Adding nutritious smoothies to your diet can help you stick to your diet plan when you don't have time for a full meal. Smoothies also make great snacks for extra energy between meals and can help you feel fuller longer. You can customize a smoothie to fit just about any weight loss plan, and it's easy to create your own signature smoothie recipe that contains your favorite foods. In addition, drinking a smoothie provides your body with fluids to help keep your metabolism moving.
Step 1
Have a protein-rich smoothie for breakfast. According to MayoClinic.com, eating breakfast can help you lose weight by keeping your metabolism going. Use low fat yogurt, combined with fresh or frozen fruit, pure vanilla extract and low fat milk to make a fiber- and nutrient-rich smoothie. Drink one full glass for breakfast, along with an 8-oz. glass of water. Don't add extra sugar to your smoothie. You won't need it and the extra calories won't help your diet either.
Step 2
Add protein powder to a smoothie and drink immediately after a weight or resistance training session. This will replenish the fluids lost in sweating. Dr. Jessica Seaton of the USMS Sports Medicine Committee, explains that drinking a nutrient rich beverage such as a smoothie after a workout decreases the amount of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is commonly known as the stress hormone because it is released in both chronic and acute stress. Chronic cortisol saturation in the body breaks down the muscles and can cause organ damage over time.
Step 3
Drink a smoothie instead of having dessert after lunch or dinner. If you are eating out, many places now offer low fat smoothie drinks so that you can enjoy an after dinner treat. In a pinch, you can get a milk shake made from low or non fat milk and low or non fat ice cream. Add a bit of chocolate syrup for flavor without fat. You'll be getting some sugar, but not as many calories or fat as you would have had in a regular shake.
Step 4
Make some smoothies, put them in a cooler and drink them throughout the day to save time. Skipping meals is never healthy and having a smoothie instead is a quick and easy way to eat without having to put the brakes on. For additional nutrition, add protein powder, powdered vitamins and supplemental fiber. It won't be exactly like a meal, but you'll fell full and you won't skimp on nutrition. In addition, you'll keep your metabolism going so you keep burning fat.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are allergic to dairy products, try soy ice cream, yogurt and milk products, available at your local grocery store.
- Check with your physician before making any significant changes to your diet.
Things You'll Need
- Non fat or low fat ice cream
- Protein powder
- Powdered vitamins
- Fiber supplement
- Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables
- Blender
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