Smoothie Diet
What is a smoothie diet and how does it work?
A smoothie diet is a diet that consists of smoothies. All meals are replaced by smoothies for a duration of time. Usually this is for no longer than one week to ten days. Alternatively, one can supplement one to two meals a day with a smoothie.
A smoothie diet can work if you are looking to reduce your caloric and fat intake, as well as other ingredients you so desire not to consume, ie. Carbohydrates, dairy, ect. Smoothie diets also work to reduce the psychological addiction to eating and the need to feel ‘full’ all the time, as well as give the dieter a better understanding of what hunger is. Many people who overeat have lost the sense of what real fullness feels like within their own bodies. This works because when one is on a smoothie diet, they can obtain all of their nutritional requirements and caloric demands from the smoothies, however, after meals there is not the same sensation of fullness as there is with food. Finally, smoothie diets can work to cleanse the digestive system, which can increase energy and boost the metabolism and immune system.
Preparing your body for going on a smoothie diet
It is essential to prepare the body for any new diet, especially one that consists of all liquids and high fruit and vegetable intake. It is not recommended for a person who has a high meat diet to suddenly stop eating heavy meals and switch to drinking smoothies for one week. If the body is not prepared it can react poorly, causing sickness or shock. As well, it can be very unmotivating to the dieter if their body reacts poorly and they are incapable of following through with the diet.
One week before
Prepare yourself by increasing the number of fresh fruits and vegetables you eat with in a day. Reduce your meat consumption. Increase you water intake to at least 8 glasses per day (this is equal to two litres).
Two days before
Have one meal each that consists of only fruits, vegetables, nuts, yoghurt, and milk. Continue to drink plenty of water
One day before
Drink plenty of water, at least two litres
After your smoothie diet is finished
Slowly re-introduce regular foods back into your diet, having the first few meals high in fruit and vegetables, yoghurt and milk. Again, continue to drink a lot of water.
Tips for going on a smoothie diet
*Drink plenty of water, especially when you think you are hungry. Often people confuse hunger with thirst
*Determine how many calories you need in order to loose the desired weight, make sure that your smoothies don’t exceed your necessary caloric intake
*Check with your doctor to see if this diet is safe for your body type.
*As with any diet, peer or family support is essential for success – tell your family that you are on a diet so they can support you in the way that suits you best.
*Plan your smoothies and make sure that you have enough ingredients for at least two days before you begin the smoothie diet.
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