In a perfect world, I wish I could make healthier choices all the time, but let’s face it I do indulge time to time (especially with those sweets). I do not believe in super restrictive diets (they have always backfired on me), but when I do want to kick off a healthier routine, I start incorporating the smoothie I am sharing the recipe for below as a low calorie and highly nutritious meal.
Here are the main reasons I love including smoothies as part of my health routine: as a detox, reduces cravings, can pack it with tons of healthy ingredients, load up on protein and calcium while keeping low on calories, and can aid in weight loss.
When I need to shed a few pounds (or more than a few like in my current postpartum fitness journey), I start replacing one meal a day with this smoothie a few times a week. If I am eating out for dinner, I have a smoothie for lunch or vice versa. I do not usually drink a smoothie for breakfast because breakfast, for me, is the easiest meal to find healthier alternatives. But you have to ask yourself how your day is structured and which meal this could be good for you.
This smoothie provides a great reset for me; the first couple of days I find myself feeling hungry after only having the smoothie as my meal, so I supplement with a snack, such as a piece of cheese or lightly salted cashews or low sugar granola. But eventually, I try to only have the smoothie and can start to notice my stomach shrink and adjust to what my body actually needs. I also find the smoothie helps me to feel refreshed and lighter, cleaning out my system. Make sure you do this safely based on your own lifestyle (i.e. activity level, medical needs, etc.).
Quick Tip….I freeze bananas and spinach as they start to go bad, so it can be convenient to pull those out to use in your smoothie.
A tasty and easy recipe for a green smoothie you can use as a meal replacement to help kick off healthier habits or weight loss goals.
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 1 Banana sliced
- 1 cup Almond Milk (can also sub organic nonfat milk)
- 3/4 cup Nonfat Greek Yogurt
- 1 tbsp Peanut Butter (creamy) (I like skippy but you can use PB2 slash more calories)
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Combine all five ingredients above together in the blender and blend until smooth. You can also include 1/2 cup ice in the blender if you want it to be chilled.
Let me know how you like it, once you try it!
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