A lot of people are wondering if a smoothie diet is good for their weight loss. I can tell you that green smoothies can be a fantastic tool to help you lose weight if they are prepared correctly.

So what is it with green smoothies anyways that have created such a buzz among a huge number of models, celebrities and nutritionists? After all, these people have the money for personal trainers and chefs, but it seems like an increasing number of "stars" (and health pros) are now swearing by green smoothie diets…

Here’s the thing: Green smoothies are almost a miracle drink, that helps your body to do a complete detox and also lose some weight.

In one deliciously addicting drink, you get the nutrients to finally get rid of the excess fat, but you can also rejuvenate your skin & combat the aging process and make your hair healthier and stronger.

Think about it: why shouldn’t YOU use the same natural weight loss as those people whose careers’ success depend largely on their look?

Should you consider a smoothie diet?

The following ‘quiz’ can help you determine if you do:

• Is your body fat percentage ideal?

• Even after a good night’s rest, do you often feel tired?

• Do you have irresistible sugar cravings, especially during the afternoon?

• What about your hair and complexion? Dull-looking?

• Stuck in an never ending diet, that (as usual) just doesn’t seem to work?

Have you answered ‘Yes’ to at least one of the above questions?

Then, here’s how green smoothies can help you.

1. Get rid of excess body fat and keep chronic diseases away

More and more studies are now showing how having an excess amount of visceral body fat (the dangerous type that surrounds your organs) can predispose you to several life-threatening conditions. And, unfortunately, your risks of developing diabetes, heart diseases, renal impairment and certain cancers increase with increasing body fat even if your body weight is within the normal range.

What green smoothies can do for you: When properly prepared, green smoothies can make it easier for you to get rid of excess fat — and thus significantly improve your life expectancy. For example, the nutrients in green smoothies can help your body regulate its blood insulin concentration & as you probably know, the higher your blood insulin levels, the more fat your body stores.

2. Find your way to a clear, glowing complexion and healthy hair

Everything that you eat has a direct impact on your skin and hair. Load up on junk food and you’ll notice break outs, dull-looking skin and hair that appear dehydrated and unhealthy.

What green smoothies can do for you: The essential nutrients in green smoothies will help lock moisture in your hair and skin cells, making them look hydrated and healthy. These drinks can also help calm puffy and red skin, thus delaying appearance of sagging and wrinkles.

Now you already know you need some recipes, isn't it?

But… There are loads of smoothie experts and recipes online so you just need to browse a bit and search for a few that appeal to you and you’re all set for your health-in-glass journey. Right?

WRONG! These ‘so-called’ experts and many of the online smoothie diet programs can actually cause you to GAIN WEIGHT.

What you can expect in commercial smoothies and some online recipes:

Reduced metabolism: Many online and commercial smoothie recipes are too low in calories. Fewer calories = faster weight gain? Nope, that’s a very, very flawed equation. You see, restricting your calorie intake can, in the long run, seriously slow down your metabolic rate. This means that your body will now be burning fewer calories — now guess where all the extra calories will end up? Right: on your hips, thighs, belly, under chin or arms…

More cravings: To keep cravings at a low level you need the right balance of macronutrients — something it seems those people who designed online smoothie recipes are unaware of! Be aware that many of their recipes are sugar bombs...

Increased inflammation: Browse around and you’ll see many smoothie recipes calling for dairy or soy products, two known allergens that can worsen inflammation and make it harder for you to lose weight.

An unnecessary hole in your budget: No, you don’t need fancy superfoods like green powders or goji berries to help you feel and look better. And not enough research has been done to prove the efficacy of these products. So...why waste your hard earned money?

Increased cardiovascular and diabetes risks: Before you go ‘Come on!’ check this out. Recipes that call for certain nectars or syrups are actually encouraging you to consume high-fructose corn syrup masquerading as a health food. Consuming too much fructose from these ‘foods’ increases body fat accumulation, insulin resistance and triglyceride levels.

Don’t play with your health

These smoothie recipes have been carefully designed to protect your muscle mass from ‘melting’ away while eradicating fat healthily. You’ll also experience better moods, more restful sleep and improved mental alertness with this improved smoothie diet.

Whether you are just trying to lose the last 5-10 lbs or you want to lose 30 lbs or more, I encourage you to watch this FREE video presentation to see how effective detox smoothies for weight loss can be.

If you know the right ingredients to use, getting more protein in your smoothies isn’t hard. Protein is one of the three macronutrients that we need in our diet in order to build muscle and tissue, grow hair, produce necessary antibodies and although it’s a huge buzzword in the bodybuilding world for those looking to gain muscle, it’s also important for the other persons as well.

Protein Needs

Essentially, everyone’s needs will be different in regards to protein intake based on activity level, but recommended daily allowance for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. This recommendation is taking into consideration overall bodily functions, and the amount of protein that one would need to consume in order to be healthy. Think of it more as a minimum goal – and not exactly a specific total of how much you should eat during the day.

