Using smoothies for weight loss can be a tasty way to get energized for the day, include several healthy foods in your diet relatively painlessly and even satisfy your sweet tooth without sabotaging your diet. However, in order to fully take advantage of these benefits, it’s important to choose balanced smoothie recipes for weight loss, steering clear of artificial juices and avoiding sugar and artificial sweeteners. Try some of these delicious alternatives:
Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie
Blend one ripe banana with 2 tablespoons of unsweetened peanut butter and 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, adding half a cup of low fat milk or a mix of skim milk and low fat vanilla flavored yogurt, depending on the desired consistency. For a vegan alternative, try use almond milk instead of low fat milk. You can also add a dash of cinnamon when serving, for extra flavor.
Strawberry and Spinach Smoothie
If green smoothies are one of your go to breakfast smoothies for weight loss, this variation which has only 120 calories might prove a good choice for keeping boredom at bay. Combine 2 cups of fresh spinach, half a cup of low fat yogurt, a cup of fresh strawberries, one medium banana and two cups of water, blending until smooth. You can also add a teaspoon of flaxseeds for extra fiber or a dash of honey or maple syrup if you like your smoothies a bit sweetener.
Cranberry and Apple Smoothie
This smoothie recipe is packed with antioxidants and has a lot of vitamins, being a great alternative for indulging your cravings for sweets. For this recipe you’ll need 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries, a medium apple – sliced- , a cup of almond milk, a large banana, half a cup of water and honey to taste. Blend these ingredients until smooth.
Pineapple and Avocado Smoothie
Next time you’re in the mood for a tropical inspired smoothie try this easy recipe: blend a cup of chopped pineapple with a halved, pitted ripe avocado and the juice from half a lime adding about half a cup of water until you get a thick juice. The healthy fats contained in avocado will help you feel full and while pineapple features many immune boosting nutrients such as vitamin C and B, magnesium and copper.
Watermelon and Mint Smoothie
If you like to use smoothies in addition to a light meal rather than using them to replace one, this smoothie can be a good choice as it has just 100 calories. Simply blend 1/3 cup 2% plain Greek yogurt with 2 cups of seedless watermelon and two tablespoons of fresh mint and a teaspoon of honey.
See also:Energizing Smoothie RecipesCalorie Burning Drink Recipes
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