The best way to slim down, without missing out on the proper nutrients, is by focusing on your diet. A great addition to your diet plans is fresh homemade smoothies.

These blends of fresh fruits and vegetables are the perfect low-cal yet nutrient-rich preparations that keep you satiated for long. A good mix of protein, complex carbohydrates and good fats, vitamins, and nutrients, smoothies can be an easy breakfast or a quick snack.

Health Benefits Smoothies

Apart from catalysing weight loss, smoothies have a number of additional health benefits. Here are a couple of them : 

Detoxifies the body

Unlike juices, smoothies retain the fibre of fruits and vegetables. Fibre safeguards our bodies against toxins by boosting antioxidants and increasing the activity of enzymes that clear off and neutralize free radicals. It detoxifies your liver and plays a crucial role in preventing fat deposition.

Research shows that adding fibrous fruits and veggies such as berries, bananas, pears, beets, leafy greens etc. to your smoothies eliminates the harmful waste material accumulated between tissues and cleanses your blood.

Boosts Immunity

The primary ingredients in a smoothie are fresh fruits and vegetables along with nuts, and seeds. These elements are rich in various phytonutrients and minerals that enrich the body and strengthen the immune system.

A robust immune system protects our bodies against any kind of infection or disease. In case you fall sick, a stronger immune system will help you recover faster and better. It’s also helpful to slow down the effects of certain infections like antibiotic-resistant ones in particular.

Enhances Digestion

It’s a known fact that fibre facilitates digestion and adds bulk to the stool giving quick relief from constipation and other related issues. However, what you may not be aware of is that smoothies are better than fresh fruits or vegetables when it comes to ease of digestion. 

Keeps You Hydrated

Having less than the required amount of water in the body results in dehydration, making you susceptible to several diseases. Being a mixture of various fruits, smoothies replenish the water loss in your body. Smoothies hydrate you the same as twice the amount as plain water while meeting your nutrient needs. 

Promotes better hair and skin health

Smoothies can make your skin healthier and hair stronger. They are a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre which are natural beauty enhancers.

The deficiency of these phytonutrients affects our skin and hair in various ways. Regular consumption of smoothies prepared with different fruits and vegetables can help fight multiple skin-related issues ranging from acne to signs of ageing.

Consumption of fruits rich in antioxidants induces collagen production and fights free radicals that cause skin damage. It can also reduce hair fall and make the hair look lustrous.

Smoothie Recipes for Weight Loss

1. Evergreen Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup, of baby spinach
• Bottle gourd/ cucumber, ½ cup
• Curd, ½ cup
• Mint leaves, a handful
• Rock salt, a pinch
• Jeera powder, ¼ tsp
• Amla, a piece, or lemon juice, ½ tsp

Method Place all the ingredients in a blender, toss in the ice cubes and blend till smooth.

Best time to have it:  In the morning, to detox your body.

Benefits: Bottle gourd and cucumber are extremely low in calories and aid in weight loss.

Calorie Count: 95

2. Nutty Delight Smoothie

Ingredients

• Puffed amaranth/rajgira, ½ cup (Use a rajgira laddoo if puffs aren’t available)
• Low-fat milk, 1 cup
• Banana, frozen, ½
• Date, 1, chopped
• Flax seeds, 1 tsp
• Chia seeds, 1 tsp
• Melon seeds, 1 tbsp

Method Blend all the ingredients till smooth and enjoy it as it is

Best time to have it: Post-workout – as it’s a good dose of protein.

Benefits: This smoothie is high in omega-3 acids, good fats and fibre. It also keeps you fuller for longer.

Optional: Add a scoop of protein powder for an extra energy boost.

Calorie Count: 295

3. Golden Glow Smoothie

Ingredients

• Carrot, grated, 1
• Orange or mousambi juice, freshly squeezed with pulp, 1 cup
• Papaya, ½ cup
• Turmeric powder or grated fresh haldi, 1/2 tsp
• Ginger, grated, ½ tsp

Method Blend all ingredients and grind till smooth. Enjoy.

