Spinach Strawberry And Cinnamon Smoothie
Image: Shutterstock
Total Time: 6-7 minutes Prep Time: 5 minutes Serves: 2
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons grated dark chocolate
- ½ cup chilled low-fat milk
How To Prepare
Benefits
- Banana is rich in phenolics, polysterols, and antioxidants that help to nullify the harmful oxygen radicals. It is also a good source of dietary fiber .
- Almonds are rich in healthy fats that help to reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and diabetes .
- Dark chocolate improves platelet aggregation, blood pressure, and cardiovascular health .
- Low-fat milk helps control the amount of dairy fat consumed and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases .
Nutritionists’ Favorite Weight Loss Smoothies
For this selection, I asked the country’s top nutritionists to share with me their favorite weight loss smoothies, keeping the best weight loss foods in mind, and the results are all delicious and nutritious. Pay attention to the protein countsâif it’s under 25 grams, you don’t want them as a meal replacement, but rather paired with a meal.
All recipes serve one unless otherwise indicated.
“I really love this weight loss smoothie because it tastes super-decadent, but in reality is just loaded with a ton of natural, unprocessed, and healthful ingredients. The cocoa powder is a good source of flavonoids that are both brain and heart-healthy, and also makes the smoothie taste like I’ve added a ton of chocolate. In addition to the healthy cocoa, this smoothie also has other healthy ingredients like raspberries that are a source of immune-boosting vitamin C, and the spinach that’s a source of energizing B vitamins. If I have this smoothie post-workout, I’ll also add a plant-based protein like sprouted rice or pea protein to help my muscles recover more quickly.”
by Kristin Reisinger, MS, RD, CSSD, founder and owner of IronPlate Studios
- ½ cup frozen mixed berries
- Handful of spinach
- 8 oz unsweetened Silk almond milk
- 1 scoop plant-based vanilla protein powder
NUTRITION: 230 calories / 2.5 g fat / 20 g carbs / 5 g fiber / 7 g sugar / 26 g protein
by Cassie Bjork, RD, LD of Redefined Weight Loss
Berry Smoothie With Almond Milk
This smoothie is perfect for healthy mornings as the Berries, and the protein powder in the smoothie keeps us full until the next meal of the day.
The smoothie has a low-calorie value and is a good choice to make a healthy drink than eating breakfast with loaded sugars.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk without added sugars
- a cup of mixed berries
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves
- 2 scoops of protein powder
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Is There Any Good News For Cows Milk
As the only animal to drink the milk of another species, humans have an unusual relationship with the white stuff. Most other animals are weaned off milk once they start to need more complex foods. Why do humans keep drinking it?
Cows milk is a good source of protein and calcium, as well as nutrients including vitamin B12 and iodine. It also contains magnesium, which is important for bone development and muscle function. Whey and casein that are found in milk help to lower blood pressure.
But having a calcium-rich diet hoping that it will keep your bones from breaking just isnt found in the evidence. Some research suggests that milk can actually contribute to fracture risk. One study in Sweden found that women who drank more than 200 milliliters of milk daily less than one glass had a higher risk of fractures.
Another concern around milk in recent decades is the hormones we get when we drink cows milk. Cows are milked when theyre pregnant, and thats when their estrogen levels increase 20-fold.
Although one study linked these estrogen levels to breast, ovarian and uterine cancers, Laura Hernandez, who studies lactation biology at the University of Wisconsin, says ingesting hormones through cows milk is nothing to worry about. After all, Human milk has hormones in it, too its part of being a mammal, she says.
Best Milk For Smoothies
What is the best milk for smoothies you may wonder? Or is milk actually needed for smoothies?When we first began making smoothies, we had the exact same question.
If you think about it though, liquid whole purpose is to help the ingredients blend, as well as make the ingredients a drinkable consistency. However, this is where it gets interesting.
Some smoothies will work better with milk, others not so much, so its important that you understand which liquid is best for the type of smoothie you are trying to make.
Also Check: Green Smoothie Diet For Weight Loss
The Bottom Line: Which Milk Is Best For Weight Loss
Plant-based options such as cashew, almond, hemp, flax, soy, coconut, and macadamia milk seem to be the best milk alternatives for weight loss. Not only are they dairy and lactose-free, but they are low in calories and have no saturated fats.
When searching for which alternative milk is best for weight loss, the most important thing is to always read the ingredient label and nutrition facts, as an alternative does not always mean healthy. Many brands and companies add sugars to their products to ensure that they have a longer shelf life. Added sugars will only serve to enable you to gain weight rather than lose it.
No matter what option you choose to help you with your weight loss journey, be sure to always track your calories to make sure that you are always within your recommended caloric intake for the day. Also, milk alone will not help you shed unwanted pounds. An overall healthy diet is more important than your choice of breakfast milk.
Also, be sure to exercise for at least 30 minutes, five to six times a week. If you are unsure of what alternative option will be best for you, please speak to a doctor or dietitian, and they can help you make a good decision.
