Smoothies are one of those weight loss tools that seem almost unbelievable: how can losing weight taste so good? But not all smoothies are created equal and many commercial or fast food varieties are about as good for you as a popsicle.
For healthy weight loss, the best smoothie is one you make yourself because you can control and track everything that goes into it. That’s not to say there aren’t healthy, ready-made alternatives that will help you lose weight, but, like soup, nothing beats homemade.
But you need to do your homework and avoid the most common do-it-yourself smoothie mistake – the unbalanced smoothie.
It seems to make sense. The carbs and fibre in fruit are good for you, so a smoothie packed with lots of fruit must be good for you too. But unless those carbs are balanced by proteins and fats, your fruit smoothie routine can make it difficult to lose any weight at all.
The Balanced Smoothie
Whatever smoothie recipe you choose or invent yourself, the most important component for weight loss is nutritional balance.
- The Liquid Base – It’s the ‘glue’ that helps all your other ingredients stick together and it makes your smoothie drinkable. Low- or non-fat milk has the nutrients you need to break down fats. You can also use alternatives for dairy milk, like soy and almond milks.
- Protein – It helps build your muscles, which helps you burn more calories. Add protein to your smoothie with non-fat yogurt, tofu or protein powder.
- Fats – Yes, fats. Healthy ones. They give you energy and help you absorb nutrients. You can add good fats to your smoothie with avocado, seeds and nuts.
- Carbs – Here’s where things get really tasty because fruits are great high-fibre carbs for your smoothie. Blueberries and raspberries have less sugar than most fruits. Vegetables are also a great source of fibre and nutrients, but they can affect the flavor and you’ll need to experiment to get the right taste.
Like your overall diet, a balanced smoothie can deliver the weight loss results you want. Also like your regular diet, it’s important to make sure your body gets the right nutrients to support your weight management efforts. Your Herbal One nutrition specialist can help.