Best Hacks For Sticking With A Whole Food Diet
Here are some tips to help you stick with a whole food diet and develop this lifestyle.
1. Practice Batch Cooking
Especially in the beginning, if youve been used to eating more convenience-based or packaged foods, youre likely to feel like you spend the majority of your life in the kitchen. So, Id suggest getting your cookbooks out and planning around five things to make per week. If you make double, or even triple portions depending on your household, youll have enough quantity to last several meals.
For example, his could be homemade granola. Make it once, and thats breakfast sorted for a week. Whole food diet ingredients like oats, quinoa, buckwheat, nuts, and seeds are all delicious, and great nutritional resources to keep you feeling full until lunchtime.
I also love to make big stews, sauces, and curries that can happily be reheated and added throughout the course of a few days.
2. Make Your Own Convenience Foods
Sticking to a new way of eating can be really difficult, especially for your willpower. So, its very important to make it as easy as possible for yourself.
Pre-chop. Pre-chop. Pre-chop.
Are Smoothies As Good As Eating Fruit
Yes and no. If you load up on too much fruit and use fruit juice as your base, then you run the risk of consuming too much sugar and calories, Taub-Dix says. However, if you limit your fruit intake to no more than two servings in your smoothie, then you’re getting a healthy amount of fruit while reaping their antioxidants.
How To Lose Weight While Sleeping Using Smoothies
You might have come across articles or even heard people debating about losing weight while one is asleep. It sounds rather unrealistic since you are not skipping rope or lifting any weights but instead soundly relaxing.
No matter how it may sound, just because it seems unrealistic, does not mean it is impossible. There are healthy smoothies for weight loss you can take before sleeping that initiate the fat-burning process when you sleep.
For the longest time people thought they ought to keep their cravings at bay and not eat anything before bed. Therefore, answers to questions such as, is it bad to eat bananas before bed? was always a solid no. The notion was that eating anything before bed could lead to weight gain.
Despite this, nutritionists have ruled this long-held notion out as an eating misconception. They argue that when you eat does not matter. However, what matters is what and how much you are consuming .
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Balance Is Key With Your Smoothies
Would I recommend a 5 x daily banana smoothies to the average person?
Probably not.
Just like any of your meals or snacks, you want your smoothies to include low GI carbohydrates along with protein and healthy fats.
If weight loss or maintenance is a goal of yours, you want to ensure youre getting as much nutrition in without exceeding your maintenance energy intake.
Including nutrient-dense, low-energy foods such as green leafy vegetables in your fruit smoothie is a great way to achieve this.
If you are, by chance looking for the easiest option for a nutrient-dense smoothie?
Super Cubes has you covered and you can find all of the Super Cubes range online or, if you want to buy locally you can find your local supermarket or health food store on the Super Cubes Stockists page.
Sweetie Pea Green Smoothie
This Sweetie Pea Green Smoothie is one of my favorite green smoothies recipes when I want to change up my greens. It tastes amazing and is full of antioxidants and other nutrients.
Peas are very good for you. Due to their high fiber and protein content, they are very filling. This may reduce how much food you eat and can lead to weight loss in the long term .
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Smoothies: Pros And Cons
Due to the many misconceptions about smoothies, a lot of people continue to doubt their health aspect. Nevertheless, smoothies can be healthy because they can be made from healthy fruits.
What this can mean is that the benefits of smoothies for someone could be limitless. One of the first things to consider is that smoothies are a good way to fill the nutritional gaps in people who do not take various fruits. For example, you can still enjoy the nutritional value of the kiwi fruit in a smoothie despite hating the taste of it. In a smoothie its taste may get overwhelmed by the flavor of other fruits added to your smoothie, and so you might not even notice a kiwi in your drink. The fact remains though that you still consumed it and are benefiting from its nutritional value.