Best time to have it: During the day.

Benefits: Papaya and carrots have a significant amount of fibre and are relatively low in calories!

Calorie Count: 175

4. Chai Spice Smoothie

Ingredients

• Apple, chopped, 1
• Banana, frozen, ½
• Oats, 1 tbsp
• Walnut halves, 3
• Almond or low-fat milk, 1 cup
• Chai masala, 1 tsp
• Cardamom powder, a pinch

Method Blend all ingredients till smooth and enjoy this aromatic smoothie.

Best time to have it: In the morning to feel fresh and energetic

Benefit: Banana and oats not only keep you satiated but bring your digestive system on track.

Calorie Count: 265

5. Refreshing Smoothie

Ingredients

• Cucumber chopped, 1
• Kiwi, chopped, 1
• Green apple, chopped, 1
• Coconut water, 1 cup
• Lemon juice, ½ tsp
• Mint leaves, a few
• Chia seeds, 1 tsp
• Ice cubes, 1 cup

Method Blend all the ingredients except chia seeds, until smooth. Top up this glass of goodness with a dash of chia seeds for that extra crunch.

Best time to have it: In the evening to feel refreshed

Benefit: The cucumber helps remove toxins, which sets your body up for weight loss.

Calorie Count: 175

Consider the ingredients you’re adding to your smoothie carefully. Elements rich in protein, fibre and those that can boost your metabolism will speed up weight loss. You can also try green smoothies. Learn more by consulting a HealthifyMe nutritionist.

Summary

Smoothies help you lose body weight without having to compromise your energy and taste requirements. Replacing a solid meal with a smoothie reduces the overall calorie intake and keeps one satiated for longer owing to its high nutritional value.

Being rich in fibre, smoothies detoxify the body and improve digestive health. It vitalises the immune system and thus safeguards the body against any kind of illness.

Healthier skin and better hair quality are a few other perks of including smoothies in your weight loss diet. So go on… blend it up!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are smoothies a good way to lose weight?

Yes. Smoothies help you lose body weight without having to compromise your energy and taste requirements. Replacing a solid meal with a smoothie reduces the overall calorie intake and keeps one satiated for longer owing to its high nutritional value.  A good mix of protein, complex carbohydrates and good fats, vitamins, and nutrients should be used to create a well-balanced smoothie.

Which smoothie is best for a flat tummy?

There is no such miracle smoothie to flatten the tummy, however,  there are ones to boost your metabolism and help with calorie burn and toxin removal do indirectly help reduce overall weight. 

A tropical smoothie containing mango, banana, oats, ginger, greek yoghurt, orange Juice and a dash of milk when whizzed in a blender tastes amazing and can help your tummy. 

Can I drink 2 smoothies a day?

Yes, you can have two smoothies a day if it doesn’t exceed your calorie intake for the day. However, remember to have solid meals too.

Is banana smoothie good for weight loss?

Yes, banana smoothies are good for weight loss. They are rich in fibre content and control hunger hormones. Their sweet taste and creamy texture may also help reduce unhealthy cravings. However, bananas have a high carbohydrate and calorie content. Thus it is advisable to limit its consumption if you’re aiming for weight loss. 

Do blueberries cause belly fat?

No, blueberries do not cause belly fat. It, in fact, reduces fat accumulation. Research indicates the presence of flavonoids in berries that regulate fat burning and storage in the body positively affecting body weight and abdominal fat accumulation. 

Can a smoothie replace a meal?

Yes, smoothies can replace a meal. Being a great source of many necessary nutrients and minerals they help you meet your energy needs. Being rich in fibre it makes you feel full for longer as well. 

Can smoothies make you fat?

Smoothies are a great way to lose body weight without having to compromise your energy and taste requirements. However, too many smoothies can have an inverse effect on your body. It can increase the sugar, calorie and fat intake which will lead to an increase in body weight along with other issues like high blood sugar levels and nutrient deficiency.

