The best way to slim down, without missing out on the right nutrients, is by focusing on your diet. A great addition to it is fresh homemade smoothies. These blends of fresh fruits and vegetables are the perfect vehicle for low-cal yet nutrient-rich ingredients that keep you satiated for long. A good mix of protein, complex carbohydrates and good fats along with vitamins and nutrients should be used to create a well-balanced smoothie.
1. Evergreen Smoothie
Ingredients
1 cup, baby spinach
Bottle gourd/ cucumber, ½ cup
Curd, ½ cup
Mint leaves, a handful
Rock salt, a pinch
Jeera powder, ¼ tsp
Amla, a piece, or lemon juice, ½ tsp
Ice cubes, 1 cup
Method Place all the ingredients in a blender, toss in the ice cubes and blend till smooth.
Best time to have it: In the morning, to detox your body.
Benefits: Bottle gourd and cucumber are extremely low in calories and aid in weight loss.
Calorie Count: 95
2. Nutty Delight Smoothie
Ingredients
Puffed amaranth/rajgira, ½ cup (Use a rajgira laddoo if puffs aren’t available)
Low-fat milk, 1 cup
Banana, frozen, ½
Date, 1, chopped
Flax seeds, 1 tsp
Chia seeds, 1 tsp
Melon seeds, 1 tbsp
Method Blend all the ingredients till smooth and enjoy it as it is
Best time to have it: Post-workout – as it’s a good dose of protein.
Benefits: This smoothie is high in omega 3 acids, good fats and fiber. It also keeps you fuller for longer.
Optional Add a scoop of protein powder for an extra energy boost.
Calorie Count: 295
3. Golden Glow Smoothie
Ingredients
Carrot, grated, 1
Orange or mousambi juice, freshly squeezed with pulp, 1 cup
Papaya, ½ cup
Turmeric powder or grated fresh haldi, 1/2 tsp
Ginger, grated, ½ tsp
Ice cubes, 1 cup
Method Blend all ingredients and grind till smooth. Enjoy.
Best time to have it: During the day.
Benefits: Papaya and carrots have a significant amount of fibre and are relatively low in calories!
Calorie Count: 175
4. Chai Spice Smoothie
Ingredients
Apple, chopped, 1
Banana, frozen, ½
Oats, 1 tbsp
Walnut halves, 3
Almond or low-fat milk, 1 cup
Chai masala, 1 tsp
Cardamom powder, a pinch
Ice, a few cubes
Method Blend all ingredients till smooth and enjoy this aromatic smoothie.
Best time to have it: In the morning to feel fresh and energetic
Benefit: Banana and oats not only keep you satiated, but bring your digestive system on track.
Calorie Count: 265
5. Refreshing Smoothie
Ingredients
Cucumber chopped, 1
Kiwi, chopped, 1
Green apple, chopped, 1
Coconut water, 1 cup
Lemon juice, ½ tsp
Mint leaves, a few
Chia seeds, 1 tsp
Ice cubes, 1 cup
Method Blend all the ingredients except chia seeds, until smooth. Top up this glass of goodness with a dash of chia seeds for that extra crunch.
Best time to have it: In the evening to feel refreshed
Benefit: The cucumber helps remove toxins, which sets your body up for weight loss.
Calorie Count: 175
Consider the ingredients you’re adding to your smoothie carefully. Elements rich in protein, fibre and those that can boost your metabolism will speed up weight loss. You can also try green smoothies. Learn more by consulting a HealthifyMe nutritionist.
Written by Alpa Momaya
You are what you eat, believes Alpa Momaya. So with the right diet, anyone can achieve optimal mental, physical and spiritual health.
Alpa has first-hand knowledge of this – she battled various issues with her own health and weight, but by incorporating good eating habits and regular exercise, she has reclaimed her fitness levels today. She offers the advice she took to HealthifyMe users — make the right lifestyle choices daily, sticking to a nutritious diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep. Don’t think of it as having to solve a problem, instead see it as a way to achieve long and happy life.
After a PG diploma in dietetics from Mumbai University, Alpa did a diploma in holistic nutrition in Canada and is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner today. Along with having worked in various weight-loss clinics and as a consultant for a natural pharmacy, she’s helped her family control ailments like diabetes and hypertension, and hopes to help her HealthifyMe clients do the same. “I can proudly say my daughter happily eats any vegetable or fruit without ever making a face,” Alpa claims, and she is determined that those who consult her will go back similarly impressed.
Thanks Alpa momaya, Great weight lose recipe. everyone should try this.
Very nice smoothie recepies. Thanks a lot. I will definitely try.
Since I super love fruits and vegetable blended in my personal favorite blendtec blender I will surely try this recipes at home, Oh this recipes looks delicious and healthy. I’ve been blending fruits and vegetable everyday I see to it that I have either green or any kind of fruit and vegetable smoothies on my breakfast table. It gives me lots of energy and helps me more in my digestion problem, thank you for this wonderful recipes I will surely add this to my collection of recipes.