Things are heating up and summer is just around the corner—which means you may be working extra hard to get your body in shape for when it’s finally time to hit the beach. In addition to exercising regularly (check out these trainer-approved ab workouts!), a healthy diet is another important factor to consider as you work towards your dream bikini body. And when it comes to healthy, nutritious meals, a smoothie is always a great option. Of course, a smoothie is only as healthy as the ingredients you put into it. But luckily, there are tons of equally tasty and weight loss-healthy options out there.
To discover some of the best choices, we spoke to nutritionist and personal trainer Mary Sabat. She told us that adding berries, leafy greens, and chia seeds to your smoothies can help you kick those unwanted pounds to the curb. Read on for more info about the benefits of each of these ingredients.
1. Berries
Berry smoothie, anyone? This tasty fruit is packed with nutrients and incredible health benefits that can help you shed pounds faster and get your body bikini-ready. Luckily, they also taste delicious alongside a range of other smoothie ingredients.
"Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are low in calories and high in antioxidants, making them a great option for weight loss smoothies," Sabat tells us. Antioxidants help protect your body from free radical damage that can lead to inflammation, which is one major contributor of weight gain and disease.
Consider stocking up on some frozen berries so that you can easily blend them up when your smoothie craving strikes.
2. Chia Seeds
Nuts and seeds are another great type of food to add to your diet while you're trying to lose weight. They're typically loaded with nutrients and can allow you to stay fuller longer so that you avoid overeating later on. Sabat says that chia seeds, in particular, are a fantastic option if you're looking for a satiating smoothie ingredient.
"Chia seeds are high in fiber and protein, and they can absorb liquid and expand in your stomach, which can help keep you feeling full," she explains. In addition to smoothies, chia seeds also make a good ingredient for oatmeal or even a yummy chia seed pudding.
READ MORE: The Surprising Fat-Blasting Properties Of Chia Seeds
3. Leafy Greens
Don't forget to eat your greens! If you're not a fan of salads, adding leafy greens to your blender is one good way to reap the benefits of these superfoods while masking the flavor. Like berries and chia seeds, these vegetables offer up a great amount of essential nutrients without packing in the calories.
"Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are packed with vitamins and minerals, low in calories, and high in fiber, making them a great addition to any weight loss smoothie," Sabat raves.
READ MORE: Dietitians Agree: These Are The Best Leafy Greens To Eat Every Day For A Healthier Body Over 40
Healthy smoothie recipe
Looking for a way to combine all of these ingredients for the ultimate weight loss smoothie? Sabat gave us a tasty, nutritious recipe to try out, which she tells us is "low in calories, high in fiber and protein, and packed with nutrients, making it a great option for weight loss."
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 banana
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
You can find more weight loss-friendly smoothie recipes here.
The bottom line
Of course, it will take a bit more than a few simple smoothie recipes to get in shape by summer. Weight loss requires a range of moving parts, including a great workout routine—but a balanced diet is one major key. While chia seeds, leafy greens, and berries may not be a magic formula, they'll certainly help you get one step closer to your health goals by offering nutrients and helping you stay fuller longer.
