40 Green Smoothie Recipes For Weight Loss and Detox Book (6 page)

Smoothie fact:

Mangoes are an unsung hero in weight loss. Packed with more than 20 vitamins and minerals that protect the body against diseases, mangoes are a rich source of fiber and give a feeling of fullness in the belly. Plus, it tastes deliciously sweet so it will help you lose weight without depriving yourself of the good stuff.

Zucchini Vanilla Green Smoothie

Yield:
1 glass

Ingredients:

1 cup chopped zucchini

1 cup baby spinach

1 small banana

2 tablespoons pecan nuts

2 tablespoons pitted dates

1 cup non-dairy milk

½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Preparation:

1. Wash zucchini and spinach thoroughly. Without peeling, slice zucchini into half-inch thickness.

2. Peel banana and cut into half-inch slices.

3. Put zucchini, spinach, vanilla extract and milk in a blender and process until smooth. Add all the remaining ingredients and blend on high speed until smooth.

4. Pour into a tall glass and drink.

Variation:

For a more filling smoothie, add 1 cup of quinoa or oats into the recipe.

Want a cooler smoothie? Add ½ cup ice cubes or ½ cup cold water into the blend.

Smoothie fact:

Zucchini aids in weight loss because it is packed full of important nutrients, dietary fibers, antioxidants and vitamins A and C. Despite that, it is low in calories, which means it is a good substitute for filling you up.

No-Fruit Green Smoothie

Yield:
1 glass

Ingredients:

1 cup spinach

½ cup oats

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

¼ cup unsweetened coconut milk

1 ½ cups water

½ cup ice cubes

Preparation:

1. Blend spinach and water first.

2. When smooth, add oats, vanilla extract, salt, coconut milk and ice cubes and blend until fully mixed.

3. Pour into a tall glass and serve.

Variation:

If you are not drinking this smoothie right away, you can remove the ice cubes from the ingredients and just chill in the refrigerator to cool down the drink before serving.

Smoothie fact:

Coconut milk is a great weight loss alternative to other types of milk because the medium-chain fatty acids it contains are absorbed rapidly by the body and burned as fuel instead of being stored as fat.

Pineapple and Coconut Spinach Smoothie

Yield:
1 glass

Ingredients:

1 cup spinach

2 cups pineapple chunks

¼ cup coconut milk

½ cup water

½ cup ice cubes

Preparation:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until mixed thoroughly.

2. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.

Variation:

For a chunkier smoothie, substitute coconut milk with ½ cup shredded coconut.

You can also use romaine lettuce or any other mild green vegetable instead of spinach

Smoothie fact:

This is a refreshing smoothie that packs in dietary fibers, antioxidants and vitamins A and C. Each serving contains only 110 calories and 21 grams of carbohydrates.

Sweet Lettuce Punch Smoothie

Yield:
1 glass

Ingredients:

1 cup romaine lettuce

½ cup fresh strawberries

½ medium sized banana

½ apple (cored and chopped)

¼ cup dried apricots

1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds

½ cup non-dairy milk

½ cup ice cubes

Preparation:

1. Blend lettuce, strawberries and milk until mixed thoroughly.

2. Add in banana, apple, apricot and flaxseed. Whiz on high speed until smooth.

3. Blend in ice cubes last.

4. Pour into a tall glass and drink while cold.

Variation:

Pre-soak apricots before blending for a smoother blend.

Add ½ cup of oats for a more filling alternative.

Smoothie fact:

Romaine lettuce is good for your heart. It is rich in beta-carotene and Vitamin C that it is good for preventing the accumulation of cholesterol in your heart’s arteries. The folic acid in lettuce helps repair weakened blood vessels, while the potassium it contains helps lower blood pressure.

Because romaine lettuce has a slightly bitter taste, it is best to blend it with sweet fruits when making a smoothie.

Sweet and Sour Green Smoothie

Yield:
2 glasses

Ingredients:

¼ cup broccoli florets

¼ cup cauliflower florets

½ pink grapefruit

½ tablespoon linseeds

½ tablespoon almond nuts

2 tablespoons dried pitted dates (pre-soaked for a smoother blend)

½ cup dried apricots

½ cup non-dairy milk

1 cup water

Preparation:

1. Put water, milk, broccoli, cauliflower and grapefruit in a blender. Whiz until mixed thoroughly.

2. Add linseeds, almonds, dates and apricots. Blend until smooth.

3. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy.

Variation:

If you find the taste of grapefruit too sharp for your liking, you may substitute it with equal part orange for a sweeter taste.

Add more water if you find your smoothie quite thick.

Smoothie fact:

Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli are a great alternative to leafy vegetables when making green smoothies. They contain no fat, are rich in Vitamin C and are very low on carbohydrates.

Orange Julius Green Smoothie

Yield:
2 glasses

Ingredients:

2 cups spinach

1 ½ cups freshly squeezed orange juice

1 piece pitted date (pre-soaked)

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup almond milk

½ cup ice cubes

Preparation:

1. Blend spinach, milk and water until smooth.

2. Add in the rest of the ingredients and continue blending until thoroughly mixed.