Are Smoothies Effective For Weight Loss
Yes, you can lose weight drinking smoothies but it needs to be part of an overall diet plan. Read more about meal prep and weight loss here.
If you are drinking smoothies in an effort to lose weight, make sure to keep these points in mind:
- Not all smoothies are healthy. Drinking smoothies alone will not help you lose weight. Healthy smoothie recipes can contribute to your weight-loss plans, but only if youre choosing low-fat, low-calorie, low-sugar ingredients.
- Use portion control. Smoothies can contain more vegetables or fruit than you would eat raw and that means you are taking in more calories, carbohydrates and sugar than you think. Keep your smoothie at around 10 oz . If you make too much, freeze the extra portion for later.
- Smoothies can leave you feeling hungry. Make sure your smoothie contains the right balance of ingredients. Adding protein and healthy fats will help make you feel full longer. But be careful as these additions can also make the calorie count go up. If you feel the need to add healthy fats or protein, then consider adding a quarter of an avocado , half a cup of Greek yogurt or a tablespoon of peanut butter .
Ginger Lends A Healthy Bite Of Spice To Smoothies
It’s great with sushi. It’s calming in herbal teas. It makes a delicious cookie. And ginger’s powers don’t stop there. It’s also a highly potent superfood capable of adding heat and nutrients to smoothies. According to Everyday Health, ginger is a powerful pain reliever, circulation booster, and headache fighter. It’s also good for the immune system, helping to fight off germ-born illnesses such as Salmonella and the common cold. Eating foods with ginger regularly can even help to prevent knee pain in joggers, registered dietitian nutritionist Sonya Angelone told Runner’s World.
You don’t need a lot of ginger, either. The Spruce Eats explained that “as little as a ‘thumb-sized’ portion” of ginger added to a smoothie “could not only warm you up on a chilly day, but also protect you from infection, inflammation, and pain!”
To prep the ingredient for a smoothie, advised peeling and mincing a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger. The variety of smoothies it works well in is nearly infinite. Try ginger in a tropical smoothie containing frozen pineapple, plain yogurt, pineapple juice, and cinnamon or a Southern-inspired ginger smoothie made with baby spinach, peaches, almond milk, and Greek yogurt.
Dried Fruits Add Just Enough Sweetness
Sometimes we all need a bit of sugar to get us through a long day, and dried fruit makes a great healthy option. According to ChefWorks, adding dried fruit like dates, raisins, and cherries give antioxidants and flavor to your smoothie.
Just as with nuts and grains, you can soak them for a few minutes prior to blending, and be sure to pick ones with no added sugar, as theyll be sweet enough that you wont need to put in honey or the sweetener of your choice.
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How To Make Healthy Smoothies
Making healthy smoothies is a much simpler process than you would imagine, and this post will show you how to make 7 different kinds of healthy smoothies that youre going to love!
I think many people have misconceptions about what healthy smoothies really are. I know when I was younger, I thought that healthy smoothies were the ones you got at Booster Juice. Sadly, I would order a large smoothie from there or Starbucks after a night of partying and think I was replenishing my body with healthy food. Little did I know these smoothies were often filled with sugary frozen yogurt and can contain up to 460 calories .
To make genuinely healthy smoothies, you have to be careful with the ingredients you use. This post will educate you on how to choose the highest-quality ingredients to ensure that youre getting the nutritional benefits you should be getting with fruit-filled smoothies.
As long as you stock your freezer with frozen fruit and keep a few handy base ingredients on hand in the fridge each week, smoothie making is super easy and nutritious.
Milk And Honey Smoothie
Make use of the celery in your produce drawer with this blended juice, which combines it with almond milk, cucumber, and grapes for a sip-worthy snack.
In a blender, combine 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk, 1 medium Kirby cucumber , 1 cup seedless green grapes, 2 medium stalks celery , and 1 Tbsp honey. Blend until the mixture is smooth, serves 2.
Nutrition: 124 cal, 2 g pro, 26 g carb, 2 g fiber, 21 g sugars , 2 g fat
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Storing And Freezing Instructions
- To store: Freshly made smoothies should be enjoyed immediately, however, they will keep well for up to eight hours refrigerated. Be sure to whisk the smoothie in case of any separation.
- To freeze: Smoothies can be frozen in blocks and stored in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, remove the smoothie block from the freezer and re-blend it until smooth. To thin it out, you can add some water, milk, or juice.
Yellow Fruit And Turmeric Smoothie
Turmeric is a time-honored superfood with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Powered by curcumin, one of its primary substances, the spice may help boost memory, ease joint pain, lower the risk of certain cancers, and lessen the symptoms of depression. What are you waiting for? Make this smoothie thats bursting with the stuff.
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Foods To Boost Metabolism
Our bodies needs proper fuel to keep up with the demands of daily activities. Its important that the calories we consume, especially if were trying to lose weight, gain muscle, or just improve our performance, are quality calories.
