Starting your day with a protein smoothie made feel like the pinnacle of health, but it would be naive to think that all smoothie ingredients are equal. Health experts warn that shakes based on dairy or animal products can be inflammatory and throw you off your weight loss and overall health goals. Plant-based recipes, conversely, can be the perfect combination of low-calorie, high-fiber which helps aid digestions, support weight loss, speed metabolism and give energy for hours. Which is what we all really want out of our breakfasts right?
Plant-Based Recipe
“Smoothies are healthiest when made following a plant-based recipe, meaning it contains no dairy or animal products,” registered dietitian Trista Best of Balance One tells us.
Dairy, in particular, can promote mucus production and be inflammatory, she warns. While dairy and animal products can “inhibit weight loss” and lower mental and physical energy, plant-based alternatives do just the opposite.
“Opt for low-calorie and high-fiber ingredients like spinach, carrots, apples, and other preferred produce,” Best advises. These ingredients will boost your smoothie’s energy and weight loss side effects. Pro Tp: “To add extra fiber you can opt to blend in oats, the quick oats variety, to add bulk and improve the satiating factor of your smoothie,” she suggests
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Dr. Amy Lee's Recipe
The board certified doctor in internal medicine, medical nutrition and obesity medicine and partner of Nucific shares her favorite recipe.
Ingredients: 1 medium sized banana (greener side—less sugar than the super ripe ones); 1 cup frozen mixed berries (natural fibers to keep you fuller longer plus vitamins); 2 scoops of pea plant protein powder (I like Naked brand because it has nothing else in it!); 2 teaspoons of chia seeds; and 1-2 cups coconut milk, unsweetened, more if you want it runnier.
"This is a great smoothie that is packed with pure proteins and fiber to keep you satiated and you have enough to sip on throughout the morning and early afternoon hours," she says. "Also, people find it easy to drink (convenient) without the disruption of having to whip out the plates and silverware."
But that's not all. "Because it is packed with nutrients, and low in calories, it doesn’t get stored into fat." Nice!
