Stay Fueled for Hours!
There is a secret to turning off your body's hunger signals and it is as simple as eating four "fabulous" ingredients together, according to celebrity Nutritionist, Kelly LeVeque.
Have you ever used a smoothie as a meal replacement only to be starving an hour later? That's probably because it was low in protein and fat, and high in fructose (i.e., sugar from fruit) and other sugars. Even natural sugars like honey are recognized and digested in the body like table sugar; rapidly. However, when you combine a small portion of fructose (like a quarter-cup of blueberries) with high-quality fat, fiber, and protein; magic happens! All of the sudden your brain tells you that you're completely satiated... and you're no longer raiding your pantry to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Our days of sugar-filled cups are long gone! Leading nutritionists are offering a multitude of new tips on eating for fulfillment, balancing hormones, fat loss, appetite control and maximizing health benefits. One way to simply start your day off with your metabolism on fire (plus a satisfied appetite) is with a "Fab Four" Smoothie. Below are three of my go-to recipes when I'm short on time and need a quick nutritionally dense meal.
Kelly LeVeque's Fab Four Ingredients...
1. Protein (Examples: protein powder and Greek yogurt)
Benefits:
Signals to your brain that you are full
Helps with food absorption
Source for amino acids and collagen which help in cell repair
2. Fiber (Examples: flax seeds and chia seeds)
Benefits:
Helps with digestion and regularity
Anti-Inflammatory properties
Slows absorption of glucose
3. Fat (Examples: MCT oil, coconut cream, avocado, almond butter, hemp seeds)
Benefits:
Increases satiety
Curbs cravings
Reduces fasting insulin levels
Hydrates cells.
4. Greens (Examples: greens powder, spinach, kale)
Benefits:
Repairs cell damage
Detoxification agents
Provides vitamins and minerals
Offers phytonutrients & phytochemicals
I've added all of the ingredients that I used
in these recipes in my Amazon Shop for you to find them easily.
Balanced Breakfast Smoothie
YOUMAXA Protein Shake, 1 scoop
Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk, 8oz.
Medium Avocado, 1/2
Raw Spinach, handful
Raw Almond Butter, 1 TBSP.
Organic Strawberries, 4
Dash of Cinnamon
Ice
Loco Coco Smoothie
YOUMAXA Protein Shake, 1 scoop
Unsweetened Almond Malk, 8oz.
Raw Peanut Butter, 2 TBSP
Banana, 1/2
Organic Shredded Coconut, 1 TBSP.
Ground Flaxseeds, 1 TBSP.
American Metabolix Keto Greens, 1 scoop
Ice
Berry-Tastic Smoothie
YOUMAXA Protein Shake, 1 scoop
Unsweetened Almond Malk, 8oz.
Hemp Hearts, 2 TBSP.
Blueberries/Raspberries, 1/3 C.
American Metabolix Keto Greens, 1 scoop
Spirulina, 1 tsp.
Chia Seeds, 1 TBSP.
Ice
I always have these ingredients in stock which makes it easy for me to whip up a quick smoothie when I have a rushed morning or a booked afternoon.
For protein, I’ve been using (and loving) YOUMAXA Premium Protein in my smoothies because it's jam-packed with Super Foods and quality ingredients. What is also important to me is that it's keto and vegan friendly, free of artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, colors, and dyes. This is one of the cleanest protein powders that I've been able to find on the market right now and I'm incredible grateful to partner with them on this post.
Learn more about YOUMAXA by clicking here.
Are you someone that loves smoothies? If so, what super foods do you add to yours?
Live Healthy,
Hilary
This post is sponsored by YOUMAXA, however, all the thoughts and
opinions above are my own.
Sources: Kelly LeVeque "Body Love"
