Smoothies are a delicious and nutritious way to support your weight loss goals. With a combination of fresh fruits and vegetables, you can make a variety of different smoothies to help you maintain a healthy diet. Here are five healthy smoothies that are perfect for weight loss.
Smoothies first became popular in the 1970s when they were coined by the hippies and gained traction in the 1980s as a sports and fitness supplement-fortified health food. By the 1990s and 2000s, smoothies had become widely available in cafes, coffee shops, and grocery stores, with pre-bottled versions being commonplace. Smoothies are typically made with fresh or frozen fruit and sometimes vegetables, blended with yogurt and other ingredients to make a nutritious energy-boosting drink. Popular smoothie businesses in the U.S. include Jamba Juice, Smoothie King, and Orange Julius.
Smoothies are an excellent source of disease-fighting nutrients, particularly vitamins C and beta-carotene. Fruits like citrus, kiwi and strawberries are packed with vitamin C, while apricots, cantaloupe and mangoes are rich in beta-carotene. Phytochemicals such as quercetin, found in grape skins, are powerful protectors, fighting heart disease. Vegetables like carrots and tomatoes are also known for their high nutritional content.
For those trying to watch their weight, smoothies are a great meal substitute that can be easily incorporated into a meal plan. Smoothies are usually topped with dried fruits, nuts, and herbs as a garnish, rather than the decadent toppings like peanuts, chocolates, and marshmallows available in cafes. Frozen yogurt is sometimes used to make smoothies, and those watching their weight can opt for the non-fat or low-fat version. In Asia, smoothies are often made with tropical fruits like coconut, pineapple, rambutan, and avocado, as well as local vegetables.
5 healthy smoothies that are perfect for weight loss
1. Beta boost Smoothie
Our first recipe, is a nutritious blend of carrots that boosts your beta-carotene levels, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against diseases like memory loss, cardiovascular disease and cancer. It is also great for weight loss, with only 132 calories per serving (1 medium tall glass), 32 grams of carbohydrate, 1 gram fat, 2 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. This drink consists of the following ingredients:
1 cup diced mango
1 cup chilled carrot juice or freshly blended carrot juice already prepared
1 cup frozen, unsweetened strawberries
1/3 cup chopped red bell pepper
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy your beta boost smoothie!
2. Pre-Workout Smoothie
This hydro-tonic drink is the perfect pre-workout boost! It contains honeydew, lime, and a pinch of salt and provides 112 calories, 29 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fat, 1 gram of protein and 1 gram of fiber per serving. Not only will the electrolytes help your muscles stay strong throughout your workout, but the honeydew melon can even help reduce fat. So drink up and get ready to make gains!
Ingredients:
1 cup of lemon-lime Gatorade sports drinks (or any brand as desired)
¾ cup frozen green grapes
Pinch of salt.
Instructions:
1. Combine the honeydew melon, Gatorade, and frozen green grapes in a blender.
2. Blend until everything is smooth.
3. Add a pinch of salt and blend for a few more seconds.
4. Serve and enjoy your pre-workout smoothie!
3. Very berry smoothie
If you're looking for an antioxidant-rich and weight-control-friendly drink, this yummy blend of berries and cherries is the perfect refresher for you. Packed with Vitamin C and anthocyanins, which can help protect against certain types of cancer, all you need to make this drink are:
Ingredients:
1 cup frozen cherries
1 banana
1 cup almond milk
1 teaspoon honey
Instructions:
Combine 1 cup frozen strawberries, 1 cup frozen cherries, 1 banana, 1 cup almond milk, and 1 teaspoon honey in a blender and blend until smooth.
4. Pina Colada Smoothie
This smoothie is a great post-workout replenisher, with its combination of muscle-building soy protein, pineapple, and sweet pear. It's a creamy, delicious drink that helps reduce fat, making it an ideal weight-loss drink. To make this smoothie, you'll need pineapple, creamy soy protein powder, a pear, and a few ice cubes. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
One ¼ cups pear nectar
½ cup frozen diced pineapple
½ frozen banana, sliced, and
One teaspoon lime juice
Instructions:
1. Place the tofu, pear nectar, pineapple, banana, and lime juice in a blender.
2. Blend the ingredients together until smooth.
3. Pour the Pina Colada smoothie into a glass and enjoy!
The Fitness Peach Blitz is a great fitness combo health drink. It can either be replaced as a meal, used to energize your workout or simply quench your thirst; this super healthy treat can easily become part of your daily routine. To prepare this drink, all you need are the following items:
Ingredients:
1 cup chopped peaches
1/2 cup almond spice tea
1/4 cup apricot nectar
1/4 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
1/4 to 1/2 cup crushed ice
Instructions:
To make one serving of this smoothie, add all the ingredients to a mixer and puree until smooth. The smoothie will be 16 ounces and contain 154 calories, 38 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams fat, 3 grams protein and 36 mg of sodium.
These five healthy smoothie recipes are perfect for anyone looking to lose weight in a healthy way. Packed with nutrients and low in calories, these smoothies will help to boost your metabolism and curb your appetite. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast smoothie to start your day, or a post-workout snack, these recipes will help you reach your weight loss goals.