How to Eat Enough Protein

Even with these totals, it can be confusing – and oftentimes a challenge – to get in the full spectrum of protein intake during the day. Many people think that getting more protein means eating more meat…and you can most certainly reach your intake this way. However, there are other sources of protein that are high in quality and full of other nutrients that your body needs as well, such as: nuts, avocados, pumpkin seeds and of course vegetables.

With the hustle and bustle of life and hectic schedules, it can be difficult to be able to hit our macronutrient goals each day in order to stay healthy…and that’s where smoothies can come into play. Smoothies are an excellent way to incorporate protein into your diet, and can help round out a full nutrient-dense meal plan.

Get More Protein in Your Smoothies

Here bellow there are several different ways that you can incorporate more protein into your smoothies

Almond Butter

A variation of the classic peanut butter, this nut butter contains a higher amount of essential fatty acids that the body needs, however, don’t let this fool you! Almond butter contains heart healthy unsaturated fat, and plenty of calcium, magnesium, and iron. With four grams of protein in two tablespoons, almond butter packs a ton of protein into a small serving size.

Chia seeds

These tiny black seeds contain high amounts of antioxidants and minerals, and contain over 16 grams of protein in 3.5 ounces. Also packing a punch with all of the essential amino acids, these little seeds are perfect for throwing into your chocolate protein smoothie!

Greek yogurt

Considered to be much healthier that regular yogurt, Greek yogurt is an excellent punch of protein to work into your smoothies! Greek yogurt has almost twice as much protein as regular yogurt, and with less than half of the sugar.

Protein Powders

Made most often in the form of whey, pea, soy, or casein, protein powders are an excellent way to add complete proteins to your diet. Known for being a convenient and easy way to get your protein intake, protein powders can be added in with milk, water, or whatever liquid you’re using in your smoothie!

Quinoa

A touted gluten-free whole grain source, quinoa is high in protein (typically over 8 grams in one cup), and can be a tasty and filling way to add protein and fiber to your smoothie. If you’re using quinoa in a smoothie it can be cooked or uncooked, depending on your smoothie consistency preference.

Pumpkin seeds

Full of nutritional benefits, pumpkin seeds are high in both protein and fiber – both of which are necessary in order to feel full and maintain a healthy weight. You can blend pumpkin seeds up in your blender until they’re smooth, or sprinkle them on top as you’re headed out the door. With over 32 grams of protein in a 100-gram serving, pumpkin seeds are the perfect addition to your smoothie!

All of these ingredients can be mixed and matched together in order to create the perfect smoothie recipe – so go ahead and try different combinations! Remember that it’s always good to use food sources for your protein though – and all of these ingredients (and more) can help to keep you full, healthy, and powered throughout your day!

If you want a done-for-you smoothie plan with all the nutrients you body needs, check out this smoothie diet plan which includes a 3 day detox plan complete with shopping lists, recipes and more..

Detox smoothies can help you lose weight, and fast! Between the convenience and taste of these easy to make smoothies, you’ll start to notice less overall bloat and those pants ending up looser than before.

Filled with natural ingredients and wholesome alternatives to processed shakes, a detox smoothie can be used as both a meal replacement, as well as a healthy snack. Using a detox smoothie to flatten your belly and lose up to 10 pounds in just a few days – and in a safe, effective way – can help you reach your weight loss goals, and have you feeling better than ever!

Detox Benefits

Detox smoothies not only clean out your system, but to also remove toxins within the body that can cause inflammation, illness and weight gain. The cleanses associated with detox smoothies are technically only meant to last for a short period of time, although replacing a meal a day with a detox smoothie isn’t a bad idea for a permanent change in lifestyle.

With reports of extra energy, the extra boost of nutrients (mainly vitamins and minerals) have many people feeling good during a cleanse, especially since most people don’t get the daily recommended amount of fruit and veggies in their diet every day. This is why, it’s no wonder detox smoothies are such a hit!

Detox smoothies can also help boost your immune system, especially if you know you haven’t been eating the healthiest; with an increase in fruits and vegetables that you’ll get from the smoothies, your body will get an optimum amount of important vitamins, as well as antioxidants!

Another bonus of detox smoothies? Minerals! Probably not a nutrient that we think of often, minerals are vital for quite a few processes within the body. We get these important minerals in our smoothies from ingredients like kale and spinach – and most other darker, leafy green vegetables that you can choose to add to your smoothie. Magnesium and calcium are just two of the many nutrients that you can find within these veggies, and they assist with contraction of muscles, regulating your heart rhythm, and strengthening bones…just to name a few benefits!

The big focus of detox smoothies though? The answer: weight loss. Studies have shown that detox smoothies can help to decrease body weight, lower BMI, and reduce inches around the waist and these are only a handful of the weight loss benefits!

There are multiple other detox benefits to smoothies and cleanses, and these include limiting or eliminating foods that are sugar-filled or highly processed, drinking more water/less high calorie drinks, and sleeping better, just to name a few!

