Nutritionists advise on increasing the number of fresh fruit and vegetables we consume, in order to get more of the beneficial compounds that promote health: vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants etc.
Natural green food in its raw state keeps all the goodness intact – unlike with cooked or processed food. A trendy way to consume it is to have several green or fresh ingredients blended well and drunk with a glass. It’s called a smoothie and it’s not just a trend. Find out more about it below.
Why should you drink smoothies?
Smoothies use fresh produce rich in vitamins and other compounds that are good for you, but it’s not just that. The blending process makes it a lot more palatable. Instead of simply eating green leafy vegetables or fruit, you can choose to spend a lot less time and have a nutrient-rich drink instead.
It’s far easier and much more palatable to a lot of people. Besides, you can think of various blends, to discover new combinations and experiment with different tastes.
In addition to that, the blending ensures that the food is finely minced and transformed into liquid or mousse consistency. That means your digestive system will no longer have to put so much effort into breaking down food. All nutrients in it will be easily available and ready for absorption.
How to lose weight with smoothies
Smoothies can be a means to put on weight, especially if you use milk, bananas or other high calorie ingredients and consume these in between meals.
However, a light green smoothie will barely have any calories. You can try combinations that are filling you up so you won’t feel hungry anymore, not to mention that the high water content keeps you full for longer.
Here are the even better news: as you make smoothies with varied ingredients, you can have the whole spectrum of essential nutrients, without the noxious part like sodium, refined sugar, animal fats etc.
Replacing regular meals or snacks with good smoothies can give you almost everything you need in terms of nutrition, without the parts that are making you ill or fat.
Keep in mind that you must research the topic very well before you attempt this, as you could risk being depraved of certain nutrients. Once you have understood the science behind it, it becomes obvious that you can stop overeating and begin to lose weight.
Check This Smoothie Diet Plan!
Healthy smoothies to help you lose weight
There are countless smoothies to help you lose fat. The best are the ones that ensure you’re getting plenty of important nutrients all in one glass. See below our handpicked recipes to help you in your journey to a better you:
- Breakfast smoothie with oats and berries
Are you aware of all the amazing benefits of oats but you’ve had enough of them cooked just the same way every morning? Have them blended into a smoothie filled with antioxidants. Get the following and have only this for breakfast:
½ cup rolled oats
1 cup milk
½ cup low fat yogurt
½ cup fresh or frozen berries
1-3 tbsp honey, as you prefer
¼ cup ice
The quantities will make enough for two servings and a total of 280 calories.
- Spicy pineapple smoothie
Great for busting abdominal fat, this smoothie combines the powers of well known fat burning, blood sugar regulating ingredients, plus fiber, Omega-3 and enzymes. Follow the instructions closely for maximum effect.
1 cup water
1 frozen banana
1 cup pineapple pieces
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 tbsp flaxseed
1 dash of cayenne pepper
- The green smoothie
With this recipe, you have the possibility to add extra fruit to balance the taste.
1+ cup water (or better, coconut water)
1 cup chopped greens (kale, spinach, romaine, chard, beet greens)
½ English cucumber
¼ cup mint or basil for taste
1 apple
½ cup diced mango or peaches
1 piece ginger
- Coconut and raspberry smoothie
Low in calories and super healthy, this coconut and raspberry drink is light, delicious and cooling. Besides, it calls for no sugar and is 100% vegan.
1 cup (maximum) coconut milk
1 sliced banana (can be frozen)
1 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen
2 tsp coconut extract
- Lemon and kale
Lemon is always a good addition to smoothies, it helps preserve the active compounds in plants and fruit, so they can reach your blood stream.
1 cup kale
1 lemon, peeled
½ cup almond milk
1 scoop plant based protein powder
a few ice cubes or water
- Romaine lettuce smoothie
Romaine lettuce has enough of a water content, but if you feel you need to add more, please do so. Note that with the protein powder, the calorie count goes close to 300.
1 cup romaine lettuce
½ apple
½ cup spinach
½ cup almond milk
1 scoop plant based protein powder
1 tbsp chia seeds
- The green tea weight loss enhancer
Yes, you can add great tea to your smoothies. The beverage is known to help keep fat away when drunk regularly.
1 cup green tea
½ frozen banana
1/8 avocado
2 tbsp lemon juice
a bit of water
one scoop protein powder if you like
- Peachy smoothie
Although sweet, peaches have very few calories. If you’re needing protein too, add a scoop of powder to the mix.
1 cup peaches (can be frozen)
½ banana
1 cup almond milk
½ cup ice cubes
1 tsp vanilla extract
- Tabasco cherry
A savory smoothie? Why not! This one also packs the power of hot sauce, known to bust calories and fat.
½ cup cherries
½ banana
1 scoop protein powder
3 ice cubes
¼ almond milk
¼ lime
You may also experiment with other nutritious, low calorie ingredients such as: sweet potato, strawberries, cocoa, pumpkin puree, carrot, parsley and hemp milk. Also, adding spices like cinnamon and nutmeg is bound to kick-start your metabolism and get you to burn stored fat more effectively. Smoothies are such a great way to start making healthy changes to your eating habits!