Papaya Lemon And Cayenne Pepper Smoothie
Image: Shutterstock
Total Time: 7 minutes Prep Time: 6 minutes Serves: 2
Ingredients
Benefits
- Papayas are rich in phytonutrients that aid digestion, prevent neurodegeneration, provide energy, and delay aging .
- Lemon has an alkalizing effect that helps to nullify the acidic environment inside the body. It helps in liver detoxification, aids proper bowel movement, displays antiparasitic activity, and helps fight cancer and diabetes-induced cataract .
- Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a phytonutrient that has antioxidant properties. It helps in weight loss and prevents the risk of diabetes, atherosclerosis, heart diseases, and hypertension .
Read Also: Weight Loss Smoothie Recipes With Greek Yogurt
Animal Milk Versus Plant Milk
Animal milk and plant milks have major benefits, but they do differ in various ways. For starters, for those who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy, plant-based milk is the safest option as these are lactose free and dairy free milk. For those with nut allergies, then animal milk is the safer option.
In terms of fat and calorie content, animal milk tends to be higher, primarily in whole milk. This can come in handy for those who use smoothies as a meal replacement.
For those looking to lose weight or limit their calorie intake, this makes plant milk the better option. However, animal milk tends to have more protein than plant-based milk. Protein is essential to the human body. Those who exercise heavily or are physically active for the majority of the day tend to need the additional protein which makes animal milk a better choice.
Along with protein, animal milk contains more calcium that is able to be absorbed by the human body as compared to plant milk that the body cannot absorb as much calcium from.
Fat Blasting Weight Loss Smoothies
Metabolism Boosting Weight Loss Smoothie. The final recipe on the list for today is a fantastic metabolism-boosting weight-loss smoothie. I know, it is a mouthful. You still get all the effects of a standard green smoothie, but you get a boost in taste thanks to the almond milk and the strawberries and oranges.
Step 1 Combine strawberries, pineapple, almond milk and almond butter in a blender. Process until smooth, adding more almond milk, if needed, for desired consistency.
This delicious Peanut Butter Oatmeal Smoothie is a super healthy breakfast smoothie that will help you lose weight! This filling breakfast smoothie has oats, banana, almond milk, and 2 secret ingredients for weight loss.
Blueberry Smoothie for Weight Loss thank you eatthis. Ingredients ½ c unsweetened Almond Milk 1 scoop vanilla Protein Powder ½ c frozen Blueberries ½ tbsp unsalted Almond Butter water to blend Instructions Blend all in the blender for a super delicious breakfast smoothie
The unexpected superstar weight loss ingredient is the protein-packed pea protein, as like all pulses, can aid in weight loss even when calories arent restricted and it was also found to be more effective than whey protein at fighting against hunger. Servings: 1 serving = 16 ounces. Ingredients 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
Recommended Reading: Avocado Banana Smoothie Weight Loss
Cucumber Plum And Cumin Smoothie
Image: Shutterstock
Total Time: 6 minutes Prep Time: 5 minutes Serves: 2
Ingredients
- A pinch of Himalayan pink salt
How To Prepare
Benefits
- Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content. They have lipid lowering, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties .
- Plums help fight cancer, improve the bone health of menopausal women, have a laxative effect, and aid glucose metabolism .
- Cumin seeds can help improve digestion, prevent gastrointestinal disorders and bloating, have an antispasmodic effect, and improve liver function .
- Limes contain d-limonene, a terpene that helps prevent cancer, lower bad cholesterol levels, and dissolve gallstones .
Almond Milk Smoothie Recipes For Weight Loss
This post lists 7 tasty almond milk smoothie recipes for weight loss. As the name suggests, all almond milk is made of almonds. Its a dairy-free creamy alternative to cow milk. You can also check here for other alternative milk that is dairy-free.
Almond milk smoothie is very useful for your well-being because it has many antioxidants and vitamins. It also consists of fiber and protein, which is beneficial for your healthy body. Almond milk is a great alternative to dairy milk, especially if you want to lose weight.
Almonds are high in protein and unsaturated fats, which help you feel fuller for longer and keep your calorie intake in check. Some almond milk varieties are also fortified with calcium and vitamin D, making them a nutritious option for people who cant drink regular milk due to lactose intolerance or other reasons. Whether youre also trying to reduce sugar or experimenting with different flavors, these almond milk smoothie recipes are the perfect solution! Try one of these sweet and creamy drinks that taste amazing and support your weight loss regime.
Whether you need breakfast in a hurry, an evening lift me, or a fantastic dessert, we have almond milk smoothies for weight loss that fits your need. It is very low in Calories and nearly zero in fat. And it is the best ingredient in a smoothie for those who want to burn fat.
1. Easy Peasy Smoothie
Ingredients
- 100g Greek yogurt
Instructions
2. Morning Sparking Smoothie
Ingredients
Instructions
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Tips To Make The Best Recipe
- Your smoothie can be as thick or as thin as you like. Simply blend the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency.
- For an extra thick and creamy smoothie, freeze half or all of your almond milk into an ice cube tray before making it. Add it to the smoothie instead of standard milk and it will taste like a frosty or soft serve ice cream.