How To Make A Detox Smoothie

If you have a blender in your kitchen, then you can easily make a detox smoothie! For all of the yummy recipes listed below, the prep work is the same: add each of the ingredients to your blender (making sure everything is rinsed and cleaned appropriately, if needed), blend all ingredients until you desired level of smoothness, and then enjoy the taste and the benefits!

It’s best to use fresh fruits and vegetables for your smoothies, but if you would prefer your smoothie to be cold, then you can use the frozen version – just make sure to check the label for any unnecessary additives or hidden sugars/preservatives - or you can add some ice as well!

Detox Smoothie Recipes

Green Detox

• 1 cup leafy greens (half spinach/half kale);

• 1/2 Granny Smith apple;

• 1 frozen banana;

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds;

• 1 cup almond or cashew milk;

Mango and Strawberry

• 1 cup mango chunks (preferably frozen);

• 1 cup strawberries (preferably frozen);

• 1 cup coconut cream;

• 1 cup raspberries;

• 1 cup water;

Classic Apple

• 2 cups baby spinach;

• 1 apple;

• 1/2 cup celery;

• 1 mini cucumber;

• juice from 1 lemon;

• 1 teaspoon ginger (preferably fresh);

• 1 cup water;

Mint Detox Smoothie

• 2 cups baby spinach;

• 1 mini cucumber;

• 1 pear;

• juice from 1 lime;

• 1 bunch of mint;

• 1 cup of water;

Pineapple Coconut Detox Smoothie

• 2 cups kale;

• 3/4 cup pineapple;

• 1 orange;

• 1/2 avocado;

• 2 tablespoons of coconut flakes (unsweet);

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds;

• 1 cup water;

Detox Smoothie Recipes

You’ll notice that in many of these detox smoothies, there is kale or spinach. Both of these dark leafy green veggies are nutrient-dense, and are filled with important vitamins and minerals that are necessary for overall health and wellness. If you don’t like the taste of one of them, give them a whirl with other ingredients in your smoothies – you might find that the taste (especially the strong bite that can come from greens like kale) can be lessened with the right additives, like apples or berries!

If you want an even more detailed breakdown of how to do a detox, check out this smoothie diet plan which includes a 3 day detox plan complete with shopping lists, recipes and more. Watch the short video below for more info.

If you’re worried about gaining weight from the sugar in smoothies then this article is for you. You’re wanting to make changes to improve your health and perhaps lose a few extra pounds. You may have heard about the amazing health benefits of green smoothies and are interested in trying them to help you meet your health and weight loss goals. Green smoothies contain a lot of fruit. Fruit is high in sugar. Is that going to create a risk for weight gain or diabetes?

Here bellow are some of the most frequently asked questions:

• “Is fruit sugar bad for me?”

• “Will the sugar from the fruit in my smoothie make me gain weight?”

• “Can all the sugar from the fruit in my smoothies increase my risk for diabetes?”

These are all good questions, so let me clear up some of the confusion for you.

What is the difference between fructose in processed sugars and fruit?

First, it’s important to note that there are no science based dietary guidelines that promote the reduction or elimination of fruit in your diet for the purpose of weight loss or to reduce the risk of diabetes. Quite the opposite is true. Multitudes of peer reviewed scientific research show that an increased intake of fruit decreases risk of both obesity, diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

You may have seen the ad that came out a few years ago from the corn industry stating that sugar is sugar and your body doesn’t know the difference. As with any advertising, consider the source and the purpose. High fructose corn syrup is in nearly every processed food out there, so when the public demands an end to this, the corn industry wants to protect itself and tell you that there’s no difference, so you will happily keep consuming its product. But is that statement true?

Yes and No!

On a molecular level, there is no difference between the fructose in corn syrup and the fructose in fruit. There is, however, a distinct difference in how your body responds to and processes those sugars. Fresh fruits are high in fiber, vitamins, mineral and other nutrients that your body needs. They also contain glucose and sucrose in addition to fructose. When you eat an apple or orange, your feeding your body essential nutrients that strengthen it and the fiber in the fruit slows the release of the sugars into your blood stream. Processed foods, sodas, candy and other foods containing fructose do not contain the same quality of fiber and nutrients that are found in whole foods, so the sugar is released into the blood stream quickly. This causes your blood sugar levels to spike and then later crash. Processed foods tend to be high in sugar and fat, and are devoid of nutritional value. Unlike sugar from fresh fruit, these sugars can cause harm and lead to an increased risk for diabetes and other health conditions.

In fact, guidelines for sugar intake from health organizations like the American Heart Association and the World Health Organization refer specifically to added sugars and does not include naturally occurring sugars found in fresh fruits, vegetables and other whole foods.

Can fruit cause weight gain?

• Weight gain is caused by excessive calorie intake and your body’s ability to burn those calories efficiently. When you consume more energy (calories) than you burn, your body stores up the excess as fat and you gain weight. So technically, fat, sugar and all the other things you’ve been told do not specifically cause weight gain. They certainly contribute to your calorie intake, but it is the balance of what you take in and what you burn that matters more. This is a bit more complex because what you eat can also effect the efficiency of your metabolism

• Fruit does not cause weight gain. Yes, it has sugar, but as we mentioned, it is healthy sugar that provides essential fiber and nutrients. Numerous studies have shown that people with a higher intake of fruit have a lower risk of obesity.

