5 Reasons to Have a Smoothie Right Now (Plus Recipes!)

You might assume that healthy food can’t also taste good… and that treats that taste good can’t possibly be healthy. But with a smoothie, you can have it both ways.

Health nuts rave about them, post pictures of them and offer interesting new ingredient ideas on the regular, so you probably know that smoothies are something of a dieter’s dream. But do you really know the answer to “why are smoothies good for you?”

Here are the five biggest reasons why sipping on a smoothie helps you get closer to your weight loss goal (and a few great tasty combos to try):

1. Green Up

Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that keep your body functioning at its peak, burning calories and fueling active lifestyles. Getting in the recommended four daily servings of greens can be hard on busy days, but adding them to a smoothie takes care of this easily.

How to Build the Perfect Smoothie

2. Protein Power

The most efficient source of energy to get you through your day is protein. Low- or no-fat milk is a protein-rich base for smoothies. Modern day dairy alternatives, like almond and soy milks, are even seeing a boost with added protein depending on the brand. When you’re recovering from a workout or just need an extra boost, you can add more protein with nut butter, whey or seeds such as chia or flax. (For an even easier way to pump up the protein in your smoothies, try adding in some Nutrisystem Shake Mix!)

3. Quick and Convenient

Healthy eating can be a challenge in our hectic lives, but smoothies are a smart solution. Smoothies are easy to make in minutes and they’re perfect for taking on the go. Breakfast time is especially rushed in many households, but if the whole family grabs smoothies on the way out the door, you’ll know everyone (including you) has started the day with a belly full of vital nutrients. Smoothies make great afternoon snacks, too, when you’re running off to appointments and activities.

Your Foolproof Guide to Protein Powder

4. Very Versatile

While smoothies are a great “to-go” option, they can be enjoyed in many ways. Today, people make up smoothie bowls for breakfast, lunch or a post workout pick-me-up. Like drinkable smoothies, smoothie bowls feature milk of some variety blended with fruits and vegetables—but they can be topped with crunchy ingredients such as granola or coconut flakes that might otherwise clog up a blender. Feeling even more creative? You can also turn smoothies into healthy treats by pouring them into Popsicle molds and freezing them.

5. Limitless Variety

The best ingredients for making smoothies are the ones you love, and the combinations are almost endless. You’ll never get stuck in a rut with the same old flavor. One small change in your ingredients can change the dynamic of the whole cup, so be a bit experimental.

In short, smoothies take the cool, creamy delights of a milkshake and combine them with the punch of nutrient-dense ingredients for a sweet, satisfying drink that fills you up and recharges your energy levels at just about any time of day. As a result, they are adored by many and worthy of your attention, too.

10 Tasty Smoothies to Make With Your Nutrisystem Shakes

Looking for fresh ideas? The five smoothie recipes below are among our favorites, and each is perfect for anyone following a Nutrisystem weight loss plan.

1. Creamy Vanilla Almond Smoothie >

Nutrient bonus: Almonds are high in healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help you feel full, while keeping your blood cholesterol levels in check. Click here for the recipe! >

2. Pineapple Mango Smoothie >

Nutrient bonus: Mango skin (which you can include in your smoothie) contains a compound that inhibits your body from storing fat, according to a study published in the scientific journal Food and Function. Click here for the recipe! >

3. Apple Spinach Smoothie >

Nutrient bonus: Spinach triggers your body to produce the hormones that cause your appetite to be satisfied, say researchers from Lund University in Sweden. Click here for the recipe! >

4. Chocolate Coconut Smoothie >

Nutrient bonus: Coconut is high in lauric acid which your body burns right away. Click here for the recipe! >

5. Peachy Green Ginger Smoothie >

Nutrient bonus: Ginger helps to stabilize your blood sugar levels, preventing the surges that can lead to between-meal hunger pangs. Click here for the recipe! >

For even more delicious smoothie ideas, click here! >

The post 5 Reasons to Have a Smoothie Right Now (Plus Recipes!) appeared first on The Leaf.

How to Save 600 Calories a Day

By now you know: Losing weight boils down to using up more calories than you consume. It seems simple enough. The hard part is actually making it happen. But cutting calories and dieting doesn’t have to mean cutting out all your favorite foods. Don’t believe us? Check out these four simple swaps guaranteed to save you over 600 calories a day without putting the kibosh on your favorite flavors: Drink fat-free milk instead of whole Replace your whole milk habit with a fat-free fix, and for every 16 ounces you trade, you’ll save over 130 calories. Feeling adventurous? Opt for unsweetened almond milk instead of your whole milk, and you’ll save even more—over 230 calories per 16 ounces. 6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Snacking Swap regular soda for seltzer water One 20 ounce regular Pepsi clocks in at 250 calories*. Substitute just one regular soft drink a day with a seltzer or sparkling water, and you won’t just save yourself 250 calories, you’ll also spare your...

Ridiculously Uncomplicated: A Simple Solution for Men’s Weight Loss

Guys faced with a challenge tend to go for the straightforward approach to dealing with it. So, when men want to lose excess weight, they will choose a plan that’s proven to work, easy to follow and lets them enjoy the foods they love. That’s why so many guys are signing up for the ridiculously uncomplicated, super simple weight loss solution from Nutrisystem! If you’re ready to look your best, feel great and get healthy, here’s why Nutrisystem for Men is the right weight loss diet plan for you. Men’s Health: 10 Superfoods for Men Read More Check out these eight reasons why Nutrisystem for Men is your simple weight loss solution: 1. Strong platform. A man’s weight loss journey is a bit different than woman’s, as men’s bodies tend to have more muscle mass. Maintaining muscle burns calories, keeping your metabolism working even when you’re at rest. However, when men begin losing weight, they may shed some of their muscle mass along with the fat. Protein is the building block o...

26 Easy and Refreshing Summer Smoothies to Keep You Healthy

Summer is the perfect time to savor refreshing, creamy beverages bursting with fruity flavors. Summer smoothies can serve as a nourishing snack, particularly if you’re on a weight loss plan . While it’s important to be cautious when purchasing smoothies from ice cream stands or chain stores, you can prioritize your health by preparing homemade summer smoothies using wholesome ingredients. It’s a simple process with countless flavor combinations! To satisfy your smoothie cravings, we’ve curated a collection of 26 vibrant and delightful summer smoothie recipes that you can enjoy all year round. Additionally, if you’re seeking creative and seasonally-inspired ways to incorporate your Nutrisystem Shake Mix , we’ve got you covered! Discover these flavorful and healthy options for a refreshing summer treat. 1. Strawberry Watermelon Kiwi Smoothie Two summer smoothies come together in one glass to create the perfect balance of flavors. It has a tangy blend of kiwis and plain Greek yogurt...

Beautiful Amazing World

Search This Blog