Shakes are consumed as a tasty addition to meals, for those trying to lose weight or just eat more healthfully. We all get those nagging snack cravings. Shakes are the cool, refreshing solution and can even be used as a meal substitute with the right ingredients and nutrients.
But not all shakes are healthy or positive additions to your well-constructed meal plan. Take some time to review which of the following ingredients should be used in your shakeology creations and which ingredients to avoid.
Ingredients to Use:
- Fruit – The HCG diet encourages the consumption of two fruits every day. Some of the best fruits are apples, strawberries, lemons, and oranges. Just think of the tasty shakes you could make with those flavor combinations! Bananas may also be used, in moderation, as a very good source of potassium. Depending on your taste preference, grapefruit can make an especially strong shake with myriad of health benefits.
- Stevia – Depending on what other ingredients you use, Stevia can add a pop of natural flavor without adding harsh chemicals or any calories.
- Vegetables – Like fruit, vegetables should be limited to two each day. There’s really no vegetable that is a bad choice to eat. Some that work better in shakes include spinach (for bone health and lower blood pressure), ginger (to relieve arthritis pain), carrots (eye health and fighting cancer), kale (cardiovascular support), and cucumber (skin health). You’d be surprised how easily these can be incorporated without changing the taste.
- Coffee – While on the HCG diet, you can drink an unlimited supply of coffee and tea though we recommend moderation, for best results. Therefore, coffee can be used as the base of a cold shake.
Ingredients to Avoid:
- Milk – Milk is limited to one tablespoon daily, and it must be fat-free. One tablespoon will not go very far in a shake, but you can utilize it if you stick to the limitation.
- Sugar – Many smoothie and shake recipes call for extra sugar. Don’t give in! Allow the natural sugars of the fruits and the flavor of Stevia to satisfy your craving.
Use care with the ingredients you combine for a healthy morning or dessert shake. A shake can be tasty and healthy with some experimentation and patience. And if you make a shake with two fruits or two vegetables, remember to save half for later so that you only drink one portion size.
If you feel that your dietary routine isn’t working, or you have questions about starting one, Complete Medical Weight Loss Clinic can help. Simply call for more information at 803-329-THIN (8446).