What happens if you drink smoothies every day?

Daily consumption of smoothies detoxifies the body, strengthens the immune system, enhances digestion and promotes healthier skin and hair along with facilitating weight loss. 

What should you not mix in a smoothie?

Avoid mixing canned fruits and fruit juices and use only fresh fruits for your smoothies. You would also not want to add ice creams, frozen or flavoured yoghurt or sherbets. Do not add any kind of sweeteners to your smoothies. 

Are oats smoothies good for weight loss?

Yes. Oats, even in their original form are highly nutritious, easily digestible and great for weight loss. Blending it into a smoothie makes it easier for the body to digest it while retaining its nutritional value. 

Which fruits are helpful for weight loss?

Some easily available fruits that are great for losing weight are avocados, berries, apples, bananas, melons etc.

How does a banana smoothie help belly fat?

Banana smoothies help with belly fat and weight loss. They are rich in fibre content and control hunger hormones. Their sweet taste and creamy texture may also help reduce unhealthy cravings. However, bananas have a high carbohydrate and calorie content. Thus it is advisable to limit its consumption if you’re aiming for weight loss. 

Source link

The post 5 Smoothie Recipes for Weight Loss appeared first on Heal your health yourself.

Fruit blended into a protein smoothie makes a shake for weight loss taste great without having to be sweetened with nut milk containing added sugar, flavored yogurt, honey, or some other sweetener. But like any sweetener, fruit contains sugar, so if you add too many high-sugar fruits into your smoothie, you can still spike your blood glucose.

So, fruit smoothies can be a slippery slope for people hoping to lose weight. That’s why many of our medical review board dietitians offer caveats when their clients look to smoothies to help them slim down. Protein smoothies are best used as meal replacements, rather than snacks, since your ultimate goal is achieving a calorie deficit by the end of the day. But as substitutes for meals, smoothies should contain fewer calories than the meals they replace.

Julie Upton, MS, RD, co-founder of Appetite for Health Consulting, is one of the registered dietitians on our board who shuns smoothies for weight loss. “Eat your calories, rather than drink them,” she advises. Drinks can be loaded with calories that you don’t realize are there as you’ll learn by reading 40 Drinks You Should Never Drink After 40.

Registered dietitian nutritionists Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CDN, and Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CDN, known as The Nutrition Twins, agree that whole fruits trump those blended into smoothies. They warn that overloading a smoothie with too much fruit could turn your health drink into a calorie bomb. “Drinking your calories isn’t as satisfying as when you eat the real food, and you end up eating more calories later in the day,” they say.

As long as you are careful about the ingredients that go into your smoothie, and about the size of the portion you consume, fruit-based smoothies still can be part of an effective weight-loss strategy. The key is keeping track of the number of calories your ingredients contribute. To that end, it’s helpful to shun high-calorie bananas and avocados and favor low-calorie, low-sugar fruits with a high-water content to provide sweetness without the heavy calorie load. Here are the fruits you should be adding to your smoothies, and for more on how to eat healthy, don’t miss The #1 Best Juice to Drink Every Day, Says Science.

An apple is an ideal take-along snack. For one, it won’t crush in your backpack the way grapes and berries can. And if you eat the skin, it is rich in fiber, which makes an apple a “low-GI” food. “GI” stands for glycemic index, a scale from 0 to 100 that shows how much a food will raise blood sugar within two hours of eating it. At a GI of 36, apples are pretty low. Eating an apple whole is the best way to reap its weight-loss benefits. But blending apple chunks in a smoothie isn’t a bad second choice. A red delicious apple contains about 62 calories and 12 grams of natural sugar.

Blueberries contain more antioxidants than any other popular smoothie fruit. One called pterostilbene, which is similar to the resveratrol in grapes, has been shown to stimulate liver cells to help break down fat and cholesterol, according to USDA scientists. One cup of blueberries contains just 64 calories and 9.3 grams of sugars and a bushel full of nutrients, including fiber. You can’t go wrong popping a handful in your daily smoothie or munching on them as a snack. The anthocyanins that give blueberries their deep blue color are powerful phytochemicals associated with better weight maintenance and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, according to Advances in Nutrition.