• In 2004, the International Journal of Obesity published a 12-year study that showed people who increased their consumption of whole fruits and vegetables had a 24% lower risk of obesity compared to the participants that decreased consumption.

• Fruit is high in fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion and is an essential element to achieving and maintaining healthy weight. Green smoothies contain all the fiber and nutrient from the fruits and veggies you add, making them a perfect tool for your health and weight loss goals.

So here's what you need to know

An abundance of scientific, peer reviewed studies have been conducted and unanimously conclude the same thing: naturally occurring sugars found in whole fruits, vegetables and grains is beneficial to your health and does not have the same adverse side effects as processed and refined sugar. Fruit has been shown to have protective qualities that decrease your risk for diabetes and other major health risks. The increased consumption of fresh fruit also decreases your risk for obesity.

If you have concerns about adding green smoothies to your diet because of fruit sugars, you can rest assured knowing that there is a big difference between how your body processes fruit versus refined sugars. So, unless you have a health condition that requires you to closely monitor all forms of sugar intake, you can safely add green smoothies for losing weight.

Whether you are just trying to lose the last 5-10 lbs or you want to lose 30 lbs or more, I encourage you to watch this FREE video presentation and try this smoothie diet program to see how effective smoothies for weight loss can be.

Pregnancy is the most important time to be eating healthy and making sure you’re getting as many nutrients as possible. Nutrients like folic acid, vitamin B12, and potassium are essential in DNA synthesis, muscle building, and supporting the overall nutrition and well-being of your baby. You want to make sure that you are eating a balanced diet with as many nutrients as possible. Antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, electrolytes, and healthy fats are all important to consume while pregnant.

Smoothies are a great way to get the nutrition you need. But don’t just go to the smoothie shop down the street—you may get more sugar in your smoothie than actual nutrients. The best way to make sure you are getting a healthy, nutritious smoothie is to make it at home. It’s super easy, and you can even add ingredients that will ease your nausea and help you to feel more full and satisfied when you get those pregnancy cravings.

What are the ingredients?

The best ingredients for pregnancy smoothies are:

Ginger

Ginger is a miracle ingredient for pregnancy because it is a great anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory spice and provides antioxidants.

Dark Green Vegetables

Smoothies are a great way to sneak in your daily serving of leafy green vegetables, and you'll barely be able to taste them when they're blended with other ingredients.

Nuts + Seeds

Adding nuts and seeds to your smoothies is a great way to get protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. Flax seeds and hemp seeds are some of the most nutritious seeds for your pregnancy smoothies.

Voila the recipes!

Mango Ginger Smoothie

This recipe will help ease morning sickness and provides protein, probiotics, and many essential nutrients. The ingredients are:

• ⅓ cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt;

• 1 cup frozen mango;

• ¼ cup orange juice;

• ½ cup cold water;

• 4 small pieces of crystallized ginger;

Blend this up for a nausea-relieving, nutritious treat!

Carrot-Citrus Booster Smoothie

This simple twist on carrot juice makes an even more nutritious and delicious smoothie! Carrots provide beta carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A to support your baby’s eyes, lungs, and heart. With a citrus flavor, anyone can enjoy this drink even if you don’t like carrot juice. Here the ingredients:

• ¾ cup lemon sorbet;

• ¾ cup carrot juice;

• 8 ice cubes;

Blend to create a delicious, bright-orange beverage!

Clementine Smoothie

This creamy orange smoothie provides lots of vitamin C to keep you and your baby healthy. Simply blend together:

• 2 clementines, peeled and cut into pieces;

• 2 cups vanilla yogurt;

• 1 cup ice cubes;

Enjoy this on a hot day!

Pineapple-Basil Smoothie

The paired flavors of pineapple and basil make this a delectable drink. It also has ginger for relief from nausea. The ingredients are:

• 1 ½ cups frozen pineapple;

• 2 basil leaves, torn;

• 1 banana;

• 1 cup coconut milk (or cow’s milk for extra protein);

• ⅛ teaspoon ginger, peeled and grated;

Blend and indulge in these sophisticated flavors!

The Health Nut Smoothie

This recipe utilizes the protein and fiber found in nuts and seeds paired with vitamin- and mineral-rich banana and avocado. The ingredients are:

• ½ frozen banana;

• ½ avocado;

• 2 tablespoons ground walnuts;

• 2 tablespoons almond butter;

• 2 tablespoons ground flax;

• 8 ounces almond milk;

Blend and drink!

For more delicious smoothie recipes I encourage you to watch this FREE video presentation and try this smoothie diet program to see how effective for you health a smoothie diet can be.

