Starting a smoothie diet is no easy feat, especially when there are too many decisions to make. Are smoothies better with milk or water? If I use milk, what type of can I use? If I use water, won’t it make my smoothie too watery? Don’t worry, I got you, we’ve all been there.
That’s why I decided to share my smoothie making secrets with you all. We’ll start with what to use as a liquid base for your smoothie. This is a constant struggle, especially for those who just started into trying out a smoothie diet. There’s too many options and each one as tempting as the other.
Protip: If you want to use ice with your liquid base, make sure you get the best blender for smoothies with ice.
What Are The Liquid Bases That You Can Use To Make Your Smoothies?
Water – If you’re aiming for a healthier smoothie then water is your best bet. Plain and simple, it’s sugar-free, carb-free, calorie-free, and literally free.
However, do take note that smoothies with water as the liquid base tend to have less flavor. They are also less creamy and will have a thinner consistency than those that use plant-based milk or yogurt.
Coconut Water – This is the best liquid base for making weight loss smoothies. Coconut water is low in calories and has nutrients and minerals like fiber and potassium that aids in metabolism. It is refreshing and replenishes your body’s electrolytes, so it keeps you energized and hydrated.
Like regular water, coconut water will not help with the texture or consistency of the smoothie, so it tends to be thinner. Thus, it is best with frozen fruits and a lot of greens.
Fresh Fruit Juice – Using fruit juices as a liquid base is not the most recommended option. Although it gives an extra dose of fiber, flavor, and vitamin C, it also adds to the sugar and calorie content of your smoothie.
Not to mention it is extra work to juice your fruits rather than just throwing into your smoothie. Check out our blending frozen fruit tips to see how we add fruits to our smoothies.
Coconut Milk – Though higher in calorie than coconut water, coconut milk is a good choice when it comes to liquid bases. It has medium-chain triglycerides or healthy fats that help in fat burning. They also help satiate your hunger and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Since this is plant-based milk, it gives your smoothie a better consistency. It is thick and creamy that helps make your smoothies more appetizing.
Yogurt – Another alternative liquid base is yogurt. It has rich flavor, texture, and creaminess that adds a lot of character to your smoothie. It is rich in protein, calcium, vitamin B, and probiotics. All of which aids in promoting a healthy digestive system and boosts metabolism.
A gentle reminder that yogurt is not for everyone. If you are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy, go with a non-dairy base. Yogurt also tends to have added sugar, especially flavored ones.
Almond Milk – This is my smoothie staple, a personal favorite for many good reasons. This non-dairy milk is rich in calcium, and vitamins A, E, and D. It is lactose-free, cholesterol-free, and has 50% less calorie than dairy milk. However, it doesn’t have much protein.
In general, it has the best flavor and texture among liquid bases. It is one of the most used options in weight loss smoothies too. Almond milk gives your drink a creamy, thick consistency.
So, here are some of my favorite smoothie recipes to help you decide which one to try depending on what your body needs:
Nighttime Smoothie Recipes – These smoothies will help you lose weight while you sleep. They also aid in getting you better sleep quality. Therefore, keeping you from going on a sugar or caffeine rush which doesn’t help in getting a flat belly.
Alkaline Smoothie Recipes – These smoothies help you restore your body’s pH balance. Our bodies get acidic when we eat food that has high acidity like sweetened beverages, processed foods, and dairy products. Alkaline smoothies are designed to increase our alkaline intake and flush the toxins out of the body.
Detox Smoothies to Lose Belly Weight – Detox smoothies are rich in fiber and antioxidants. They are designed to help you flush the toxins out of your body and reset your system. They also aid in curbing your cravings and keeping you full and energized longer.
May this help you in looking for the best smoothie liquid base for your weight loss journey. If you have suggestions or questions about going on a smoothie diet, feel free to leave a comment below. Much love, ciao! ♥
