Before I do anything, and usually with one eye open, I always start off my day with vegetables full of nutrients and fibre to fuel the body from its fasting state. A smoothie is not only the easiest and quickest thing to prepare so there is no excuse not to. By starting the day with vegetables instead of carbohydrates your body will continue to burn its existing fat stores as fuel without thinking it is in a nutrient crisis. Your body will be less inclined to feel the need to hold on to fat. In addition fennel is well documented to reduce water retention, control hunger and increase metabolic function, so is a fantastic natural weight loss aid. Not to mention it takes like spring in a glass. - Matt Miller
PREPARATION TIME: 5 minutes
1 serving
1 stalk rhubarb or 2 tbls rhubarb compote (see recipe)
1 seville orange peeled free of rind
1 cup chopped fennel bulb
1 cup water
4 servings
4 stalk rhubarb or 1/2 cup rhubarb compote (see recipe)
2 seville oranges peeled free of rind
2 cups chopped fennel bulb
3 cups water
Mix ingredients until fully blended ( approx 30 seconds-1 minute) in blender or nutribullet. Add water as desired to achieve a thinner consistency.
Chef tip: Don’t be afraid to make the larger batch and store for up to three days in the refrigerator. But don’t forget to give it a quick blitz in the blender before eating each day as it will separate.