Written by Tessa Woolf

Variety is the spice of life, they say, and this is true even when it comes to the leafy greens you put in your smoothies. Now I know we all praise the almighty kale for all its wonderful health benefits, but life is more than kale and there are lots of wonderful, nutritious leafy greens out there that want to be (and should be) included in your diet. So mix things up to keep a well-balanced green smoothie diet because leafy greens offer many health benefits, from immune support and cancer prevention to cardiovascular and bone health and they are rich in antioxidants and other vital nutrients.

How to rotate your greens in your smoothies

To get a nice balance of nutrients and variety in your greens, choose leafy greens from different plant families to rotate into your green smoothies. You don’t need to rotate every day (although you can to keep things interesting), but rotate your greens every week or so. For example, you might use kale one week, and then switch out and use beet greens or spinach the next.

Why the green rotation is important?

First, different greens offer different nutrients and some greens are more nutritious than others. As you consume a variety of leafy greens, your body receives a more balanced intake of essential vitamins and minerals. For example, spinach is rich in calcium and protein, however kale and dandelion greens have an even higher concentration of these minerals. Spinach is higher in iron and folate. Rotating them and other greens into your smoothies will provide and more balanced vitamin and mineral intake.

Second, too much of a single green creates the potential for an overdose of anti-nutrients.

Wait? What?? I can overdose on greens? Well, no, not exactly, but there is a very slight risk involved with TOO much.

Leafy green plants have a built in defensive mechanism to protect the plant. They contain a small amount of toxins to keep critters from destroying them through overconsumption. For example, cruciferous vegetables contain small amounts of goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid function in those who have a compromised thyroid. Beet greens and Spinach contains small amounts of Oxalic acid which can interfere with calcium absorption, but not enough to cause harm. Rhubarb leaves contain a high quantity of this acid which is why the leaves are not edible.

Eating standard servings of leafy greens is not going to cause harm. Throw a few handfuls of kale, beet greens or spinach into your daily smoothies and you’re doing wonders to improve your health. Even if you go overboard and eat large portions of leafy greens, you are highly unlikely to have ill effects when eaten as part of a healthy whole foods diet.

The risk comes if you have a medical condition that may be affected by these compounds, overdoing those particular leafy greens. If you go way overboard with your greens and start blending and consuming insanely large quantities, you also create a risk for yourself. Mix things up and stick to a few handfuls of leafy greens in your daily smoothie and you’ll receive all the benefits of these wonderful foods.

But how about the fruit rotation in the green smoothies?

Whenever the conversation about rotating greens comes up, inevitably people start to wonder if they need to rotate their fruit for the same reason. The short answer is that it is not as important to rotate fruit, however doing so will add variety in both flavor and vitamins and minerals.

If you’re looking for an easy to follow fun weight loss and health improvement program then you’ve come to the right place. Whether you are just trying to lose the last 5-10 lbs or you want to lose 30 lbs or more, I encourage you to watch this FREE video presentation to see how effective smoothies for weight loss can be.

One of the hardest things I have done when I started my weight loss journey was sticking to a meal plan or better said just keeping things consistent with planning. For me, at the beginning, knowing what I was going to eat everyday and at what times sounded like a punishment, especially when I knew it will be over an extended period of time. What helped, was my attempt to have a diet full of a variety of fresh ingredients. When there isn't much time between work and workouts, smoothies can help to simplify meals, making them quicker and often much healthier. And for me, when I needed a complete on-the-go meal, it was hard to find something better than a fresh smoothie with banana.

The slim down smoothie

Have you ever heard of the keto diet? It’s become quite popular among people looking to lose weight at a higher rate, which isn’t necessarily true by the way. The basic premise of the keto diet is to eat foods that are high in fat and protein and extremely low in carbohydrates. To remain in ketosis–the metabolic process where the body uses fat as the primary source of energy instead of carbs–you need to eat lots of foods high in fat. This is why the weight loss banana smoothie makes for the perfect high-fat hit, loaded with three of the best sources one can find; Kefir, Greek yogurt and avocado.

Kefir and Greek yogurt are both excellent probiotics that can benefit your gut flora. The research is pretty clear that having a healthy gut is key to many body processes, not to mention healthy immune system function. These microbes change over time when the diet changes, and as overall health changes. They thrive on a diverse diet composed of plant-based whole foods, not processed pastas, bread, and salad dressings. The microbes in your gut can change your mood, the foods you crave, depression, ambition, impulse control and a whole lot more. They’ve been around a lot longer than we have and outnumber the cells we have in our body by trillions.

Drive your hunger away

To make this hunger-busting smoothie, start by chopping up some fresh banana and leave it in the freezer. The frozen texture of the banana adds yet another level of flavor to the weight loss smoothie without adding too many excess carbs. Next, grab your chia seeds and leave them in a glass of water for 15 minutes until they’re ready to be added to the blender full of avocado, kefir, Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, and ice. Chia seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, rich in antioxidants, and they provide fiber, iron and calcium to the body. They’ve also been shown to help weight loss in type 2 diabetics.

