Smoothies have been all the rage for quite some time, but are they really beneficial to dieters? Yes!
Smoothies help dieters maintain hydration, provide more fiber and vitamins than most foods, and provide plenty of natural fructose, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
All of this comes in an easily-digestible form that delivers the nutrients quickly and efficiently.
Here are three delicious smoothie recipes that will help you start your morning with a burst of energy and keep feeling good all day long:
The Ultimate Green Smoothie
Green smoothies are packed with rejuvenating chlorophyll and antioxidants that kick the immune system into high gear.
This one delivers several servings of dark green veggies along with sweet-tasting fruits to please the palate.
It also contains just enough healthy fat to help your body absorb and use the smoothie's many vitamins.
What You'll Need:
4 leaves of kale, de-stemmed
4 leaves of chard, de-stemmed
1/2 bunch of parsley
1 large aloe vera leaf
1/2 bunch of dandelion greens
3 pears
1 ripe banana, peeled
1 avocado, peeled
3 cups of waterDirections:
Remove stems from kale and chard leaves. Peel banana and avocado. Remove seed from avocado.
Place ingredients in blender. Add 2 1/2 cups water. Blend for approximately two minutes, or until completely smooth. Drink and enjoy!
The Vitamin C Monster Smoothie
This yummy recipe is a favorite during cold and flu season. It's packed with vitamin C to help your body fight off illnesses.
The antioxidants also help rid your body of free radicals that can lead to disease.
What You'll Need:
1 package fresh strawberries, leaves removed
2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
1 orange, peeled
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
1 cup cantaloupe, cubed
2 ice cubes, crushedDirections:
Peel all fruits and slice as directed. Crush the ice cubes.
Place all ingredients in blender and blend on high power for two minutes, or until completely smooth and frothy.
Add a little honey for more sweetness, if desired. Serve or drink immediately.
The Quick Morning Hunger-Buster Smoothie
This is an easy recipe that can be made in minutes, but it will satisfy you for hours to come. It serves up a whopping 6 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber per cup!
Silken tofu adds a smooth texture and plenty of hunger-fighting protein, while the fiber from the apples and berries will keep your digestive system in top form.
The yogurt adds more protein, plus calcium
What You'll Need:
1 cup frozen mixed berries
1/2 banana
2 sweet apples, cored and sliced
1/2 cup silken tofu
1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurtDirections:
Combine berries, banana, apples, yogurt and tofu in blender.
Blend on high speed for two minutes or until smooth. This smoothie can be placed in a covered container and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Bonus: Build Your Own Smoothie
You can create a custom smoothie recipe that perfectly suits your taste. Here's how:
Custom green smoothies can be made by taking your favorite dark leafy green vegetables (such as spinach, kale, or arugula) and combining them with your favorite sweet-tasting fruits (such as bananas, pears, or apples).
Add a fruit or vegetable with high water content (such as cucumber or melon) for added hydration. Blend on high speed until smooth.
Hunger-busting smoothies can be created by mixing a few of your favorite fruits with a protein source (such as yogurt or silken tofu). Experiment until you find the mix that works best for you!
Remember: You can add powdered supplements to any smoothie recipe for an extra dose of protein or fiber.