RELATED: Secret Effects of Eating Blueberries, Says Science

Ripe, juicy cantaloupe is nearly 90% water and rich in dietary fiber, which makes it an ideal fruit for your weight-loss-promoting smoothie as long as you don’t load up your shake with high-calorie add-ins, including nut butters. One cup of cantaloupe contains 12.6 grams of sugars and 60 calories, which isn’t much for all of the nutrients, including beta-carotene, folate, vitamin C, and potassium you’re getting.

If you haven’t tried cherries in your smoothie, you’re missing out; they’re delicious. Just don’t forget to pit them, first. Tart cherries in particular are a terrific weight-loss fruit because not only are they low in calories and sugar (a half-cup contains just 48 calories and 10 grams of sugar), but they are rich in antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins that combat the free radicals that contribute to various chronic inflammatory diseases related to obesity. A review of the health benefits of cherries in the journal Nutrients found that consumption of cherries reduced exercise-induced muscle soreness and loss of strength, blood pressure, and arthritis, improved sleep, and lowered very-low-density lipoprotein, the worst type of bad cholesterol, and triglycerides.

It’s not the most popular smoothie fruit, but it’s worth trying. Kiwi is a good source of fiber, delivering at least 3 grams of dietary fiber per serving, which can help lower the impact of the fruit’s sugar on blood sugar. But don’t peel the fruit; most of the fiber is found in the brown skin. Cut it into chunks and blend it well in a blender. Small studies suggest that regular consumption of kiwifruit can reduce body fat mass and lower blood pressure. A serving of kiwi contains 64 calories and 9 grams of sugars.

A 12-week study involving 91 obese patients demonstrated the potential for eating fresh grapefruit as a potent weight loss strategy. The research in the Journal of Medicinal Food showed that people who ate half of a fresh grapefruit before meals lost an average of 3.5 pounds in 12 weeks. The subjects’ insulin response improved as well, the study found. So, if weight loss is your goal, you might try keeping halves of grapefruit at the ready at mealtimes. Another option: make a grapefruit-based smoothie for a meal replacement. A half-cup of grapefruit sections with juice contains just 37 calories and 8.5 grams of sugars.

RELATED: Surprising Side Effects of Eating Grapefruit, According to Dietitians

Nature’s candy is loaded with vitamin C for immune-system strength, and it’s high in water content and fiber, making it a great fruit for weight maintenance. Strawberries have 49 calories, 7 grams of sugars and about 3 grams of fiber per 1 cup serving. Raspberries are even lower in sugar at just 2.6 grams per 57-calorie, ¾-cup serving. They don’t last long in the fridge so keep your freezer stocked with a bag. Frozen berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries) are just as nutritious as fresh ones.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Watermelon is an example of a fruit that has a high glycemic index but is actually fine for people who are overweight or have high blood sugar because it is high in water content and fiber and low in carbohydrates. A 2019 study in the journal Nutrients compared overweight people who ate daily snacks of watermelon or low-fat cookies for four weeks. The researchers found that the watermelon made the subjects less hungry after eating and by the end of the trial decreased body weight, body mass index, blood pressure, and waist-to-hip ratio. A cup of watermelon delivers just 45 calories and about 9 grams of sugars. Check out these 8 Best Smoothie Recipes for Managing Blood Sugar.

Source link

The post 9 Fruits You Need To Add to Your Smoothie for Weight Loss — Eat This Not That appeared first on Heal your health yourself.

If you’re trying to lose belly fat, smoothies are a great addition to your diet to help you achieve your goals. Not only do they make sense for people on the go, but they are also quick to whip up and can help you stay full by sipping on one at the start of your morning or for a mid-day snack.