With smoothies that have fresh fruit in them, like this well-balanced banana smoothie, it helps to leave a few smaller pieces of fruit to add in at the end. This will ensure you’re breaking down the enzymes in the fruit correctly and are genuinely taking advantage of all the health benefits you possibly can. Just about every smoothie recipe on this site will help promote weight loss but I just like this one in particular because the protein content really keeps me satiating in between meals

Whether you are just trying to lose the last 5-10 lbs or you want to lose 30 lbs or more, I encourage you to watch this FREE video presentation to see how effective smoothies for weight loss can be.

The answer to this question can be simple, just blend the fruits together, but how do you choose the best blender to meet your needs? How much do you really have to spend to get a quality blender? And how do you determine which blenders will work best to make smoothies? A lot of questions isn't it?

First, here are a few considerations when looking for a smoothie blender:

1. Traditional table top blenders and immersion blenders work well for soft ingredients, but if you include nuts, seeds, frozen fruit and tougher veggies like kale, Bullet type and high-performance blenders are the way to go.

2. Look for a powerful motor. I recommend 1000 watts or better.

3. Get a blender that offers a 5+ year warranty. When making smoothies every day, you want a blender that can handle the workload.

4. Bigger pitchers enable you to make smoothies for the whole family so look for 40 oz. or larger.

Pick Your Budget: Best Blenders for Your Budget

There is a huge price range with blenders, so we are breaking them down by price range for you, starting with high-end blenders and working down to blenders under $50.

High End Smoothie Blender

The best blender on the market is Vitamix:

The Vitamix does it all. It has a great reputation for quality and they stand by their product with warranties starting at 5 years and beyond. They offer several different blenders to meet your personal or professional needs with prices ranging from around $260 to upwards of $700. If the price tag is a bit too high for your budget, Vitamix offers payment plans, or you can purchase certified refurbished Vitamix blenders. This is the ultimate green smoothie blender. It liquifies anything quickly, making the perfect green smoothie every time. You can also use it to make sauces, nut milks and butters, and even hot soups!

Mid-range Smoothie Blender

The Blendworks Pro-Series Bender:

The BlendWorks Pro-Series starts around $260 and comes with a 3-year warranty. It works well for blending up a smooth and creamy green smoothie. It is 1500-watt blender with a 2.0 peak horsepower motor. It comes with a 70-oz. BPA free pitcher, silicon spatula and a 20-oz. travel cup. BlendWorkds Pro is rated 5-stars by 90% of its customers on Amazon so you know that it has a good track record. This is a great midrange blender option.

Low-Cost Smoothie Blender

As we move into lower cost blenders, you lose some functionality and power. These blenders often do not thoroughly liquify tougher ingredients like seeds, frozen fruit and kale as effectively as the higher end blenders. You may end up with bits of pulp and seeds, so your smoothies are not as smooth. Although the quality is less, when working with a smaller budget, you can still make delicious healthy green smoothies.

NutriBullet Pro900:

The NutriBullet Pro is a 900-watt blender that works better than the standard NurtiBullet when making smoothies. It better handles carrots, frozen fruit and kale than the standard model. Although some claim it to rival the Vitamix, it is does not quite measure up to the quality and power of the Vitamix, but is a reasonable substitution in its price range.The NutriBullet Pro 900 sells for around $150 on Amazon and has 100% 4+ star ratings. You can also find certified refurbished NutriBullet Pro 900 for around $75. Lower cost blenders (under $50) generally do not work as well for green smoothies, however if your financial circumstances keep you from getting one of the models listed above, invest in a less expensive blender to get started. Keep in mind that these blenders are unlikely to hold up to daily use and will end up costing more in the long run. If you can, save up to get a higher end model that comes with a warranty.

But, are smoothies a good way to lose weight? And the answer is YES, because research has found that in outpatient medically-monitored programs, meal replacements in liquid form, such as protein-fruit-vegetable shakes, are beneficial for weight loss. They are quick and simple and may replace a true junk food breakfast. So, whether you are just trying to lose the last 5-10lbs or you want to lose 30lbs or more, I encourage you to watch this FREE video presentation to see how effective smoothies for weight loss can be.

According to new national recommendations, smoothies can count as no more than one of your 5-a-day – even if you’ve put 5 different fruit and veg in them. And if you have a glass of juice on the same day, you can’t count them both.

Healthy choices at one point in the day don’t cancel out the effects of salt, sugar and saturated fats in less healthy choices you have at other times – the idea is that they replace these foods or leave less room in the diet for them. Including fruit and veg in our diets throughout the day means there is more chance of that happening. Having a massive smoothie for breakfast doesn’t mean you can just eat chips and cake for the rest of the day.

If you blend fruit, the natural sugars are released from within the cell walls of the fruit and become “free sugars”. Free sugars include any added sugars (including honey and maple syrup) and are the kind we should all be cutting down on to protect our teeth as well as lower our energy intake to help maintain a healthy weight. Even if they have some added vegetables like spinach or kale, they are still likely to be high in sugar. Watch our animation to learn more about free sugars.

