Smoothies can be completely unhealthy sugar bombs, but they also balance out macronutrients, including good carbs, protein, and healthy fats. Do we know smoothies can be a convenient meal or snack in a flash but are these sweet treats a great way to help you lose weight too?
When a smoothie isn't just a milkshake or sugar bomb in disguise, it's 'healthy'. Ideally, a healthy smoothie is based on wholesome ingredients and has a balance of macronutrients—good carbs, protein, and healthy fats.
These recipes below hit nutritional targets and will help you reach your weight loss goals—one cup at a time with a delicious mix.
1. Daily Green Smoothie
This green smoothie is packed with healthy nutrients thanks to one serving of kale, chia seeds, and avocado. A green smoothie looks like a weight loss picture, and not all green smoothies are created equal. If smoothies contain good carbs, protein, and healthy fats, then they definitely help with weight management.
So, how to make a healthy green smoothie? A lot depends on your taste preferences, but remember not to add sugary foods - like honey and maple syrup.
This green smoothie recipe follows the New York Healthy Recipe Guidelines: Avocados contain healthy and beneficial fats, one serving of chia seeds contains plant protein, and one and a half cups and a half of nutrient-dense kale.
2. Vibrant Green Smoothie
Healthy add-ins like matcha green tea powder will add power to your morning smoothie and provide essential benefits you might be missing out on. Since smoothies can be a quick, convenient meal, add ingredients to take your healthy lifestyle to the next level, such as matcha green tea powder.
Matcha is a special form of green tea in which the dried leaves are ground into a fine powder - like all teas, it is high in polyphenols. Polyphenols are compounds that act as antioxidants that control the damaging effects of free radicals in the body and help prevent chronic disease.
Matcha also contains a dose of caffeine, which we know increases our energy, and according to research, caffeine can enhance muscle strength and explosiveness. So not only does the caffeine in matcha green tea give us a jolt, it can even help us exercise better.
3. Vegan Sweet Avocado Smoothie
Save the avocado toast for another day and fill this vegan avocado smoothie with nutrients and minerals. With this avocado smoothie, you get all the goodness of avocado toast without the extra toast-based carbs.
Avocados provide healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. Fiber aids in digestion can reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes and aids in weight loss.
Mild-flavored baby spinach may be low in calories, but it's packed with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate. Add hemp seeds, it’s not only just for their satisfying nutty flavor: Hemp seeds are a healthy addition thanks to their omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential minerals.
If you want to sweeten this healthy green smoothie, add a packet of stevia.
4. Green Superfood Smoothie Jar
Superfoods like mango and spinach pair well with super herb ginger and turmeric for a delicious, healthy smoothie. The best thing about this healthy smoothie recipe is that the ingredients you need are probably already in your fridge.
A variety of frozen fruits and vegetables—from mango chunks to broccoli and baby spinach—are served with lemon juice, ginger, and turmeric.
Remember to add spices and herbs to your smoothie recipes. They enhance flavor and health benefits without adding extra calories. Ginger and turmeric in particular are among the superfoods thought to help reduce inflammation.
