If you are bored of trying different diets and craving for something delicious and nutritious, you can try vegan smoothies! These delicious drinks are not only delicious, but also an effective way to lose weight. They are high in vitamins, minerals, and fibre and can help reduce cravings, enhance metabolism, and provide long-lasting energy. Plus, if you are lactose intolerant or simply follow a vegan diet, making these vegan smoothies may be beneficial. From green, leafy combinations to tropical fruit delights, there is a vegan smoothie to suit every taste. Here is how to make vegan smoothies for weight loss.

7 recipes of vegan smoothies for weight loss

Here are some lip-smacking vegan smoothie recipes for shedding extra pounds, as explained by nutritionist Susmita N.

1. Green detox smoothie

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of spinach
• 1/2 cup of kale
• 1 green apple, chopped
• 1/2 cucumber, chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
• 1 cup of water

Method:

• Add spinach, kale, apple, cucumber, lemon juice, chia seeds, and water to a blender.
• Blend until smooth.
• Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Drink green juice to get in shape. Image courtesy: Freepik

2. Berry blast smoothie

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1 banana
• 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds
• 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
• 1 teaspoon of maple syrup (optional)

Method:

• Combine mixed berries, banana, flaxseeds, almond milk, and maple syrup (if using) in a blender.
• Blend until smooth.
• Serve immediately.

3. Tropical mango smoothie

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of frozen mango chunks
• 1/2 cup of pineapple chunks
• 1/2 banana
• 1 cup of coconut water
• 1 tablespoon of hemp seeds

Method:

• Place mango, pineapple, banana, coconut water, and hemp seeds in a blender.
• Blend until creamy and enjoy!

4. Avocado and spinach smoothie

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 avocado
• 1 cup of spinach
• 1 banana
• 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds

Method:

• Add avocado, spinach, banana, almond milk, and chia seeds to a blender.
• Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Pour into a glass and serve.

5. Chocolate banana smoothie

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
• 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds

Method:

• Blend banana, cocoa powder, peanut butter, almond milk, and flax seeds together until smooth.
• Serve chilled.

6. Pineapple mint smoothie

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cucumber, chopped
• 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
• 1 cup of coconut water

Method:

• Combine pineapple, cucumber, mint, chia seeds, and coconut water in a blender.
• Blend until smooth.
• Enjoy it fresh.

7. Apple cinnamon smoothie

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 apple, chopped
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon of almond butter
• 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds

Method:

• Add apple, banana, cinnamon, almond butter, almond milk, and chia seeds to a blender.
• Blend until smooth.
• Serve immediately.

These smoothies are quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, making them ideal for a weight loss-friendly breakfast or snack.

Vegan smoothies for weight loss: How does it help?

Here’s how vegan smoothie recipes help in losing weight, as explained by the expert.

1. Makes you feel fuller

Vegan smoothies are generally high in fibre, as found in a study published in the International Journal of Current Science which helps you feel full for longer. This can help to lessen cravings and stop unhealthy munching throughout the day. Plant-based proteins such as nuts, seeds, and legumes help promote satiety, which aids with portion control.

2. Keeps you hydrated

Smoothies often include water or plant-based milk, helping you keep yourself hydrated. Proper hydration is crucial to boost your metabolism, which is essential for weight loss. Thirst is often confused with hunger, and drinking these drinks may keep you satiated and help avoid unnecessary eating.

Drinking healthy juices for weight loss can help you! Image courtesy: Freepik

3. Rich in nutrients

Vegan smoothies are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre while being relatively low in calories. This allows you to consume fewer calories without sacrificing nutrition. Ingredients like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds provide significant fibre, which promotes a feeling of fullness and helps regulate digestion, reducing overall calorie intake.

4. Boosts metabolism

Many fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that play a role in metabolism, the process by which your body burns calories. For example, fruits rich in vitamin C can help boost metabolism. Ingredients like green tea or ginger can further enhance metabolism, aiding weight loss, as found in a study published in the Critical Reviews in the Food and Nutrition.

Examples of weight loss-aiding ingredients:

• Spinach/kale: Low in calories, high in fibre, and rich in nutrients.
• Berries: Low in sugar, high in fibre, and packed with antioxidants.
• Chia/flax seeds: High in fibre and omega-3 fatty acids, promoting satiety.
• Avocado: Provides healthy fats and fibre, contributing to fullness.
• Plant-based protein powder: Supports muscle maintenance and metabolic rate.

Who should avoid vegan smoothies for weight loss?

• People with allergies to certain fruits, nuts, or seeds should avoid those ingredients while making a smoothie.
• Should monitor fruit intake due to natural sugars and consult with a healthcare provider to avoid the risk.
• Individuals with certain medical conditions or nutritional deficiencies should consult a healthcare provider to ensure smoothies meet their dietary requirements without adverse effects.
• Incorporating vegan smoothies into your diet as part of a balanced, calorie-controlled eating plan can support weight loss efforts by providing essential nutrients, promoting satiety, and encouraging healthy eating habits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it safe to drink smoothies everyday?

Smoothies which are high in fibre and protein keep you fuller longer, while those made with fruits and vegetables enhance your daily vegetable intake. There is no problem with drinking smoothies every day as long as they contain a range of fruits and vegetables and are low in refined sugar.

2. Is smoothie good for digestion?

Smoothies are a good choice if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive issues. Plant fibre is pulverised when blended, making it easier for your digestive system to process.

Take away!

Vegan smoothies can be a delicious and nutritious way to support weight loss. By including a variety of fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins, these smoothies provide essential nutrients, promote satiety, and help maintain a healthy metabolism. Incorporating these recipes into your diet can aid in weight management while ensuring you receive a balanced intake of vitamins and minerals.

Read Also: What causes black mucus? Is it a sign of lung cancer?