One of the biggest challenges to daily nutrition is the planning and preparation aspect. Very few people have time to prepare three full scale meals complete with two to three vegetables for each meal.
Smoothies are actually easy to make and with a little help they’re easy to plan for and take with you on the go.
Breakfast – Do you eat a healthy breakfast every day? Not everyone does. However, you can whip up a smoothie in the morning pour it into a travel cup and drink it on the go.
One smoothie with a little protein can keep you satisfied and full until lunchtime. And you can be confident you’re getting the nutrients and vitamins your body needs.
For example, a smoothie made with your milk of choice, a handful of greens, a banana or an apple, and a little protein powder or chia and you have a perfect meal in a glass. Best of all, it took less than five minutes to prepare.
Snacks – One of the biggest hurdles many people have when they’re trying to lose weight is the mid-day snack. A prepared smoothie can solve all of your problems.
You can even prepare your smoothie the night before and pop it in the freezer. It’ll thaw throughout the morning and be cold and tasty when you’re ready for your mid-morning or mid afternoon snack.
For example, a smoothie made from coconut milk, a very ripe banana, protein powder, a tablespoon or two of cacao powder and a bit of nut butter makes a sweet and satisfying mid-day snack. You won’t miss the vending machine or the drive-through at all.
Pre/Post Workout – One of the downsides to working out is that you’re often hungry, very hungry, when you’re done. The result can be a binge at the drive-through or when you get home. Having a protein smoothie or a juice ready to go will help you avoid consuming more calories than you want or need.
After Dinner Snack – Many weight loss experts and nutritionists advise against eating before you go to bed. But let’s face it, sometimes you’re just too hungry and sometimes it’s nice to have a little something while you’re watching television or relaxing late in the evening.
A fresh juice or smoothie can be a healthy way to soothe the craving and if you use green leafy vegetables, you’ll reduce the sugar content in your snack. And if you add a little extra nutrient, like flaxseed, then you’re giving your body a nice health boost.
Adding smoothies and juicing to your diet is simple. It’s so easy in fact that you might find yourself drinking several a day. Consider starting with just one or two each day to give your body time to adjust to the increased fiber intake. You just need a few tools to get started.