Using Weight Loss Smoothies – What To Consider And A Recipe To Enjoy

Smoothies have become increasingly popular in the past few years, and individuals in Hollywood and elsewhere have begun to turn to them when trying to lose weight.

It makes sense – smoothies are tasty, nutrient-rich, and fairly “low fuss” as they can be made ahead of time or brought “on-the-go.”

The first decision one must make when choosing to integrate smoothies into a weight loss plan is whether they would prefer vegetable smoothies or fruit smoothies. The latter tend to be higher in calories (due to carbohydrates / sugar) but far more appealing to the taste buds for most people. On the other hand, vegetable smoothies pack a virtually unparalleled nutritional punch, and for those who enjoy vegetable flavors may not be unappealing.

Although many fruits do have many nutrients as well, and should be part of a healthy diet, it is probably best for those aiming for weight loss to avoid fruit (or keep it to a minimum). Moreover, be sure to check nutrition information on fruit concoctions marketed as “healthy” because many of these smoothies and parfaits are packed with sugar.

There are many different approaches to weight loss shakes, and an important consideration is asking yourself what you want from your shake. For weight loss, many people want a shake that will make them feel full, which can be accomplished by including a lot of fiber.

Then one must consider their desired balance of fat / fiber / protein. Although “low-carb” diets have been proven unhealthy on several levels, when one is trying to lose weight, it IS important to reduce carbohydrates. A great way to think about it is that you want to decrease your carbohydrate intake (think: sweets, breads, pasta, sugary drinks, etc.), and the best way to do so is by replacing it with protein. So, you want a weight loss shake that delivers considerable protein.

The other component to consider is fat – you can use liquid if you want to make the shake fat-free, but I suggest using some fat-free milk, as it will improve the flavor and add important nutrients.

As mentioned earlier, the main component of your shake can be fruits or veggies. Often, it is nice to have a fruity smoothie because it tastes more like a treat than a weight loss shake – it is just important to be conscious of this sugar intake when choosing other meals throughout the day.

Here is a recipe I absolutely love to prepare and take with me for lunch. It keeps me full for hours and has a sweet, nutty flavor. It is delicious! Replacing one meal with this shake for a week always makes me drop a few pounds, and do so enjoyably. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Weight Loss Smoothie Recipe

* 1 Medium Banana
* 3 Strawberries
* 2 Scoops Protein Powder (I use vanilla)
* about 1-2 cups fat-free milk (I use vanilla soy milk)
* about 1/2 cup golden flax seeds
* about 2-3 ice cubes (more if preferred)

Put the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Amount of milk (or water if you desire) needed may vary according to your preferences for thickness.

Enjoy!

Author

This article was written for Insights-on-Health.com by Nicole D T, a freelance writer who researches and writes on various topics.