Similarly, smoothies contain essential minerals and vitamins. For example, a smoothie with yogurt or nonfat milk ingredients supplies the body with calcium and vitamin B-12 . However, this does not mean that smoothies cant be disadvantageous, especially in weight loss. This all depends on the ingredients and servings one uses.
Promoting A Healthy Gut Microbiome
When the beta-glucan in oats mixes with water, it forms a gel-like substance that coats the digestive tract. The substance acts as food for the healthy bacteria in the gut.
Oatmeal reduces the chances of asthma and relieves constipation. With all these benefits, it would be safe to say that oats are some of the most nutritious foods you can eat.
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Are Smoothies Healthy Are They Good For Weight Loss
Some are healthy, and some arent.
Smoothies made purely of whole fruits and vegetables, and if desired, a little soymilk or nonfat dairy, are wonderfully healthy and nutritious. But if youre trying to lose weight, be careful.
Can a fiber-rich, no-sugar-added smoothie that’s loaded with fresh fruit, vegetables, and other whole foods help you lose weight? Probably not. Find out why.
The Best Green Smoothie
Okay, lets be real. We all want to add a little more green into our lives. However, sometimes it can be hard to gag down. Change all of that with this 5-star smoothie recipe. Not only is this smoothie incredibly delicious, but its also packed with nutrients. Chug those greens the easy way!
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Are Smoothies A Good Way To Lose Weight
Simple smoothies can be a way to lose weight, if you incorporate them into your diet correctly.
One common mistake that causes some people to not successfully lose weight is to not pay attention to portions or what ingredients they are putting in their smoothies.
And because smoothies are drinks that are easy to down rather than meals you sit down and chew, its not hard to overlook the amount of food thats in your blended beverage.
If you do plan to lose weight with smoothies, as with any food or diet, you need to take in fewer calories than you are currently eating to shed those pounds. This is done by combining ingredients that are low-calorie, nutrient-dense, and leave you feeling fuller.
Homemade weight loss smoothies are the best way to control the quality of the ingredients that go into your blended beverage. And remember, never put your health at risk or leave you feeling starved.
As always, check with your health practitioner to make sure that you are embarking on a diet that is suitable for your situation.
Do Smoothies Aid Weight Loss
Smoothies are frequently marketed as a weight loss tool.
Research suggests they may be effective for this purpose as long as theyre not causing you to exceed your daily calorie needs.
While some people find smoothies an easy way to monitor food portions and stay on top of their weight loss goals, others may not feel as full when they drink their calories rather than eating them.
That said, several small studies demonstrate that smoothies used as meal replacements can be as filling as solid foods, and that drinking calories instead of chewing them doesnt necessarily lead to overeating when solid foods are consumed later .
Drinking versus chewings effect on your feelings of fullness may be more closely related to how satisfying you expect the meal to be rather than the form of the food itself.
One small study found that people who viewed a large serving of fruit prior to drinking a fruit smoothie felt fuller and more satisfied afterward, compared with people who viewed a small serving of fruit prior to drinking the smoothie .
This occurred even though both groups consumed an equal amount of calories and nutrients from the smoothie.
Ultimately, although weight loss can be a complex process with many contributing factors, its important to expend more calories than you take in. If a smoothie helps you offset other calories you would otherwise consume, it can be an effective weight loss tool.
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You Drink Your Smoothie
You hurriedly drink your smoothie, and this hikes your blood sugar, leaving you tired and hungry just hours later. You have it with a snack rather than having it as a meal
Slow down and eat your smoothie with a spoon. When you have your food sitting and chew it, your body secretes hormones that increase satiety. This keeps you fuller for a longer duration of time.
The Bitter Truth Behind Smoothies And Weight Loss
Most home-made smoothies are made from low-calorie, healthy ingredients. However, relying on smoothies for weight loss may not be the best weight loss solution because smoothies are liquid. According to research, carbohydrates obtained from liquid foods lead to less satiety than carbohydrates obtained from solid food .
