The term “Green Smoothie” can apply to a wide range of beverages but a genuinely healthy and nutritious green smoothie must contain considerable amount of fresh leafy greens such as spinach, kale, lettuce, Bok Choy, etc. along with a mixture of fruits, seeds and other ingredients. When preparing a smoothie, green leafy vegetables should form the base of the beverage because these low-calorie and high-fiber foods help in sustainable weight loss. The dietary fibers present in leafy greens reduces the percentage of body fat and body weight.
One of the most important points to keep in mind while preparing a smoothie is to use a blender for blending the vegetables and fruits into a smooth and chunk-free smoothie. While a normal electric mixer-grinder can be used to prepare a green smoothie, but the heat generated by the grinder affects the flavor and nutrient profile of the vegetables and fruits. On the other hand, blending your fruits and vegetables in a blender does not generate heat, and, therefore, majority of nutrients present in the smoothie stays intact for a longer period of time. So, let us check out some delicious and nutrient-packed green spinach smoothie recipes for weight loss.
Serves – 2 to 3
Ingredients –
- Cold filtered water
- Romaine lettuce
- Organic spinach
- Celery stalks
- Organic apple
- Organic pear
- Organic banana
- Organic lemon
- Organic cilantro
- Organic parsley
Those of you who are into healthy eating and smoothies must be familiar with the name Kimberley Snyder. She is a nutritionist for the mind body and soul and the best-selling author of “The Beauty Detox Solution”, “The Beauty Detox Foods” and “The Beauty Detox Powder”. She is the creator of the world famous Glowing Green Smoothie that has taken Hollywood by storm. The Glowing green smoothie not only helps to give you clear and healthy skin, but also helps in weight loss and weight maintenance, improves digestion and increases energy levels.
The glowing green smoothie is one of the easiest ways to get more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. Leafy greens such as spinach and lettuce are extremely beneficial for weight loss. They are packed with high-quality; easily-assimilated amino acids that help to support muscle mass and burn fat.
Serves – 4
Ingredients –
- Green apples
- Fresh spinach
- Cucumber
- Celery Sticks
- Ginger root
- Parsley
- 100% Lemon Ginger juice
Dr.Oz’s morning green smoothie is the perfect way to start your day. This healthy, gluten-free and 100% vegan smoothie is packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals and it works as a filling breakfast and snack. You can add a frozen ripe banana if you think that all the greens are too bitter for your taste buds.
The potent detoxifying properties of cucumber, celery and parsley work together to drive out accumulated toxins and waste material from the blood and gut which helps to kick start the metabolism of the body that promotes weight loss. The thermogenic effect of ginger also helps to activate metabolism, making it a powerful fat burner.
Serves – 2
Ingredients –
- Water
- Fresh spinach
- Romaine leaves
- Navel oranges
- Bananas
- Fresh ginger
- Cucumber
This refreshing green smoothie is great to taste and the spicy kick of ginger makes it all the more delicious. It is packed with the goodness of nutritious greens that supplies all the essential vitamins and minerals to your body. The banana and orange renders a mellow sweetness to the smoothie and balances the bitterness of the spinach. The cucumber and romaine lettuce adds much needed hydration.
The fiber and nutrients present in spinach makes it a filling food that aids weight loss without adding many calories. The fiber and cellulose in lettuce improve digestion which is essential for long term weight loss. Oranges are low in calories and the fiber found in oranges help regulate blood sugar levels and controls hunger and cravings. The fibers present in bananas are resistant starch which also supports weight loss.
Serves – 2
Ingredients –
- Ripe bananas
- Strawberries
- Mandarin oranges
- Baby spinach
- Cold water
- Ice
This mouth-watering spinach and strawberry smoothie is the perfect way to pack in some fruits and vegetables in your daily diet and detox your body after loading up on empty calories during the holidays. The best thing is this recipe requires only a few ingredients but the end product is mind-blowing.
Baby spinach offers twice as much fiber compared to other greens. Thylakoids in spinach decrease cravings for sugary foods and increases satiety. Strawberries help promote weight loss by increasing the body’s production of a hormone that stimulates metabolism.
