As we enter 2017, we all have our resolutions that we want to start focusing on. For a lot of people that means eating healthier and trying to lose those extra pounds that we put on throughout the holidays. Wondering where to begin? Smoothies. They’re easy to make, packed with nutrients, keep you full so you don’t feel the need to snack, and can be consumed on-the-go. Not to mention are great for your skin! There are so many smoothie recipes out there that anyone can find one that they like (this is coming from someone who is a pretty picky eater, and even I have found several smoothies that I enjoy!).
I have found and tried (or intend to try) several great smoothies on Prevention.com to get you started.
1. Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie
What You Need:
½ c fat-free milk
½ c fat-free plain yogurt
2 Tbsp creamy natural unsalted peanut butter
¼ very ripe banana
1 Tbsp honey
4 ice cubes
All you do is combine these ingredients in a blender until smooth, and then it’s ready to serve!
NUTRITION (per serving) 366 cal, 18 g pro, 40 g carb, 3 g fiber, 32 g sugar, 16.5 g fat, 3.5 g sat fat, 151 mg sodium
2. Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie
What You Need:
½ c skim or soy milk
6 oz (80-calorie) vanilla yogurt
¼ c chocolate chips (MUFA)
1 c fresh raspberries
Handful of ice OR 1 cup frozen raspberries
Blend together for 1 minute and transfer to glass. You may want to grab a spoon for this one!
NUTRITION (per serving) 462 cal, 16 g pro, 77 g carb, 10 g fiber, 64 g sugar, 13.5 g fat, 7.5 g sat fat, 174 mg sodium
3. Peach Smoothie
What You Need:
1 c skim milk
1 c frozen unsweetened peaches
2 tsp cold-pressed organic flaxseed oil (MUFA)
Leave out the flaxseed oil, and blend together the remaining ingredients. Once smooth, pour into a glass and then stir in flaxseed oil.
NUTRITION (per serving) 213 cal, 9 g pro, 26 g carb, 2 g fiber, 22 g sugar, 9 g fat, 1 g sat fat, 103 mg sodium
4. Strawberry Smoothie
What You Need:
1 c skim milk
1 c frozen, unsweetened strawberries
2 tsp cold-pressed organic flaxseed oil (MUFA)
Leave the flaxseed oil out, and blend the remaining ingredients together until smooth. Transfer to a glass and then stir in flaxseed oil.
NUTRITION (per serving) 216 cal, 9 g pro, 26 g carb, 3 g fiber, 19 g sugar, 9.5 g fat, 1 g sat fat, 106 mg sodium
5.Mango Smoothie Surprise
What You Need:
¼ c mango cubes
¼ c mashed ripe avocado (MUFA)
½ c mango juice
¼ c fat-free vanilla yogurt
1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
6 ice cubes
1 Tbsp sugar
Blend ingredients together until smooth and then transfer to a glass.
NUTRITION (per serving) 298 cal, 5 g pro, 55 g carb, 5 g fiber, 47 g sugar, 9 g fat, 1.5 g sat fat, 54 mg sodium
*Find the full list of Weight Loss Smoothies here.
Don’t forget you can have some fun with smoothies and throw in extra fruits that could go well with the existing recipes. Now go drink a smoothie and boost your energy after that late NYE night!
Images sourced from Prevention.com.