According to Kimberly Gomer, MS, RD, LDN, Director of Nutrition and Educator at the Pritikin Longevity Center in Miami, calories obtained from foods with the highest satiety, i.e. a measure of how long you stay full after eating, have better chances of helping you lose weight and keeping it off long-term . Smoothies and liquid foods do a terrible job when it comes to keeping you satiated. For instance, when you drink a 200-calorie smoothie between meals, it will not be easy to compensate for these calories in the next meal.
Another problem an average American battles with every day is eating more calories than the recommended amount for weight loss. Whether knowingly or unknowingly, overeating is a big step backward when it comes to weight loss. Fortunately, oatmeal is rich in soluble fiber that makes you feel full shortly after eating . According to research, oatmeal helps with appetite control over the next 4 hours, thanks to the meal viscosity generated by oat β-glucan .
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Are Smoothies Good For You
Smoothies are an increasingly popular wellness trend and frequently marketed as a health food.
These versatile beverages are portable, family-friendly, and modifiable for any taste or dietary preference. Smoothies are easy to prepare yourself, but you can also purchase fresh or bottled ones from specialty cafés and most major grocery stores.
While some types are loaded with veggies and fruit, others pack sugar or other unhealthy ingredients. As such, you may wonder whether theyre a healthy choice.
This article explains everything you need to know about smoothies, including their potential health benefits and downsides, whether they aid weight loss, and tips for making nutritionally balanced versions at home.
What Ingredients Are In The Best Weight Loss Smoothies
Healthy smoothies for weight loss are made with the right blend of weight loss foods that are scientifically proven to decrease body fat. Some of the common ingredients we include in these smoothies for weight loss are:
- Protein powder for weight loss: these powders are low in sugar or other sweeteners, low in calories, and rich in high-quality protein that, in combination with strength exercises, will help build metabolism-boosting muscle mass
- Healthy fats: healthy fats like nut butters, avocado, and MCT oil will help to slow digestion to keep you fuller longer to prevent overeating
- Fiber: consuming fiber-rich ingredients like chia seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, leafy greens, and oats can help prevent spikes in blood sugar that can lead to the storage of carbs as fat
- Low sugar: fruit is the base of all smoothies, and because fruit naturally contains sugar, there’s no need to add extra sweeteners like honey, orange juice, or frozen yogurt that only serve to add empty calories
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What Is The 24
Our one-day shake diet, devised by dietitian Nigel Denby, feeds your body with protein and nutrients to make sure you don’t lose any muscle tissue and can make you even more efficient at burning fat.
You can use our plan every week to regularly lose between 1-2lbs while eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly the other six days a week.
Here’s how it works:
- Don’t be tempted to skip any of your shakesstarving yourself is definitely counter-productive.
- On your shake day, just have your three shakes and two litres of waterno tea, coffee, alcohol or snacks.
- Don’t kid yourself you can eat whatever you want all week and then use the one-day shake diet to put everything right. You need to eat healthily six days a week and use the one-day shake diet to boost your weight loss. You can use the one-day shake diet occasionally.
- Don’t be tempted to buy in smoothieswhen considering, are smoothies good for you, these are the worst options. They are full of sugar, and you need all the nutrients and protein in the homemade shakes to help maintain your muscle tissue.
Processed Foods That Are Okay On A Whole Food Diet
Many brands of cereals are fortified with B vitamins, which can be hard to come by on a plant-based diet.
For example, vitamin B12 , is largely found in animal sources. It is something that those on a plant-based diet need to keep an eye on, as studies show that around 20% of us are deficient. And we also know that 65% of vegans and vegetarians dont take a B vitamin supplement.
So in that case, choosing a cereal fortified with B vitamins would be a good option, if done wisely. By that I mean use your discretion and check the labels, as many brands of cereals are packed with sugar and additives. But you can strategically choose minimally processed foods using a whole foods mentality.
As a rule of thumb, if there are any ingredients that you cant pronounce, dont understand, or sound artificial, they probably are best avoided.