Serves – 1
Ingredients:
- Almond butter
- Greek yogurt
- Banana
- Water
- Protein powder
- Spinach
This wholesome and filling spinach banana smoothie is a great breakfast that keeps you full until lunch. The delicious almond butter, Greek yogurt and banana beautifully cover the bitter taste of the spinach and add a rich creamy texture to it.
The resistant starches in banana slow down the digestion process and this help to feed the healthy gut bacteria which in turn suppress appetite and promote weight loss. Bananas also prevent bloating and flatulence. Both almond butter and Greek yogurt act is rich sources of protein that supports lean muscle mass and helps to burn calories.
Serves – 3 to 4
Ingredients –
- Pineapple juice
- Baby spinach
- Pineapple chunks
- Granny Smith apple
- Ice
This tangy and sweet smoothie is packed with antioxidants and refreshing flavors of pineapples and green apples. The sour and sweet taste of the pineapple and apple perfectly hides the pungent taste of spinach and adds some thickness to the smoothie.
The powerful soluble fiber pectin found in apples delay stomach emptying so that you feel full much longer. Pineapple is a low-calorie and fiber-rich fruit that has fat burning properties. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple helps in digestion of protein.
Serves – 2
Ingredients –
- Spinach
- Blueberry
- Kiwi
- Mint leaves
- Coconut water
- Ice
Indulge in the sweet and tart taste of this delicious blueberry mint smoothie and bask in the nourishing goodness of spinach, kiwi and berries. The mint leaves add a hint of refreshing flavor to the smoothie while the tartness of the fruits balances the pungent taste of spinach.
Antioxidant catechins found in blueberries activate the fat-burning genes in the abdominal fat cells that help in weight loss. It is especially useful for removing deep seated belly fat. Kiwi works as a slimming food because of the presence of soluble and insoluble fibers that helps to cleanse the digestive system.
Serves – 2
Ingredients –
- Water
- Medium ripe avocado
- Spinach
- Pineapple chunks
- Honey
This vibrant and creamy green smoothie is a one-stop solution for all your nutritional Needs. It is nutritious, energy boosting, wholesome, filling and delicious. What more can you ask for in a smoothie? The avocado and pineapple renders a smooth creamy texture to the smoothie while the sweetness of the honey balances the mellow bitter taste of the spinach.
The monounsaturated and oleic fatty acids in avocado target stubborn abdominal fat and reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome. Avocados also provide high level of satiety and prevents craving for junk food. High water and fiber content in pineapple help in curbing appetite.
Serves -1 to 2
Ingredients –
- Green apple
- Banana
- Fresh spinach
- Greek yogurt
- Cold water or liquid of your choice
This healthy and wholesome breakfast smoothie is the best way to get back to healthy eating after a weekend of treats. The bananas and apples provide a perfectly balanced sweet and tart taste and masks the bitterness of the spinach. The Greek yogurt packs a protein punch and adds a nice creamy texture to the smoothie.
Green apples are naturally low in calories which make it ideal for your weight loss efforts. The soluble fibers in green apple attract water and form a gel-like substance in the intestine that slows down digestion so that you may feel full for a prolonged period. High levels of calcium in Greek yogurt directly influence weight loss efforts. Calcium in Greek yogurt increases the breakdown of fat in the body and preserves metabolism.
Serves – 2
Ingredients –
- Medjool dates
- Boiling water
- Baby spinach
- Banana
- Ripe pear
- Unsweetened milk of your choice
- Ice
Sweetening your green smoothie with soaked dates is a great idea. It helps to cover up the bitter taste of the spinach without loading up on sugar and empty calories. The pear and banana packed some nutrient and protein punch into the smoothie while the unsweetened milk adds some thickness to it.
The high fiber content of pears helps the body feel full longer and reduces the likeliness of snacking. It also helps in maintaining regularity of the digestive system which is also essential for weight loss. Fructose and glucose present in this fruit provide natural energy boost and the low GL index of this fruit results in slower carbohydrate absorption that stabilizes blood sugar and controls cravings for food.
