With an unlimited amount of variations, smoothies are a fun, yummy and healthy way to fuel, that is if you compose it with the right elements. Consider these 5 ingredients if you are blending for weight loss.
- GREENS: With many minerals and vitamins, fibre and minimal calories, leafy greens are one of the best foods to add to your weight loss smoothie. Begin with kale or spinach and work up to adding arugula and other stronger greens like watercress. Start with a 1/2 cup of greens and work up to 1 cup. To pump up the concentration of these heavy hitters try 1 tablespoon of Nova Greens from Nova Scotia Organics. It offers a great combination of organic greens and additional antioxidants. You’ll even find algae, the richest source of minerals available through food.
- PROTEIN: Without protein you will be hungry in 45 minutes. You need protein to maintain satiety. It will also help you to fuel your muscles so you can burn more fat. Try 1 scoop of Vega Protein & Greens with 20 grams of plant based protein and 2 servings of greens (can’t go wrong with extra greens!) it will keep you fuelled and feeling balanced.
- HEALTHY FAT: This fat is not the fat that makes you gain weight! This is the fat that helps you to lose it! Not only will add a richness to your smoothie, making you feel like it’s more satisfying, but it will help your body to become more balanced. Omega-3’s found in fish oil are helpful for reducing inflammation in the body and target belly fat. Try adding 1 tsp of Sea-licious Fish Oil into your smoothie. Not only is it an exceptionally pure product designed by Registered Dietician Karlene Karst, but it tastes so good! No fishy aftertaste and there are many flavours to choose from.
- An EASY TO DIGEST BASE: If you’ve been using cow’s milk in your smoothie, you may want to take a break from this in your weight loss smoothie. Cow’s milk can be hard to digest for many making weight loss efforts slower. Try using a non-dairy alternative such as unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Natur-a has many options to choose from. There are organic options and all products do not use GMO ingredients.
- KIND THOUGHTS AS YOU DRINK: One of the most important elements when it comes to weight loss is being kind to yourself. Respect and honour where you are at, even if it is not where you want to be. It is a journey of change and change requires patience, awareness and compassion. We love the gear from The Kindness Warrior reminding us focus on kindness first!
Try this smoothie out to get started!
Cucumber Kale Smoothie
Serves 2
Ingredients:
2 cups unsweetened almond milk from Natur-a
1/2 organic cucumber (skin on)
1/4 cup fresh or frozen pineapple
1 cup organic fresh or frozen kale
1 tbsp Nova Greens
1 tsp Tangerine Lime Sea-licious
2 scoops Vega Protein & Greens (vanilla)
Directions:
- Blend in a high powdered blender until smooth.
- Add to a mason jar and store in the fridge or consume right away