According to the national Eatwell Guide, a serving of smoothie (or juice) is 150ml. That’s the same as a “mini” can of cola and less than half the size of a standard can of soft drink. It’s smaller than the little smoothie bottles you can buy and almost certainly a lot smaller than one you’d buy in a café. Remember, sharing is caring so split your smoothie with a friend or keep some for the next day if you are at home.

We all need to eat more fruit and veg, and a 150ml portion of smoothie is one way to help you towards that, but it’s not the only thing to think about when it comes to eating well. We also need to eat high fibre and wholegrain carbohydrates, as well as some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, lean meat and other protein foods, as well as low fat dairy products and small amounts of healthier, unsaturated fats. To go with your breakfast smoothie, what about a poached egg on wholegrain toast, or ring the changes with a bowl of porridge topped with berries? Discover 12 soft drinks ranked best to worst.

But, are smoothies a good way to lose weight? And the answer is YES, because research has found that in outpatient medically-monitored programs, meal replacements in liquid form, such as protein-fruit-vegetable shakes, are beneficial for weight loss. They are quick and simple and may replace a true junk food breakfast. So, whether you are just trying to lose the last 5-10lbs or you want to lose 30lbs or more, I encourage you to watch this FREE video presentation to see how effective smoothies for weight loss can be.

A nutritious breakfast gives a good start to your day. It gives you energy to keep going all day long. In the summer, people around the world look for ways to blend flavor and good nutrition together and get relief from the scorching heat. Having smoothies with breakfast every day can surely pave the way for good health and enjoyment throughout the hot season. This article brings you 15 important benefits of having smoothies to make the most of this summer.

1. Helps you to lose weight, because the enzymes present in fruits help dissolve body fat and clear up your circulatory system.

2. Makes you feel full, having smoothies made of excellent fruits and flavors will make you stay full for a long time.

3. Controls cravings, smoothies are full of nutrients and flavor and they provide a power-packed start for the day. A lot of protein along with many nutrients subdue food cravings and keep you away from eating junk food.

4. Prevents dehydration, because about 70 percent of your body is water, having smoothies along with breakfast is a great way to replenish the loss of water in your body during the summer.

5. Source of antioxidants, green tea is a popular source of antioxidants. You can add green tea to make your smoothies rich in antioxidants, and these will help prevent a lot of diseases. Grapes, berries and sweet potatoes are natural sources of antioxidants.

6. Enhances Immunity, having smoothies made of ingredients that include nutrients like beta-carotene helps boost your immune system.

7. Detoxifies the body, papaya and beets help cleanse your blood and get rid of several toxins accumulated in your body tissues. Thus to have a great breakfast you should include smoothies as reliable detoxifying drinks every day.

8. Controls mood swings, fruits and vegetables serve as excellent stress busters. Smoothies made of fresh ingredients relieve stress and help you stay happier and healthier.

9. Fights depression, because fresh vegetables and fruits that are rich in folic acid, like broccoli, spinach and bananas, help keep depression at bay.

10. Improves bone health, calcium, vitamin D3 and vitamin K are nutrients that improve bone health. Smoothies rich in these nutrients contain spinach, green vegetables and citrus fruits as chief ingredients.

But, are smoothies a good way to stay healthy? And the answer is YES, because research has found that in outpatient medically-monitored programs, meal replacements in liquid form, such as protein-fruit-vegetable shakes, are beneficial for keeping a healthy body. They are quick and simple and may replace a true junk food breakfast. So, whether you are just trying to lose the last 5-10lbs or you want to keep your health without pills or other medicines, I encourage you to watch this FREE video presentation to see how effective smoothies can be.

Smoothie is an invention with truly miraculous properties, which can help us in detoxification or weight loss. In addition, it is a perfect energiser, better than any vitamin complex you can buy from pharmacies. And the good news is that it can be consumed by both adults and children. It is a drink that must be consumed immediately after preparation, otherwise, it risks losing its nutritional properties.

Here are the four secrets of a successful smoothie:

1. Natural ingredients, essential for a successful smoothie, the taste and nutrients largely depend on the ingredients you use. Therefore, avoid hypermarkets and imported ingredients. It is preferable to use, as much as possible, organic products.

2. The alternative to simple ice cubes, which can spoil the smoothie, an ice smoothie can be a well-deserved treat on hot summer days. However, it can affect the consistency of a smoothie. To avoid this, prepare ice cubes in advance that contain pieces of fruit.

3. Pay close attention to overripe fruits and vegetables, because they have a high degree of fermentation, they can cause stomach problems. So don't add a blackened banana to the smoothie, for example.

4. Many ingredients do not mean a better smoothie, ideally, the smoothie should contain between two and four ingredients (we are talking about fruits and vegetables), and the balance between citrus and sweet fruits must be maintained. So, our recommendation is to use the recipes in this material. At least until you gain a little experience in preparing smoothies. Only then can you begin to experiment.

So, whether you are just trying to lose the last 5-10lbs or you want to keep your health without pills or other medicines, I encourage you to watch this FREE video presentation to see how effective smoothies can be.