A protein bar may be high in calories and full of nutrition, yet it wont fill you up in the same way a plate of salmon, brown rice, and steamed veggies will. But a high-quality vegan protein bar can give you the energy you need to power through a workout or recover from one.
What does that mean? It means that recipes need to tick off several boxes: healthy fats, protein, complex carbs, vitamins and minerals, and/or a combination of all of the above. The above fat burning smoothies have all that and more!
Want to skip a step and add protein + healthy fats to your smoothie in one step?Check out my Protein Smoothie Boost! Clean protein? Check. Healthy fat? Check. Helpful fiber? Check. No sweetness or artificial nonsense? Check! Protein Smoothie Boost is a great partner in your fight to burn fat with this smoothie!
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Is It Good To Put Yogurt In Smoothies
Yogurt is a good ingredient for smoothies because it adds a good amount of protein, which makes them a great breakfast or snack. Each cup of Greek yogurt contains approximately 12 grams of protein. Furthermore, it contains live probiotics, which can help improve gut health, as well as calcium and vitamin B-12 .
Fruit And Yogurt: A Great Combination
Yogurt can be flavored with a variety of fruit, and there are several fruits that work well together. A frozen fruit option may be beneficial as long as the fruit is fresh or frozen and not too sweet. Fruit and yogurt can also be combined, but it is important to note that they are both high in antioxidants. When high-energy, nutrient-detrimental snacks are replaced with fruits and yogurt, one can reduce ones calorie intake by consuming fewer unhealthy foods.
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Smoothie Recipes: How To Make Healthy Options At Home
The concept of a smoothie is straightforward throw some fruits and veggies in a blender, add a liquid and toss in some ice. Sounds healthy, right? Not always. What started as a cold concoction for health food connoisseurs has now evolved into a mainstream meal replacement option with endless ingredients, many of which can add unnecessary calories to your diet. Heres what you need to know about smoothies, including what to include to make them healthy and which ingredients to leave out.
Frozen Bananas And Wild Blueberries
Many dietitians like to add frozen fruit to smoothies including Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD, owner of Better is the New Perfect. Her favorite combo is frozen sliced bananas and frozen wild blueberries, which supply fiber, potassium and beneficial plant compounds called phytonutrients, along with great taste. Plus, Ward says, “frozen fruit makes smoothies thicker and frothier without using ice, which dilutes the flavor.”
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What Happens If You Drink Green Smoothies Every Day
Healthy-looking skin, more energy, weight loss, and greater overall health are just some of the benefits of drinking green smoothies every day. You may wish to mix up the type of green smoothie you make to experience a range of superfood benefits. Try incorporating different superfoods for smoothies from one day to the next.
What Are The Healthiest Things To Put In A Smoothie
First, think nutrient- and vitamin-rich produce. Smoothies are a great way to make use of leftover fresh fruit or to sneak in some extra superfoods that you wouldn’t normally eat on their own. Think beyond the classic add-ins and consider dark greens like spinach, a squeeze of a citrus fruit, spices like ginger and turmeric, herbs like fresh basil or mint, and if your blender is strong enough, veggies like carrots and beets. Then add some protein, like a spoonful of nut butter or a handful of walnuts, or some plain Greek yogurt, for an energy boost that will keep you going until lunch. Plant-based milks, unsweetened, are a great base, and you can add in a probiotic burst with a healthy pour of kefir.
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Are Smoothies Adequate Meal Replacements
Speaking of skipping meals, many people replace full meals with smoothies. But, is this healthy? According to naturopath, nutritionist, and founder of Edible Beauty Australia, Anna Mitsios, smoothies can definitely be meals in and of themselves. “Smoothie recipes often contain fruit, yogurt/milk, protein, fiber, and fats, so they can provide a complete source of nutrition to replace the occasional meal,” she explains.
LeVeque adds to this, noting that so long as your smoothie is comprised of the “Fab Four” main components of fat, fiber, protein, and greens , its a perfectly healthy meal replacement. Where fats help keep your cells functioning properly, fiber feeds your gut bacteria, protein helps build and maintain muscle, and greens deliver loads of vitamins and antioxidants for optimum health.
Plus, there are so many ways to achieve that mix of nutrients, that you likely wont get bored of itsomething that cant be said of many other meal replacements.
Blend Nuts Instead Of Nut Butter To Nix Added Sugars And Preservatives
Nut butters, like peanut, cashew, and almond butter, get a bad rep because plenty of grocery store options contain hidden added sugars and hydrogenated oils. You’re better off choosing natural peanut butter or other nut butters, which will only contain one ingredient on the nutritional label.
Even better? Blend up whole nuts, like cashews, walnuts, and peanuts, which provide plenty of protein, unsaturated fat, fiber, and vitamins, without added sugar, fats, and oils. You can soak them for a few minutes before blending to help soften them, too. Or just toss a few on top of your smoothie for a surprising crunch and texture.
