How proud are you of your abs? Are you looking forward to warmer weather or still hoping you have more time to blend into shape? Well, nothing says toned abs like a strict smoothie regimen.
If you are still drinking sodas, now is a good time to take a replacement drink. One of the hardest body fats to get rid of, is that on the side and waist. While you do this with crunchy exercises, you’ll need a fine blend of fresh fruit smoothies to do the final finishing.
Every body-builder has his combo. But for high-protein, muscle-shaping smoothie, you’ll need a power blender like the ones reviewed at Gadget Review. You want the pips and pulps well crushed to get the fluids down smoothly.
Without further ado, let’s delve into my fave smoothie mixes; a list that’s capable of whipping you into an enviable summer bod.
A strawberry shortcake
Everybody knows how nutritious strawberries are. They are filled with antioxidants, lower blood pressure and supplement heart functions. Strawberries also make great love snacks. But when you are not using it in a romantic setting, you could be putting it to good use in your fitness activities.
- Take 1½ cup of frozen strawberries
- 1 tablespoon strawberry 100% all-fruit preserves
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 2 spoon-scoops of cookies & cream whey protein (powder)
Place in your blender and set on high until it is smooth. Now, drink the nutritious mixture. Delicious, right? This should go down well for the next couple of months.
Peaches and cream
When music group, 112 sang that peachy song, they sure knew what they meant. Your body needs its fair share of minerals to boost brain and nerve functions. Peaches contain a healthy supply of calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, copper and zinc. Since they are low in calories, and lack cholesterol or saturated fats, peaches are a good source of dietary fiber.
- 2 small bowls of peaches
- ¼ cup of Greek yoghurt (fat-free)
- 1 cup of tangerine juice
- 2 tablespoons of egg-white protein (or vanilla whey powder)
Blend on high until silky smooth. The characteristic creamy aroma should tell you when it’s ready.
Bahama Bro mix
This one is a fancy combination of fresh pineapples and orange juice. Pineapples give a whole plethora of benefits. It should probably have its own post, but I’ll select just a few. In addition to immune support, they strengthen the bones, and improve eye health. Pineapples also aid in digestive tracts and have anti-inflammatory functions. Simply put, it is a nutritionist’s life-hack.
- 1½ cups of frozen pineapple
- 4 ice cubes
- ½ cup of freshly squeezed orange juice (good for teeth and gums)
- ¼ cup light coconut milk (canned)
- 100% pomegranate juice
- 2 scoops of vanilla whey (or egg-white protein) powder
Toss all ingredients into the blender in same listed order and hit the high button. Blend until smooth and drink chilled.
Black Forrest
With a name so fancy, everything good can come from it. The Black Forest smoothie is a delicious blend of cherries and spinach leaves. Cherries, like strawberries are excellent antioxidants. They reduce belly fat (aha!), muscle pain and lower stroke risks. They also promote a good sleep.
Spinach on the other hand, is low in fat and has an even lower cholesterol value. It contains high quantities of niacin and zinc, including fibre, protein, vitamins A, C, E and K.
- 1 ½ cups of frozen cherries
- 1 cup of spinach leaves
- 1 cup of unsweetened vanilla (or chocolate almond milk)
- 2 scoops of chocolate egg-white or whey protein powder
Put into the blender as listed and blend on high until fine smooth. The sweet dark aroma is extremely inviting.
Acai Blueberry Cobbler
I have always loved blueberry pie, but for the sake of a muscle-building mix, consider blending it into a smoothie. Blueberries are well-known for fighting off heart conditions. This is because of its fibre content, folate, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and lack of cholesterol.
- 1 cup of frozen blueberries
- 6 ice cubes
- 1 ¼ cups of unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- ¼ cup old-fashioned oats
- 2 scoops vanilla whey or egg-white protein powder
- 3 tablespoons of acai powder
- 2 teaspoons of light agave nectar
Place into blend as listed, set on high and blend till smooth.
Banana crush
What’s a guy’s smoothie list without bananas? This tropical fruit is rich in essential nutrients and great for weight loss, digestion and heart health. They contain a fair quantity of fibre and are packed with many antioxidants.
- 2 – 3 sliced bananas (frozen)
- 4 ice cubes
- 1 ½ cups of unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- ¼ cup light coconut milk (canned)
- 2 scoops vanilla whey protein powder
Place as listed and blend high. Your banana crush is best drunk chilled.
Try any of these recipes for the next couple of months (or more). Drink at least 2 or 3 times daily, in combination with regular work-outs and see the difference. Remember, no more sodas or sugared drinks.
