Green Monster

I have started drinking green monster smoothies.

It is a spinach smoothie.

I am hoping it will give me more energy.

The recipe I have been using is

1 cup of vanilla almond milk

Greek yogurt 1 small container- about 1/2 cup

frozen banana- peeled and sliced before freezing

3 to 4 cups of spinach

small spoonful of natural peanut butter


I am going to change it up some, I think I am going to leave out the peanut butter or the yogurt next time.

I'm trying to save on calories, but I think I may need at least one of them for protein.

I will keep trying out recipes and post what I think of them here.

I have been doing some reading about it, this is some of it.

Weight Loss Benefits

Putting green vegetables in smoothies aids weight maintenance and weight loss for several reasons. First, those fiber-rich vegetables can enhance feelings of fullness and make such feelings last longer than foods with other nutrients can. That may curb your total calorie consumption and help you build up a larger calorie deficit. For every 3,500 calories you manage to save, you'll lose 1 lb. Cut calories when you use a green smoothie as a meal replacement, especially if it drink it as a substitute for the meal that is normally your largest.

Health Benefits

Green smoothies also have nutritional benefits that go beyond helping you lose weight. You may not think that sneaking veggies into a smoothie makes a big difference, but ChooseMyPlate.gov reports that eating more servings of vegetables every day can help you decrease your risk of cancer, bone loss, diabetes, stroke, heart attack and kidney stones. Smoothies made with natural ingredients will also provide you with essential nutrients that you might miss out on at normal meals.

Recipe

Adding a cup of raw, fresh spinach leaves to any smoothie won't alter the taste or texture dramatically, but it will add a splash of color and a boost of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Try blending a handful of crushed ice with the spinach, one small banana, 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup of nonfat plain yogurt and 1/2 cup of skim milk. The drink has about 250 calories, 13.5 g protein, 1 g fat and 5 g fiber. Once you get used to the spinach, try increasing the amount or adding some broccoli, kale, zucchini or green bell pepper

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/476539-what-are-the-benefits-of-green-smoothies-for-weight-loss/#ixzz1kOFeQ3Im