This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
A good smoothie makes everything better, especially when it’s made with healthy, nourishing ingredients that can help boost your metabolism. They’re also an easy and delicious way to get a serving of fruits and vegetables.
Need new recipes to help you stay on track with your weight loss? Experts recommend using anti-inflammatory ingredients in your smoothies to target inflammation. These ingredients are often loaded with healthy nutrients and minerals that support digestion and promote a healthy metabolism, making them excellent for those trying to lose weight.
In fact, there’s one anti-inflammatory smoothie recipe that David Zinczenko, author of “Zero Belly Smoothies,” recommends to help get rid of belly fat for good–it’s his Ginger Man Smoothie!
Ingredients:
½ cup frozen strawberries
¼ frozen banana
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1 teaspoon ground flaxseed
Dash of ground pepper
1 scoop plain plant-based protein powder
Water to blend (optional)
Nutrition Info:
264 calories / 5 g fat / 26 g carbs / 6 g fiber / 11 g sugar / 29 g protein
The smoothie gets its anti-inflammatory effects from ginger, which is the main ingredient. "Ginger packs high levels of health-boosting phytonutrients," Zinczenko says.
Strawberries are another key player in this recipe. Zinczenko notes that studies show strawberries have been linked to lower abdominal fat accumulation. "While there are studies linking nearly every kind of fruit to some sort of health benefit, the most evidence tends to pile up around fruits that are red or reddish, like purple or orange fruits," he says.
Not a fan of ginger? No worries--Zinczenko has plenty of other recipes and tips to help you make the perfect fat-burning smoothie that adheres to your palette. When making a smoothie, he says that the ones that have a "cool red or purple hue" are the recipes that will deliver the most antioxidants and fight-fighting fiber.
Another tip is to make sure that you're blending and consuming every edible part of the fruits and vegetables you're adding to your smoothie. "The rough stuff is what makes it good. And third, juices lack fat and protein; without these crucial elements, you’re getting no fat-burning, metabolism-boosting benefits," he continues.
What are some of your favorite smoothie recipes? Let us know in the comments below!
