Are Green Smoothies Healthy For Weight Loss?

Until you’ve tried one, the typical reaction to looking at a green smoothie is “yuck!”. But the health benefits from green smoothies, especially those that are part of a smoothie diet meal plan, will boost your energy, keep you feeling fuller longer, and may even increase your resting metabolism! All this, plus they taste amazing! But the question remains- are they really healthy?

Most articles that point to smoothies as unhealthy also argue that the recipes call for too much refined and fruit sugars, as well as too many oxalates which could lead to kidney stones. These articles and blog entries also say that the amount of calories in a smoothie can make one fat. However, in general, these are myths or are at least avoidable issues.

Oxalates, for example, can be avoided if one is healthy and does not have a compromised digestive system. A healthy, balanced diet, including a smoothie diet meal plan, will avoid too many oxalates because the contents of each smoothie is rotated, trying out different greens each day, for instance.

It is agreed that too much sugar will cause weight gain. However, what is not often referred to is the kind of sugar. Processed sugars, like high fructose corn syrup, do contain fruit sugars, but this type of sugar (also known as an HFCS) has been over processed. Secondly, to mimic the amount of natural fructose at damaging levels, one would need to consume at least six apples in one smoothie!

Lastly, although smoothies do contain calories, these are meal replacements, such as those found in a smoothie diet meal plan. While many compare a smoothie calorie count to soda, what isn’t mentioned is that healthy smoothies are filled with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, which means a smoothie diet for weight loss is a great investment.

Keep smoothies healthy by avoiding adding dairy like milk, ice cream, or even yogurt to the base, regardless if they are non-fat or low-fat. Avoid thick sweeteners like syrups, such as chocolate, maple, or agave syrup. Processed fruits, like bottled juice, canned fruits, or sweetened fruits, should also be avoided. And any artificial sweeteners should stay out of your smoothies for weight loss.

Finally, before beginning on any smoothie diet meal plan, really consider why you are choosing such a diet. Is it weight loss? Health concerns? Digestion issues? Whatever the worry, a natural smoothie diet is a great start to building a healthy diet. Following the list of foods to avoid from above, regular smoothie meal replacement will help with a variety of ailments, making smoothies even healthier than previously thought. Green smoothies in particular will offer increased energy, while also helping to lose weight, make skin and hair more luxurious, and beat down digestive woes like bloating and constipation.

A smoothie diet for weight loss benefits more than just the scale. The ingredients of each are loaded with fiber, minerals, vitamins, and especially anti-oxidants to help protect the body and renew its cells. Smoothies are not just for weight loss; they are for a healthy lifestyle, too.