Since the early 90s, smoothies have become more and more popular. And there’s good reason for this. Smoothies are easily adaptable, quick to make, and also nutritious. But their health status can sometimes be clouded in a bit of mystery. The green ‘super smoothie’ you buy, might look healthy, but they often contain ingredients that are less than wholesome.
If you are a smoothie-drinker, you probably love the versatility of smoothies. You can choose a variety of fruits, liquids, and even superfood powders, combining them to make a quick and healthy breakfast. If you’re on a weight loss journey, you could be doing more harm than good. Especially if you’re adding all kinds of ingredients to your smoothies, thinking they’re healthy. Fortunately, we already did the hard work for you. With a few trusted ingredients, you can make delicious smoothies that won’t ruin your waistline!
Apples are high in fiber, but low in calories. They contain ursolic acid, which is said to increase muscle, while at the same time reducing body fat. They also add sweetness and thickness to your smoothie. Adding a bit of green to your smoothie is a great idea. Spinach adds vitamins and minerals to your diet, while the fiber content keeps you satisfied for longer. Bananas are a great option for natural sweetness. They will also make your smoothies creamier.
Even if you’re looking to lose weight, it’s important that you don’t avoid fats altogether. In order to maintain health, you need to consume enough mono- and polyunsaturated fats. Good options are avocados, nuts (or nut butter), and coconut oil. These healthy fats can actually promote weight loss!
Depending on the seeds you use, they can add healthy fat, fiber (flaxseeds or hemp seeds), and even protein (chia seeds) to your smoothie. Shelled pumpkin seeds contain a high amount of zinc, a mineral essential for weight loss. Stick to one to two tablespoons of seeds per smoothie.
Another great way to add fiber to your smoothie, is by including powdered oats. Not only does it make the smoothie creamier, but the fiber will keep you fuller for longer, preventing cravings later in the day.
Probiotics are necessary to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which helps for weight loss. Make your morning smoothie more gut-friendly by adding yoghurt, kefir, or even cultured coconut milk.
Remember that each ingredient contributes to the calorific content of your smoothie, so you want ingredients that offer the highest amount of nutrients and taste. With just a few must-have ingredients, you can make a delicious smoothie, while sticking to your weight loss goals.