinks went on a bit longer than expected, this is a really easy and healthy pick-me-up.  Just remember to stock up on watermelon and sorbet in anticipation of over-doing it!!

• 350g seeded watermelon; diced
• 200g frozen strawberries
• 60g raspberry sorbet
• 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

With thanks to Siobhan Colgan and spartan.com