Are you excited for before and after weight loss photos symbolizing your journey of growth and resilience? These low calorie fruit smoothie recipes can help get you there! Before and after pictures are so inspiring. The photos show clearly two different people in a timeline.
The "before" person is weighed down not only by her extra weight, but also the emotional baggage that bogs her down. Her broken self esteem is written all over her face.
She believes the lies whispered in her ear that she will never be healthy again. She is destined to sit and watch her family and friends actively play or go on spontaneous hikes to explore a new trails.
How do I know this? Because this before picture was me a year ago! I was celebrating the New Year with my family and friends. I felt bloated and uncomfortable as these pants were on the tight side... But I did not want to buy a larger size.
Size 24 was the largest size I wore. My spirit was defeated.
After seeing that picture I decided that I wanted to actively spend time with my family to lose weight. I wanted to be healthy. I started exercising on my indoor bike. I didn't lose much weight that first month... but I was getting stronger.
Then I over estimated my level of fitness and went skiing with my family. I had a blast for 4 hours... Then I crashed on a melted grassy spot and tore my ligaments and meniscus. I was in so much pain!
I quickly realized that since I couldn't exercise for about 8 weeks, I needed a better control of my diet.
So I downloaded a calorie counter to track my meals. I still ate all the foods with my family... just less.
In those 8 weeks, I started to lose weight while sitting on the couch with no exercise! It was mainly because I figured out how to eat lower calories. But not too low.
These low calorie smoothie recipes and protein smoothie recipes on my site helped me immensely.
Now I don't want to say that this is my "after" picture. I have removed 80 pounds and have 20 more to shed. But I have so much freedom!
One of the biggest keys to losing weight is to eat less calories than your body uses. The low calorie fruit smoothie recipes below can be used either for a meal or shared with a friend for a snack. Just make sure that it is calculated along with the rest of your day.
Also, make sure that you are eating enough calories. Some people go to the extreme and eat only 500-800 calories a day. That isn't enough to sustain your body. Your thoughts will be consumed on food... your normal energy levels will drop. Calories are not our enemy. I was eating between 1500-1900 calories all while losing weight. It is about being consistent and to "trust the process".
Most fruit are low in calories, especially fresh or frozen (no sugar added). Berries are great. I do recommend using at least half of a frozen banana or mango for a creamier consistency.
For liquids, I suggest using flavored tea, lower fat milks, or egg whites. Yep, you heard me right. Egg whites in a carton are pasteurized and safe to consume without cooking. It is 100% protein.
Also, sweeteners play a big role in calories. I suggest any low calorie version. You can experiment with different brands. I like using stevia, monk fruit, or sugar-free flavored syrups like Jordan Skinny Syrups.
Avoid using "natural" sweeteners like honey or cane sugar. These unnecessarily add calories without any extra benefit.
Strawberry Pineapple Protein Shake
3/4 cup egg whites
5oz fresh pineapple
1 oz spinach
4oz strawberries, frozen
1/2 banana, frozen
1 scoop Vanilla Isopure Protein Powder
Pour the egg whites in first with the pineapple and spinach. Add all the frozen ingredients on top. Blend until smooth. Add the protein powder and blend for 3-5 seconds.
Protein Berry Smoothie
1 cup egg whites
1 oz spinach, fresh
3/4 cup blueberries, frozen
1/2 banana, frozen
1 scoop Vanilla Isopure Protein Powder
Pour the egg whites in first with the spinach. Add all the frozen ingredients on top. Blend until smooth. Add the protein powder and blend for 3-5 seconds.
Tropical Summer Shake
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 mango, fresh with no skin nor pit
1 cup watermelon, Fresh
3/4 cup blueberries, frozen
6-8 ice cubes
1 scoop Vanilla Isopure Protein Powder
First, pour the milk into the blender. Second, place the mango and watermelon on the bottom with the frozen berries and ice on top. Blend on low for 10-20 seconds. Then increase the speed to medium/high until creamy smooth. Add the protein powder and blend for a few seconds.
Peach Strawberry Smoothie
1/2 unsweetened almond milk
1 fresh ripe peach, pit removed
1/2 banana, frozen
3/4 cup strawberries, frozen
1/2 teaspoon stevia
1 scoop Vanilla Isopure Protein Powder
Add the peach, milk, banana, strawberries, stevia, and ice into the blender in that order. Blend on low for 10-15 seconds. Then blend on high until completely smooth. Add the protein powder and blend for 3-4 seconds. Enjoy!
The contents are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This website is for sharing knowledge and information from the research and experience of DaNae. She encourages you to make your own health decisions based upon your research and discussion with your own qualified professionals.