Plant-based foods that have benefits for weight loss are plentiful, but they’re usually not on the tastier side, which is usually why so many people shy away from veganism.
However, this stigma doesn’t necessarily have to hold true, and you could easily begin your vegan weight loss journey with healthy, yet tasty smoothies that will have you full of energy for the entire day.
Of course, a good smoothie requires the right ingredients, and we’re going to try and introduce you to some of the many vegan foods that can be incorporated into a weight loss smoothie.
Remember, as long as it’s a blend of seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables, it qualifies as a smoothie, and if you haven’t got a sweet tooth, you could also try and make savory smoothies instead, although that will take a fair amount of getting used to at first.
Why is it so effective?
The answer to most of the questions you may have about the effectiveness of vegan smoothies lies in the fact that every ingredient has come directly from nature.
In a way, these smoothies are the most normal way to eat all of these foods, as you’re consuming them raw and in combinations that bring out the most from every ingredient.
Combining some of these fruits and vegetables may also help with masking the taste of others that you may not like, which gives you a great advantage in terms of what you can and can’t stomach.
Suddenly, greens like spinach and broccoli won’t present an issue, as they’ll be blended together with some of your favorite fruits and vegetables like oranges, carrots, apples, and even almonds and walnuts.
If you’re fully determined to make your smoothie as vegan as can be, you can also use almond or soy instead of whole milk, both of which come with their own benefits.
Nuts and seeds
Even though they may not be able to fill you up with energy, nuts, and seeds come with a plethora of bonuses that you just can’t get with fruits and vegetables.
The most notable benefit of nuts is the fact that they’re packed with fats that help our body function properly while also carrying certain minerals that we’d have a hard time finding elsewhere without resorting to supplements.
A good example of this is the Brazil nut, which has incredible amounts of Selenium, an element that is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance within one’s body but also one that isn’t as common as you’d think.
Naturally, all good things are consumed in moderation, and you should set some limits for Brazil nuts, as Selenium poisoning can be life-threatening if ingested in large doses.
Berries
You’d be hard-pressed to find a person who doesn’t enjoy some freshly picked blueberries or strawberries, and even if they’re out of season, frozen berries are just as viable of an option.
Full of antioxidants, berry fruits are one of the most important things when it comes to a weight loss diet, and most importantly, they’re low in calories.
Their high fiber content ensures that the gut is healthy and working properly whereas their incredible taste is a great addition to any smoothie, whether it’s vegetables you’re blending or just some fruits and plant-based milk.
On top of all of this, berries are filled with vitamins and minerals, which will help boost your immune system and keep you looking fresh throughout the day.
A berry smoothie can give you the kick you need in the morning, and even if you choose to have one after dinner, you won’t have a hard time sleeping as they actually promote digestion.
Leafy greens
Finally, we have the ultimate food, leafy greens, which can be an incredible addition to any smoothie that’s lacking some iron content.
Broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, and kale are all considered to be superfoods, and even though their taste may not be anything to write home about, including them in your vegan smoothie can make all the difference.
By combining kale or cauliflower with fruits and nuts, their taste will be completely overpowered by the tastiness of the berries you may have included and you’ll still be reaping the benefits of the leafy greens you included.
On the other hand, if you’re just looking to increase your iron intake, you could just opt for a leafy green-only smoothie, which may take some time to get used to, as the taste is likely the worst thing about it.
However, if you’re able to get past the taste the first time, it’ll begin to grow on you in no time, and sooner or later, you’ll be drinking green smoothies without a care in the world, knowing that your gains are worth the sub-optimal flavor you’re experiencing.