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The Skinny On Smoothies: Use With Caution
Exercise, Fitness & Nutrition Expert | Lark Health
Smoothies can be delicious, refreshing, and convenient. They can deliver protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Not only that, but smoothies can also get you to eat a wider variety of vegetables and other superfoods than you might otherwise choose. They could even help you lose weight. But are smoothies healthy?
Smoothies are often the choice for people who are dieting or on a health kick. They are sort of healthy, sometimes. They can deliver the benefits listed above, but they have the potential to go very wrong, too. With just one or two wrong decisions about your smoothies, drinking them can be one of the fastest ways to gain weight and spike your blood sugar.
That is why Lark suggests eating whole foods instead of making smoothies when you can. Here are the red flags of harmful smoothies, ways to keep smoothies from doing damage, and a few recipes to try if you still want to whip up a smoothie every so often.
Helps Manage Food Cravings
One of the benefits of drinking smoothies for breakfast is that they can provide a source of energy and protein. Research studies have found that higher protein intake makes people feel fuller and reduces food cravings later in the day. Proteins are complex molecules that take longer to break down than carbohydrates, so they provide longer-lasting energy.
Protein also helps prevent muscle loss when losing weight on a calorie-restricted diet, making high-protein smoothies a great weight-loss food. Many people add protein powder made from plants, milk, or eggs to their smoothies. High protein ingredients include almonds and other nuts, peanut butter, flax seeds, soy milk, and tofu, to name a few.
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Is A Whole Food Diet Boring
Absolutely not! The beauty of this way of eating is that there are barely any recipes that are off-limits. If you can make it yourself using natural ingredients, then it counts. So, dig out your recipe books and get familiar with your spice cupboard.
Heres my advice if youre just starting: stock up on coconut milk and canned tomatoes. Youll use them all the time in sauces.
How To Boost Flavor
Boost the flavor and nutritional power of your smoothie without adding calories by adding spices, extracts or fresh herbs.
- Herbs: Mint, basil, lemongrass, lavender, cilantro/coriander , parsley
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, clove, cardamom, cayenne pepper
- Extracts: vanilla, almond, coconut, peppermint / mint extract
- Fruit: Lemon/ lime juice
Increase flavor without adding calories by adding spices or fresh herbs.
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Purple Passion Green Smoothie
This Purple Passion Green Smoothie recipe is a spinach smoothie recipe thats full of antioxidants thanks to the strawberries and blueberries. The flavors all blend perfectly into a really delicious, mellow, creamy weight loss smoothie thats also got a fun purple color.
Strawberries are packed full of vitamin C, naturally increasing metabolism. They are also a natural anti-inflammatory, making them perfect for enjoying after a workout, reducing muscle soreness, opening up breathing passages and reducing bloat .
The Risks Of The Smoothie Diet
All dietary plans require some caution, as its important to follow the diets serving recommendations to prevent potential risks. It is also essential to speak with your primary care doctor to learn more about the potential side effects according to your medical history and medications. The Smoothie Diet can present risks to some people due to certain variables within its recipes, the possibility for overconsumption, and other factors related to the diets structure. Some of these risks include:
Higher Blood Sugar Levels
For those with diabetes, the various fruits provided in these smoothies for weight loss can contain excessive amounts of sugar, which can contribute to diabetic complications, such as hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. In studies looking into the issue, researchers found that the consumption of green leafy vegetables and fruit can decrease the risk of hyperglycemia. Still, fruit juices with extensive amounts of sugar can present hazards to women with diabetes. However, the diet plan also provides recipes to follow for those sensitive to glucose to help avoid those issues.
Vitamin K Sensitivity
Nutritional Deficiencies
While the diet contains a variety of nutrients that promote overall good health, it also contains a lack of other essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The Smoothie Diet can cause issues with energy levels during the first few weeks of being on a diet and can result in the risk of losing muscle mass.
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