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It’s been one of those weeks full of good food with good friends. We feel really happy but also really full. Sometimes a person just needs to scale back on eating to get back her waistline. Bloating is usually to blame for the extra 5 pounds you want to lose but you don’t need an all-out to cleanse to get back to your happy place. An easy place to start is with a detox drink, says Dr. Luiza Petre, MD, director of the Medi-Weightloss Clinics. “They can be used to detox and offload the inflammation that leads weight gain,” she says. All of these smoothies have ingredients that fight bloat, soothe bellies and block inflammation. Enjoy!
Cherry Almond Smoothie, Suburban Simplicity
If you don’t eat tart cherries, please start. Many experts have coined them one of the most potent anti-inflammatory foods you can consume. Combine them with anti-inflammatory almonds and almond milk. They deliver a fiber and protein combo that keeps you full for the longest period of time and on the fewest calories. This recipe calls for protein powder. Always opt for one that is low-sugar, low-cal and with the fewest ingredients. Mix in chia seeds just before serving. They have a high concentration of plant-based omega-3s that have been shown to increase good cholesterol and decease the bad. They also reduce inflammation, which in turn reduces storage of fat. It’s basically like a cherry pie in a blender but way healthier...and with spinach. Oh we didn’t mention that? You’ll never even know it’s there.
Hide Your Kale Smoothie, Minimalist Baker
The name says it all. We have no desire to drink liquefied kale even though we know the health benefits are tremendous. Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that directly inhibit inflammation and they’re found in many plant-based sources. One of the best is leafy greens in deep shades of emerald like kale. It’s high in antioxidants, vitamins A, K and C, plus minerals. Now how to hide the kale? Berries are an excellent choice for smoothies because they are bursting with natural sweetness and you can eat way more of them without worrying about the scale. For example, ¼-cup of raspberries is 15 calories, ¼-cup of blueberries is 20 calories and a ½-cup of strawberries is 25 calories. All berries are high in polyphenols, micronutrients that combat cellular stress by slowing down and blocking the inflammatory response in the body. Pomegranate juice and protein- and fiber-packed hemp seeds round out the recipe.
Lemon Turmeric Smoothie, Evolving Table
Turmeric and chia seeds are both high-powered anti-inflammatory foods. The issue is how do you use them? It’s not like you can easily sprinkle turmeric over veggies (too potent!). The key is to layer them in a smoothie with a melody of flavors. Dr. Lisa Davis, chief nutrition officer at Terra’s Kitchen, says the fat that sits on your abdomen is no ordinary fat. Aside from being really frustrating, she says that abdominal fat is, “metabolically active tissue that unleashes harmful inflammatory molecules associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes.” Turmeric counters this. It contains curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound. When turmeric and lemon meet in this recipe the flavor is dramatically delicious. Mix in chia seeds just before serving. They have a high concentration of plant-based omega-3s that have been shown to increase good cholesterol and decease the bad. They also reduce inflammation, which in turn reduces storage of fat.
Ginger Beet Smoothie, The Roasted Root
Beets are gorgeous! The striking deep red pigment comes from the betalains in this root veggie. And just like other richly hued fruits and veggies, the beet is loaded with antioxidants that reduce inflammation and stave off diseases. Beets join fiber-filled strawberries in this smoothie along with a top anti-inflammatory supplement: ginger. This sweet and spicy food aids digestion and helps metabolize excess adipose tissue (that’s a fancy word for fat). Ginger also decreases hunger and bloating. And don’t leave out the flax seeds. They have a high concentration of plant-based omega-3s that have been shown to increase good cholesterol and decease the bad. It also reduces inflammation and in turn reduces storage of fat. Flax doesn’t have a potent taste so you won’t compromise the flavor of your smoothie.
Almond Pineapple Smoothie, Atkins Nutritionals
Eating low-calorie, anti-inflammatory snacks like almonds help people achieve weight loss goals. Why? They have fiber and protein, a combo that keeps you full for the longest period of time and on the fewest calories. Adding them to a smoothie is a nice alternative when you need more to eat than just a handful of nuts. We love the tropical taste of pineapple in this smoothie. It has potassium – the number one enemy of belly bloat– plus lots of enzymes to ease digestion. Word of warning: always use fresh pineapple. Avoid the canned cubes because they’re loaded with excess sugar and that’s exactly what you’re trying to void when chasing away those last 5 pounds.
[Photos: Shutterstock]
