The smoothie fasting diet is a liquid diet that centers on consumption of blended fruits and vegetables. This diet, according to an article published online by “Lifestyle Lounge,” is used to shed unwanted pounds quickly while concurrently boosting energy. This liquid diet consists of drinking vegetable smoothies, fruit smoothies and smoothies with both, fruits and vegetables, as well as fresh, rather than concentrated juices. There are many fruit and vegetable combinations possible with this diet that offer a broad array of nutrients and antioxidants that destroy damaging cells in the body.
Importance of Breakfast
With this diet, as with most diet programs, it is vitally important to consume food for breakfast, the most important meal of the day. Beginning the day with a vegetable or fruit smoothie will stoke metabolism, thereby promoting increased weight loss and also provide the dieter with a welcome boost of energy to start the day. Additionally, starting the day with breakfast also prevents mid-morning and late afternoon hunger by stabilizing and maintaining blood glucose levels throughout the day.
Foods to Avoid
Though this is called the smoothie fasting diet, it still provides nutrients, but only in the form of liquids, while advocating abstaining from solid food. According to “Lifestyle Lounge,” for some, this diet may not include dairy products, as the fat and protein in milk is too difficult to digest without solid food for some people. It is also suggested that caffeine and alcohol be either limited or all together avoided for best weight loss results.
Smoothie Contents
When juices are used in making smoothies for the smoothie fasting diet, they should be made fresh from fruit, rather than from fruit concentrate, as these commercial preparations are loaded with corn syrup and sugar. Corn syrup and refined sugar are well-known to pack on pounds and diminish energy associated with weight loss and consumption of healthy nutrients. There are endless options for recipes for this diet. One example includes ¼ cup tofu mixed in a blender with apple juice. Another idea is to blend 1 cup of yogurt with fresh blueberries for a refreshing treat. Adding whey or another protein powder may also accelerate weight loss.
Smoothie Protein recommendations
According to “Lifestyle Lounge,” it is important to consume 20 grams of protein per day while dieting. This protein generally should come from soy products, rice, protein products, and whey protein products, and may be easily added to smoothies during preparation. Commercially prepared protein mixes are available at health foods stores and some grocery stores and pharmacies.
Meal Timing
Since liquids are digested quickly, it is important to prepare and drink a smoothie every 2 to 3 hours to maintain blood glucose levels and prevent ravenous hunger. It is helpful to take a multi-vitamin when on this diet to ensure complete, adequate nutrition. Before starting this or any diet, it is important to consult a physician.