But of course, what you put in your smoothie is super important if you’re trying to target belly fat. Specifically, you should consider adding protein, whole fruit, yogurt, and nut butters to your smoothie to target belly fat faster, according to Cory Ruth, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist, women’s health expert, and CEO of The Women’s Dietitian.

• Protein: Your smoothie should include some form of protein for more stable blood sugar, says Ruth. This will prevent an insulin spike, which essentially causes your body to store more fat in your belly.
• Fruit, like strawberries or oranges: These fruits contain vitamin C, which research shows plays a big role in stabilizing cortisol levels. “When cortisol (aka our stress hormone) is high, it can make the body want to hold onto weight and not let it go,” says Ruth.
• Yogurt: Adding some yogurt can help increase levels of healthy gut bacteria, which research shows may play a role in how much and where your body stores fat.
• Peanut or almond butter: These contain ample amounts of magnesium, which may help lower cortisol, says Ruth.

Looking for some new recipes that will target belly fat? Here are six of our favorites. Read on, and for more on how to eat healthy, don’t miss Eating Habits to Lose Abdominal Fat As You Age, Say Dietitians.

This plant-based smoothie is technically paleo and includes 3 types of berries (blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries) with a cashew milk base. When you’re looking to burn belly fat faster, it’s important to choose the right liquid base for your smoothie, which is why we recommend cashew milk and not fruit juice.

Fruit juice is not the same as whole fruit, and can also be packed with sugar. “I prefer plant-based milk or regular milk for your smoothie base. This is because fruit juice can contain around 36 grams of sugar per cup,” says Ruth. “Once you couple this with a bunch of extra fruit inside the smoothie, it’s like a one-way ticket to a giant insulin dump. Plus, the sweetness in juice comes from fructose, which studies show is associated with the development of belly fat.”

Get our recipe for Paleo Avocado Berry Smoothie.

Don’t be freaked out by the fact there is tofu in this one–it adds a protein punch, and the addition of mushrooms (i.e. adaptogens) will give you some added immune support and sleep cycle regulation.

Get our recipe for Plant-Based Chocolate Tofu Smoothie With Reishi Mushroom.

READ MORE: 24 Ways To Add Protein To Your Smoothie Without Powder

The addition of flaxseeds in this spinach and avocado-based smoothie will not only help you feel fuller longer but has some added health benefits. Flaxseeds are packed with lignans, which are plant-based compounds showing amazing health benefits in cancer prevention and hormone balance.

Get our recipe for Creamy Paleo Green Smoothie.

If you’re looking for a super high protein smoothie to start your day, this one is it: it packs 28 grams thanks to plant-based protein powder and walnuts. Top your smoothie with extra walnuts for some added crunch—and avoid the granola.

Sure, granola can add some added texture, but at the expense of lots of calories and sugar. “While marketed as ‘health food,’ granola typically contains around 15-35 grams of added sugar!” says Ruth. “Instead, opt for whole nuts, seeds, and oats [to burn belly fat faster].”

Get our recipe for Dark Chocolate Banana Nut Smoothie.

RELATED: 8 Best Protein Smoothie Recipes to Help Lose Abdominal Fat

You read that right—this smoothie has cauliflower, which not only gives it great texture but also adds fiber that will keep you fuller longer. This recipe will also help you blast belly fat faster with the addition of protein powder, but it’s important that you’re buying the right one. Look for no-sugar-added protein powders, like these 12 Best Sugar-Free Protein Powders. That’s because protein powders made with added sugars can send our blood sugar for a roller coaster ride, and can increase the chances of an insulin spike, which makes our bodies want to hang onto belly fat, explains Ruth.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Get the recipe for Berry Cauliflower Smoothie.

The star of this recipe, kefir, is an excellent source of probiotics that helps keep your digestion moving, supports your immune system, and gives your bones a boost of calcium.

Get the recipe for Kefir Banana Date Hemp Smoothie.

Source link

The post 6 Best Smoothie Recipes to Target Belly Fat Faster, Say Dietitians — Eat This Not That appeared first on Heal your health yourself.