- Do not freeze the smoothies or store them to enjoy later. They are best to be enjoyed fresh.
Raspberry Chia And Coconut Water Smoothie
Image: Shutterstock
Total Time: 4 minutes Prep Time: 3 minutes Serves: 2
Ingredients
- A handful of mint leaves
How To Prepare
Benefits
- Raspberries contain antioxidants and have antimicrobial and anticancer properties .
- Chia seeds promote weight loss and can protect you from cardiovascular disease and diabetes .
- Coconut water is loaded with potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals that help to rejuvenate the cells .
- Mint helps to improve digestion, prevents bloating and gastritis, relieves menstrual pain and headache, and prevents staphylococcus infection .
Read Also: How To Make A Fruit Smoothie
What Should You Look For In A Protein Powder If Youre Trying To Lose Weight
First things first, Byrd suggests choosing a protein powder that is high in fiber, high in protein, and low in carbs. These types of protein powders will help keep you full longer, curb cravings, and help prevent sugar highs and crashes during the day, she explains.
Youll also want to opt for the unsweetened kinds because they wont add in sneaky sugars that could actually be sabotaging your weight loss efforts, per Zeitlin.
Here are some other things to keep in mind when making your pick.
Check the label. Make sure you look for something with at least 20 grams of protein, less than 10 grams of total carbohydrates, and at least three grams of fiber per scoop. You should also look for protein powders that are naturally sweetened using ingredients like monk fruit extract, stevia, and natural flavors. Avoid protein powders that use sucralose, sugar alcohols, aspartame, Splenda, and other artificial sweeteners, says Byrd. She also recommends avoiding milk powders, milk solids, and gluten since they are unnecessary fillers that can cause bloating and other GI issues.
Opt for a protein blend if youre going plant-based. Whey, casein, or egg-based proteins are complete proteins, meaning they have all nine essential amino acids that help your body better absorb and make the most of your protein source. If you want a plant-based protein, look for a blend these can also feature a complete amino acid profile.
Also Check: How To Remove Protein From Urine
Meal Replacement Smoothies Recipes
Skipping meals is a weight loss myth! Well, this is debatable. But the truth is, skipping meals means lack of vital nutrition for your body.
However, in todays busy world and fast food temptations, living healthy is an uphill task.
Sometimes you find yourself skipping a meal because of your busy schedule or because you simply dont have time.
Did you know you can get the same if not more nutrition from a smoothie? With the advent of the internet and social media, Im sure you do!
But which meal replacement smoothies will give you the right nutrition and energy to last you the whole day? How do you keep your metabolism going without any solid foods?
Lets find out
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How Often Should You Drink Milk For Weight Loss
When it comes to plant-based options, there is no set specification as to how much or how often you should drink these alternatives. Since most of these options are relatively low in calories and have little to no saturated fats, you can safely have several cups a day.
However, the most important factor to note is if your intake fits into your caloric intake for the day. Always use a reputable calorie counting app to keep track of calorie, carbs, fats, and protein intake for the day. This way, you can safely drink your plant, nut, or seed milk without jeopardizing your energy intake and weight loss goals.
If youve mustered up the courage to crush your weight loss goal, let Betterme take the sting out of this demanding process. Our app will help you restructure your habits, remold your life and crank up your fitness results!
Healthy Ingredients While Choosing To Make Weight Loss Smoothies
Below are the simple tips to make low-calorie almond milk smoothies or any weight loss smoothies.
Fruits: Always use fruits while making smoothies as they help supply the body with different vitamins, minerals, and nutrients and give some calories.
Common ones include bananas, apples, oranges, berries, pineapples, and the flavors you like the most.
Veggies: Vegetables commonly used are kale, spinach, cucumber, and avocado are the most common veggies to add to the drink, along with carrots, cilantro, parsley, etc.
Liquids: To make low-calorie smoothies, always use water first, or to make it tastier, use almond milk or coconut milk instead of full-fat milk or yogurt.
Other ingredients: Other common ingredients to make the drink energetic are using seeds such as chia, flax seeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, and protein powders to provide protein to the drink and to keep us full.
Sweeteners: A better option for healthy drinks is to avoid sugars and sweeteners as they can increase the calorie value and the carbs value.
The more calories, the more fat deposits in the body therefore, avoid sweet substances as fruits are loaded with natural sugars.
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Green Weight Loss Smoothies
Popping into a juice bar for a cold cup of extruded kale juice may be all the rage, but when it comes to both nutritional impact and weight-loss power, juices can’t hold a candle to smoothies.
- First, most commercial juices use apple juice, which is a high-sugar, low-nutrient base.
- Second, juicing strips all the natural fiber out of produce: the rough stuff is what makes it good.
- And third, juices lack fat and protein without these crucial elements, you’re getting no fat-burning, metabolism-boosting benefits.
Next time you want to drink your veggies, blend up one of these seriously nutritious recipes from the book Zero Belly Smoothies.
All recipes make one serving.