Fruit shakes can be a healthy snack or breakfast when you're on a weight-loss diet. Fruits and berries, which are packed with antioxidants and fiber, provide the sweetness you crave with the nutrients you need. Replace the ice cream traditionally contained in shakes with low-fat yogurt, soy milk or ice cubes to keep the calorie count down.
Berries
Berries are nutritional powerhouses ideal for inclusion in your weight-loss shake. Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries are readily available in supermarkets. However, branching out from the usual berry choices may pay off in a big way. According to a study by the Department of Agriculture, chokeberries, black currants and elderberries, known as the "purple berries," contain 50 percent more antioxidants than their counterparts. Toss a mix of berries into a blender with ice cubes or frozen juice concentrate and fight cancer and Alzheimer's disease while you lose weight.
Tropical Fruit
Pineapples, oranges, papayas and mangoes are just a few of the tropical fruits to incorporate into a weight-loss shake. Bananas are a smoothie staple due to their creamy texture; adding them to yours can help create the consistency of a milkshake without the fat and calories of ice cream. For a true tropical flavor, blend in a few tablespoons of light coconut milk. You don't have to serve it in a tiki glass with a paper umbrella to reap the weight-loss benefits.
Other Fruits
On brisk fall days, add pureed apples and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg to your weight-loss shake. A study by researchers at the University of California at Davis found that apples can lower bad cholesterol, making them an especially powerful weight-loss shake ingredient for those at risk for heart disease. Add pears to the mix for a light, crisp flavor. Pomegranates and kiwis are other readily available fruits you can add to your shakes for a change of pace.
Smoothie Ingredients
You are limited only by your imagination in other ingredients you can add to the fruit in your shakes. Include a scoop of protein powder or green food powder to up the nutritional value. Throw in some nut butter, such as peanut, almond or cashew, for creamy texture, rich flavor and added protein. Freeze orange, pineapple, lemon and lime juice in ice cube trays for a convenient way to add them to your shake. If you add yogurt, check the label to make sure you're not adding extra sugar. For added sweetness when using yogurt or milk, add a spoonful of raw honey.
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