As with so many weight-loss plans, though, the details are important. As part of a balanced diet, smoothies can help you lose weight. But ingredients, portion size, and your overall eating plan will make all the difference.
On this eating plan, you will prepare and drink two smoothies a day as meal replacements. Your third meal is up to you, but for the best results it should be lower in calories. Sgoutas also suggests one “cheat day” per week but includes a recommended food list for this day. He also says that it is fine to repeat the 21-day cycle anytime you would like to lose weight.
What to Eat
The smoothie ingredients vary, but they focus on fruits and vegetables, with some protein and healthy fats. There is some guidance in e-book for the one solid-food meal you will consume each day (recommendations for what to eat, and some “ whole food” recipes). Sgoutas points out that if this meal is too high in calories, the diet won’t work for weight loss. The e-book also includes some suggested low-sugar, high-fiber snacks.
I’m ready to start my 21-Day Smoothie challenge and lose 10-21 pounds fast and safe!
Recommended Timing
On the “detox” plan, all three daily meals are replaced with smoothies. On the 21-day plan, you’ll consume two meal-replacement smoothies (breakfast and lunch), one solid-food meal, and a few snacks.
Modifications
If necessary, plan a “flex day,” in which you consume one smoothie and two regular meals. Also of note: The e-book suggests that this diet is not for people with food allergies.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Emphasis on fruits and vegetables
Less calorie-counting and food tracking
Shopping lists included
Cons:
Restrictive
Preparation could be time-consuming
Pros
Fruits and Vegetables
The smoothie diet’s recipes contain plenty of fruits and veggies, which are an essential part of a healthy diet. They tend to be low in calories and rich in phytonutrients.
Less Counting
Unlike many other eating plans, the smoothie diet doesn’t require carbohydrate counting, a food diary, or full-time calorie counting. It does recommend being aware of the calorie count in the daily solid-food meal. With recipes and weekly meal plans (that is, smoothie plans) provided, there is not a lot of decision-making or tracking involved, which is a boon for some users.
Shopping Lists
The e-book contains shopping lists broken down by smoothie and by week, which simplifies grocery-store visits during the three weeks of the diet.
Even with these benefits, experts have concerns about the smoothie diet’s effectiveness and sustainability.
Cons
Restrictive
Most of the diet’s smoothies are low in protein, and a few fall short in healthy fats. Sgoutas does emphasize getting enough protein throughout the day, recommending at least 50 grams daily by eating a little with each meal and snack. However, some people may need additional guidance on this issue-and without proper planning, could fall short meeting their protein needs. If you are using a smoothie as a meal replacement, make sure it contains each essential macronutrient: protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
In general, fruit smoothies tend to contain plenty of calories from carbohydrates and perhaps a small amount of fat. But they also need a good source of lean protein. Protein helps build muscle, which you need to maintain a healthy metabolism. Try adding a tablespoon or two of chia seeds to a smoothie. The seeds will thicken your drink and provide a boost of fiber as well.
Time-Consuming
Making two or three smoothies a day (and cleaning the blender afterward) takes time. And while you can easily prep a morning smoothie and take it with you for breakfast on the go, it’s much harder to have a smoothie for lunch if you’re away from home and don’t have access to all your ingredients and a blender.
A Word From Fitness My Mind
The 21- day Smoothie Challenge is an easy, nutritious and delicious way to get the right smoothies into your day to begin transforming your health and body. It has recipes for every taste bud and preference, and even comes with gluten-free and kid-friendly options. Since the program is not designed to replace foods, it can be used by anyone looking to feed their body what it needs to achieve optimal health and safe, sustainable weight loss. You can even give it a try risk-free for two months with the 60 Day Money Back Guarantee. So, why not see how sipping on the right smoothies can bring you closer to your health and fitness goals? You have nothing to lose and at the very least, you learn some new recipes that make it easy and delicious to get all kinds of fruits and vegetables into your diet
I’m ready to start my 21-Day Smoothie challenge and lose 10-21 pounds fast and safe!
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