The green smoothie diet promises to help you lose weight and get healthier. The claims are that you will experience more energy, better digestion, less craving for unhealthy foods, and a better mood.
How the Green Smoothies Diet Works
The green smoothies diet works in a similar way to many substitution diets. You just substitute a green smoothie for your normal breakfast, normal lunch, and then eat something approximating a normal dinner. You are supposed to start your consumption with relatively small portions and work your way up to consuming a quart of green smoothie a day.
Does It Work?
As with all fad diets, there is a ton of anecdotal evidence of people who went on this diet and lost weight. Based on its simple principles, though, it’s quite possible that this is a diet that may actually work for many people. Substitution diets work by reducing your calorie intake with a lower-calorie substitute for your normal meal. By reducing your calorie intake, you will lose weight.
The green smoothie diet also avoids the pitfalls of fad diets like the lemonade diet in which you are dramatically cutting your caloric intake and cutting out nutrients you really need. Instead, drinking green smoothies ensures you get your daily dose of vegetables, and allows you to get a variety of nutrients.
However, it likely won’t work for everyone. For many people, a green smoothie just doesn’t have what it takes to serve as a substitute for a whole meal, which may leave you feeling hungry and snacky too often.
Health Problems with Green Smoothie Diets
The main concern about green smoothie diets is that you may end up with a protein deficiency. However, it is possible to make sure you’re meeting your protein requirements every day. Many recipes include milk or soy milk, which provides protein, and if you follow the guidelines of having a good amount of protein with your dinner.
You also need to make sure you’re getting a good balance of carbohydrates. It’s easy to end up with too much sugar in your smoothies. Make sure you’re getting some good fiber in your smoothies.
Commercial smoothies can also contain high amounts of hidden sugar. Make sure you make your smoothies yourself so you know what’s in them.
So, as far as fad diets go, the green smoothie diet is a relatively positive one. It’s worth a try to see if it helps you.
If you find you need help to reach your weight loss goals, please contact Med-Fit Medical Weight Loss Clinic in Denver today.
