Fill-Me-Up Smoothie
Grapefruit has long been associated with weight loss, and research backs it up. A combination of vitamin C and lots of fiber help you burn fat while staying full. The potassium and other minerals in the banana, plum, and spinach help with muscle recovery after a workout. Meanwhile, the fruity taste makes it perfectly suited for breakfast or a snack.
• 1 banana, peeled
• 1 grapefruit, peeled and seeded
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 plum, pitted
• 1/4 cup water
Add all ingredients to the blender and puree. Pour into a cup and enjoy.
Yield: About 3 cups.
The Dish on Grapefruit
The Good: In addition to the high fiber content that helps keep you feeling full, grapefruits contain naringenin, an antioxidant that tells your liver to break down fat, so it really is good for weight loss.
The Bad: Grapefruit juice doesn’t offer all the remarkable health benefits of whole grapefruits: though it’s still good for you, it’s high in sugar and low in fiber and other fat-fighting components found only in the pulp and white inner skin. Grapefruit also negatively interacts with many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. Make sure you double-check any potential drug interactions before adding grapefruit to your diet. Fresh from the Garden
The rich flavors of this smoothie will remind you of a delicious spaghetti sauce, while the nutrients help your body fight fat. The fiber will keep you full until your next meal, and it’s nutritious enough to drink more than once per day, because it offers nearly everything your body needs, all in one appetizing glass.
• 1 tomato
• 2 stalks celery
• 2 radishes with greens
• 1/2 cup water
• 4 basil leaves
• 1 pinch sea salt (optional)
• 1 green bell pepper, de-stemmed
Combine all ingredients in your blender and puree. There are so many great flavors here, you may want to leave this a bit chunky to enjoy some of them individually.
Yield: About 2–3 cups.
Lean Greenie xx
If you’ve been in the dieting world for more than ten minutes, you’ve heard about the weight-loss benefits of cabbage and spinach. Toss in an apple to keep the doctor away, some kiwi just for extra vitamin C, and you’ve got a slightly sweet smoothie that will make you love green eating!
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup cabbage
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 green apple, cored and quartered
• 2 kiwis, peeled
Add all ingredients to your blender, two at a time, starting with the water and cabbage and pulsing between additions. Once all ingredients have been added, puree. Pour into a glass and enjoy.
Yield: About 3 cups.
Lanky Limojito xx
This is a great little recipe if you’re looking for a light, refreshing cocktail. Feel free to make it in larger quantities either in your blender or juicer, and sip on it throughout the day. The citrus it contains will help you burn fat, and the high water and fiber content will help keep you full while flushing toxins and fat out of your system. Also, if you’re looking for a low-calorie alternative to standard mojito mix, this is it.
• 1 lime, peeled
• 1 cucumber, quartered
• 5 mint leaves
Add all ingredients to your blender and puree. All of these ingredients work well together, so if you’d like to leave this smoothie a bit chunky to enjoy chewing individual flavors, feel free to do so.
Yield: About 2 cups.