Smoothies are sweetened semi liquid beverages that pack a nutritional punch in a glass. It combines the essence of fresh fruits which give the natural sugars and fiber. For all those who are time starved in the mornings and give their breakfast a miss, smoothies are an ideal option. They can be churned out in a jiffy and make for a wholesome and low cal breakfast option. Many diet meal plans serve smoothies in their menu list. These are enriched with whey protein and help in building muscle. It is a well documented fact that a protein packed punch helps to bulk up muscles and greater amount of muscle implies more calorie burn.
So, if you are one of those who are looking for weight loss options, make sure that you do not skip your breakfast. The smoothies are ideal to be had at any time of the day. Being low in calories, they are effective in helping you with weight loss.
Here are some healthy weight loss smoothies
1. Watermelon Smoothie
Watermelon is high in fiber and has high water content. It is low in calories and is very suitable for the hot summer days
Ingredients
Deseeded and chopped watermelons – 3 cups
Low fat milk – ½ cup
Ice cubes – 10
Blend the chopped watermelon. Add in the low fat milk and ice cubes. Blend until smooth and pour out in a tall glass for a refreshing and low cal smoothie.
2. Banana Strawberry Smoothie
Strawberry is loaded with anti oxidants and is low on calories. Bananas load you with potassium and offer instant energy, making the smoothie the right breakfast recipe.
Ingredients
Banana, chopped – 1
Strawberries – 1 cup
Low fat milk – ½ cup
Orange, sliced – ½
Ice cubes – 5 to 6
Blend the ingredients together for a delicious smoothie. Instead of low fat milk, you can even substitute with low fat yogurt or low fat vanilla ice cream.
3. Banana and Walnut Smoothie
Walnuts are a god source of unsaturated fats that help to lower the levels of bad cholesterol. Add a dash of whey protein and it turns to be one of the best smoothies which offer a balanced breakfast.
Ingredients
Banana, chopped – 2
Walnuts, shelled and chopped – ¼ cup
Whey powder – 1 tbsp
Low fat milk – 1 cup
Ice cubes – 10 to 12
Blend in the bananas and whey protein. Add milk, ice cubes and blend smooth. Add the walnuts but keep them coarse for the crunchy texture as you sip in the smoothie.
4. Mango and Avocado Smoothie
This is a tropical delight and avocado contains good fats apart from lending a rich texture to the smoothie
Ingredients
Ripe mangoes, cubed – ¼ cup
Mango juice – ½ cup
Ripe avocado, mashed – ¼ cup
Fat free vanilla yogurt – ½ cup
Sugar – 1 tbsp
Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
Ice cubes – 10
Blend in the mango, mango juice, sugar and mashed avocado. Once it is pureed, add the yogurt, ice cubes and lemon juice. Your heavenly tasting smoothie with a creamy texture is ready to be devoured.
Indulge in these low cal smoothies and get your weight loss efforts soaring.