In fact, the question should be: "is a smoothie better with milk or water?". The answer is NO, you absolutely don't need milk or water to make a smoothie. Quite the opposite, because some of the most delicious smoothies I have ever made didn't had any milk or water in them at all. Sometimes adding milk or water can be a great way to help build your smoothies, but it also can easily water down the flavor depending on the type of smoothie you are making.

Green smoothies especially should never be made with milk in them, because I discovered some time ago that the very best green smoothie I have ever tasted is made with: water, citrus fruits and ice. Some green smoothies may taste better with milk, but I prefer the ones without it much better.

It is important for you to learn which flavors play well together and which ones clash, otherwise you might find yourself hating smoothies and giving up on them all together. And I have to admit, that was me for awhile and I had just about given up making smoothies taste good. But now that I know how to make delicious smoothies at home, I make them all of the time!

But, can you make a smoothie with water instead of milk? The answer is YES! Because water is a great way to add a little bit of liquid to your smoothies without the use of milk. However, it is important to note that you do not want to use a large amount of water in your smoothies or they can easily become too watery and lose flavor. The best way that I have found is to combine high liquid fruits and vegetables with just enough water to blend, this way you get a super thick and creamy smoothie without being watery. It is also important to note here that you will need to use a high speed blender for best results and creamy smoothies.

How do you make a smoothie without milk or yogurt? As you have read above, the best way is to use high liquid fruits and vegetables along with water, as necessary. So what are the best high liquid fruits and veggies to use? Below are some of my preferred high water content fruits and vegetables to add to smoothies.

• pineapple

• lemons

• oranges

• watermelon

• strawberries

• cantaloupe

• cucumber

• peaches

• apples

My personal fruits to add are cucumber (you can’t taste it), apples (add a great sweetness), and citrus fruits. Pineapple, peaches, oranges, and lemons are all bursting with juiciness and great for replacing the liquid in smoothies.

And the final question, because I'm sure that you might now be wondering if you can make a smoothie without liquid at all...So, can you make a smoothie without liquid? Once again, the answer is YES! Just add the high liquid fruits in the blender and leave out the water all together. At the beginning of my weight loss journey, I went through a phase for awhile where I ONLY made my smoothies without liquid. I just loved how thick and flavorful they were and I most often went with a super tropical theme!

So, whether you are just trying to lose the last 5-10lbs or you want to keep your health without pills or other medicines, I encourage you to watch this FREE video presentation to see how effective smoothies can be.

Source of inspiration for the article:

1.Do you make smoothies with milk or water?

2.Can you use water instead of milk in a smoothie?

The reason smoothies have become so popular is pretty simple: They're versatile, quick, highly nutritious and delicious. In essence, they are the perfect food for busy people who want to make sure they get all of their nutrients. It’s one of those rare foods that gym rats, dieters, on-the-go vice presidents and toddlers all seem to want. Smoothies, like people, come in many forms. If you are thinking of adding smoothies to your fast and casual restaurant, here are some prevailing trends to be aware of.

Meal replacements

As more people have become wary of the health effects of fast food, expect to see more options to replace those empty calories with healthy smoothie meals. For instance, a chain of over 500 restaurants, recently unveiled a whole menu of new smoothies meant to be taken as an entire meal. For instance, the Chia Banana Boost with peanut butter is a complete breakfast shake made out of roasted banana, chia seeds, whole-grain oats, coconut and strawberries. Likewise, their Detox Island Green smoothie contains five whole fruits and vegetables, including mango, spinach, kale, banana and pineapple. These days people accept that more than fruit and yogurt go into a smoothie. With the right combination, in fact, you can come up with a hearty meal consisting of veggies, fruit, grains and more, all served in a handy portable cup.

Adding some international influences

Many restaurants are having great success serving smoothies that reflect global culinary trends. Now, most obviously, this would include a tropical smoothie. The traditional Horchata is one example; it is a Spanish drink that combines rice, almond milk and nuts. Another one is Lassi, a yogurt drink enjoyed in India that combines delicious spices and fruit, which has made its way to many juice bars and smoothie menus. As with many foods, the more smoothies people drink, the more varieties they want to try. This explains their rising popularity and why having various options makes more sense now than previously.

Keep the basics in mind

Finally, keep in mind these two fundamental aspects regarding smoothie menus. The first is that you should have the option to customise them. That’s really part of the appeal, and from a business perspective, the add-ons people purchase are highly profitable.

Second, even if you operate a sit-down restaurant, giving people the option to add “boosts” to their smoothies is very important. Boosts are basically powdered nutrition supplements, such as protein, immune boosters or supplements specially formulated for women or seniors. Many customers expect this and, as a benefit for you, the profit margin can be very attractive.

So, whether you are just trying to lose the last 5-10lbs or you want to keep your health without pills or other medicines, I encourage you to watch this FREE video presentation to see how effective smoothies can be.

Source of inspiration for the article:

Why are smoothies so popular?