Do you know that smoothies are not just used as a yummy treat? Smoothies can also be an excellent tool to lose weight because you are able to control your ingredients. They can be perfect means for low-calorie, but nutrient-dense ingredients that are able to keep you full for hours.
By mixing the proper ingredients, you can make smoothies that can surely help you cut some pounds. What is even great about this is that it is easy to learn how to make the correct combinations for smoothies!
When you are able to know about the ingredients that make a balanced smoothie, you can be able to incorporate a reasonable balance of complex carbohydrates, vitamins, nutrients, healthy fats and protein.
Besides the fundamentals, you can also incorporate powerhouse ingredients that increase the nutritive value of the smoothie without the need of more calories. You can also incorporate components that can even help on your weight loss journey.
- Benefits of good fats
Good fats offer a lot of health benefits, which is one of the reasons why many love to add them to green smoothies. Below are some of the benefits of good fats to your smoothies:
- Give essential fatty acids
- Maintain soft skin
- Provide fat-soluble vitamins
- An important source of revitalizing fuel
- Take care of the heart
- Help avoid overeating
- Maintain healthy hair, bones, and nails
- How ‘Good Fats’ make healthy smoothies for healthy eating
According to Thinkcook, the following are some of the things that good fats can do:
- Coconut Oil
This is an excellent source of good fat which is famous as a craving suppressant. Coconut oil also has antibacterial components and is considered an incredible energy enhancer. If you are serious about achieving optimum health and lose weight as well, you can add this ingredient to your smoothie.
The major fats present in coconut oil are utilized by the body for energy as compared to being deposited as fat. Coconut oil can also keep you energize, feeling good and satiated.
- Avocado
Avocado is also an excellent source of good fats that can help you increase the level of good cholesterol. Utilizing avocado will not just give you exceptional fat content, but will make your smoothie super creamy as well.
- Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil contains both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are known to support healthy brain development. Flaxseed oil is also perfect for the heart. Also, it is contains more fiber that can keep things to move regularly.
- Add creaminess the healthy way
Almonds, avocados, low-fat yogurts, nut butters, and soy milks can offer smooth texture and supplement healthy fats to your smoothie. Put some chia or flax seeds in your smoothies. These seeds are not only excellent sources of pro-heart omega-3 fatty acids, but contain ample amounts of protein, vitamins, and fiber. Also, frozen fruits can add a satisfying thickness to a smoothie.
Here is an example of a healthy smoothie that you can try:
- Fruit and Fiber Smoothie
Ass one-fourth cup oats in a blender, and blend it until it becomes powdery. Add one and one-half cup frozen mixed berries, one-half cup non-fat plain yogurt, one-fourth cup orange juice, one tablespoon of maple syrup, and one teaspoon of orange zest. Blend the ingredients until they become smooth. This can make a single serving.
- Load up on the Veggies
Many are having a hard time adding a number of veggies into their daily diet. However, if you make those veggies into smoothies, it can help increase your consumption. To make your smoothie, make sure to use a blender instead of a juicer so that you are able to get all of the fibers of the vegetable.
Sweet vegetables such as carrots and beets are ideal options, although you can cover the bitter taste of greatly nutritious dark leafy green veggies, like spinach and kale, by mixing them with fruits.
- Nutrient-dense add-ons
By supplementing additional antioxidants, essential fatty acids, fiber, and other, you can raise to the next level whatever smoothie flavor you make. Below are some nutrient-dense add-ons that you can try:
- 1 tablespoon of chia seeds – These are perfect source of omega-3 fat s and fiber.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal – This gives lignans, an omega-3 fats and fiber.
- 1 to 2 green tea powder –An intense source of Epigallocatechingallate or EGCG which can increase a body’s metabolism and its ability to burn fats.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of cacao powder or nibs – These are also perfect sources of antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, and iron.
- 1 serving of green supplements – Containing primarily of frozen dried veggies and fruits, these green supplements are full of antioxidants. Also, they can help optimize the acid or base balance of the body which is vital for healthy bones.
Finally, if you are someone who loves treating yourself with smoothie, consider doing it the healthy way this time.