How to Lose Weight Drinking Amazing Smoothies

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Heather Langan, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.

One of the best ways to lose weight is to learn how to make smoothies that are tasty, filling and healthy. While chewing is inherently pleasurable, drinking a delicious, nutritious smoothie can be equally satisfying and a great way to add variety to what you’re putting in your mouth (variety is a plus when you’re trying to diet!).
You can use smoothies to replace a meal, as part of a meal, or as a snack. Some of the ways smoothies help you lose weight are:
• They are filling.
• They contain a lot of fiber, water and nutrients.
• They can be tailored – you can make them in whatever way appeals to you!
• They make it easy to stay away from the heavy cooking and heavy food that undermine the most careful diet plans.
The best smoothies are those that contain lots of fresh produce and maybe some “super food” elements. My favorite concoctions fall into these categories:
1. Green Smoothie – There are a million variations of this but all have one thing in common: A big dose of greens (kale, spinach, etc.).
2. Creamy Smoothie – Again, lots of variations. Soy milk, almond milk or coconut milk provide a base, while adding a banana will make it thicker and richer.
3. Fruity Smoothie – This is a real favorite and can be made with any fresh fruits. The key is to do away with the sugar or heavy fruit juices used by commercial smoothie makers.
The beautiful thing about smoothies is that you can make them with whatever you like and you can leave out things you don’t like (though you’d be surprised what can be hidden in a smoothie!). Blenders are inexpensive and come in all sizes. I have three – two small ones and one large one. I didn’t pay a lot for any of them. I also have a blender bottle that I love. It’s great when I’m on the road and want to mix up some ready-made smoothie (I use Raw Meal mix, which has seen me through many a trip).
Here are the basic recipes for my favorite smoothies. The opportunity to improvise on these is endless! Amounts are approximate.
Green Smoothie
Blend together:
12 oz. water OR 6-8 oz. carrot juice + 4 – 6 oz. water
Large handful of kale leaves (or spinach)
½ green apple
1 stalk celery
1 chunk of ginger root (about a teaspoon)
½ orange or a splash of orange juice
Add more water if needed. Blend and enjoy. Yum!
Variations: Add a shot or frozen cube of wheatgrass juice, other fruit, teaspoon of maca, tablespoon of chia seeds (this will make it thicker).
Creamy Smoothie
Blend together:
12 oz. soy, almond or coconut milk
1 ripe banana
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Dash of vanilla extract
Delicious! This is perfect the way it is, but you can add any other fruit for a creamy fruit smoothie OR add a heaping spoonful of cacao and a splash of blue agave nectar and you have an awesome chocolate shake! Use raw cacao for a powerhouse punch of nutrition. Chia will give you energy, too! Another variation on the creamy smoothie is to make it with yogurt. I’ve been making my own soy yogurt (super easy) and this is fabulous in a smoothie.
Fruity Smoothie
Blend:
1 cup fresh fruit (berries, watermelon, pineapple, banana, etc.).
12 – 16 oz. water
You can use frozen fruit or use some crushed ice for half the water.
Refreshing! Use any fruit you want, mix and explore different combinations. You can add chia seeds, hemp, flax, maca or any other super foods if desired. A small chunk of ginger will add zing.
Tips for Using Smoothies for Weight Loss:
• Use plenty of water or crushed ice – water is filling.
• Make sure to include lots of fiber – Greens! Fresh fruit! Celery (can be added to just about any smoothie with little taste impact). Try adding a handful of spinach or kale to a regular fruit smoothie – you will be surprised how easy it is to drink and how little it impacts the flavor of the smoothie.
• Add chia for a real boost of energy and to make your smoothie thick and filling. If you let the chia soak in the liquid for a few minutes, it will thicken up even more.
• Do not add sugar or fruit juices (other than a splash for flavor).