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How To Make A Fruit Smoothie
Making a fruit smoothie is as simple as tossing ingredients in a blender and letting it rip, but we want to make sure you succeed every time, so heres our exact process:
Are You Looking For Even More Smoothies No Worries Weve Got You Covered:
- Clementine Avocado Smoothie. If youve never added avocado to your smoothie before, you are missing out! The flavor is so mild, that you cant taste it, but the texture is dreamy, creamy smooth, and the healthy added fats help keep your fuller longer.
- Cold Buster Smoothie. When youre feeling under the weather and your throat is sore, this smoothie for colds is soothing and nourishing.
- Coffee Smoothie. Get a jolt of caffeine and your breakfast all in one cup! This is packed full of coffee flavor.
- Persimmon Smoothie. Packed full of autumnal flavor, this spiced smoothie is creamy and sweet!
- Spinach and Pear Smoothie. Bright green and fresh in flavor, this smoothie is a perfect light breakfast.
- Sweet Potato Smoothie. Sweet potato in a smoothie? YUP! It tastes like a delicious pie. Youll love it!
- Apple Smoothie. This smoothie is packed full of healthy spinach, but tastes like apple pie!
- Pumpkin Pie Smoothie. This pumpkin smoothie is perfect for the weather is still warm but your heart wants fall to show up.
- Dark Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie. This smoothie is rich and dark, and it tastes decadent enough you could sip on it for dessert!
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie. All the flavors of your favorite sandwich in a tasty smoothie! Pick your favorite jelly to add to this peanut butter smoothie.
- Tart Cherry and Spinach Smoothies. We show serving this cherry smoothie as a light breakfast in a bowl, but you could easily pour it in a glass and sip away!
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Healthy Superfood Smoothie Recipes
Did you know that many store-bought smoothies are very high in sugar and calories? I used to grab one for a healthy boost all the time when I was in my twenties not knowing that they were doing the opposite. Most store-bought smoothies use juice, way too much fruit and flavored yogurt. These ingredients can add up to your daily recommended sugar intake in just one drink! But the truth is that its much healthier and cheaper to make your smoothies at home.
Theres actually a simple trick that you can use to make healthier smoothies: Use less fruit, no fruit juices, and no flavored yogurt. Fruit juice are high in sugar and totally unnecessary for a smoothie. The same goes for yogurt if youre going to use it, which I do in the raspberry yogurt recipe below, then you only want to use plain yogurt with no added sugar or flavorings.
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Skinny Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie
This vegan recipe will have you drooling for more! Its vegan, low calorie, and delicious! What makes it different than any regular strawberry smoothie? The secret is in a butter extract that gives it a rich pastry flavor while keeping it low in calories. If you feel like leaving your chair to blend this one up right away, you are in good company.
Use these recipes or build from them to create your own.
Banana-kale wake-up smoothie
The sweetness of the bananas balances kales slight bitterness in this recipe. Use just a tiny pinch of cloves theyre potent!
Get the banana-kale wake-up smoothie recipe.
Ruby-red raspberry smoothie
Its nutty. Its sweet. And its good for you. Blast off your day with healthy fats, antioxidants and phytonutrients from this creamy creation.
Get the ruby-red raspberry smoothie recipe.
Creamy kiwi-lime smoothie
You would never guess this creamy, high-protein smoothie gets its texture from tofu and cashew butter. Hey, dont knock it till you try it!
Go green smoothie bowl
Ready to trade in the smoothie glass for a bowl and spoon? In this bowl, the leafy green goodness of spinach meets the sweetness of grapes, mango, apple and banana.
Get the go green smoothie bowl recipe.
Cool tropical smoothie
Youll feel like youre on the beach with this zesty blend of mango, coconut, lime and strawberries. This vegan smoothie is high in potassium and features beneficial phytonutrients.
Get the cool tropical smoothie recipe.
Creamy strawberry and greens smoothie
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Do Green Smoothies Help With Weight Loss
Green smoothies are an excellent source of fiber, which helps keep blood sugar levels steady. This helps you feel fuller for longer, potentially helping you eat less and aiding weight-loss efforts. The vitamins and minerals in green smoothies also provide many health benefits, including improved immune function, increased energy levels, and better digestion, all of which can make weight loss more successful.
Peaches And Cream Oatmeal Smoothie
No time for a leisurely meal? Try this grab-and-go, probiotic-rich take on morning oatmeal. Whole-grain oats contain prebiotic fiber that promotes gut health.
This recipe from Preventions Smoothies & Juicesmakes two smoothies: Blend 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1 cup frozen peaches, 1/2 frozen banana, and 1/2 cup ice until smooth.
Nutrition: 283 cal, 13 g pro, 53.5 g carb, 2 g fiber, 48 g sugars, 3.5 g fat
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