If you want to lose weight, you must burn more calories than you consume. One way to reduce calories is by replacing meals with smoothies and soups. With the right ingredients, you can make low-calorie, healthy smoothies and soups that also are filling. You can have soups and smoothies for all of your meals but make sure that you consume at least 1,200 calories per day. Before starting such a plan, talk with your doctor to be sure this type of diet is right for you.
Step 1
Start your day with a healthy breakfast smoothie. Combine low-fat milk, fresh fruit and your choice of protein powder.
Step 2
Eat a hearty soup for lunch. If you use store-bought soup, choose one that is low in sodium and fat. If you make soup at home, select recipes that are loaded with vegetables; avoid creamy soups. Ideally, soups should provide protein as well. Healthy and filling soups include minestrone, black bean, chicken noodle, miso, vegetable and tomato soups.
Step 3
Have a smoothie or soup for dinner. If you want to replace all of your meals with one of these options, alternate having a smoothie or soup for dinner.
Step 4
Experiment with different kinds of soup and smoothies. Variety will help ensure that you do not get tired of having the same foods repeatedly and will help you stick with your diet goals.
Step 5
Review nutritional information for the ingredients you use in soups and smoothies. If you decide to have soups and smoothies for all of your meals, take care to get adequate essential nutrients into your diet. Adult women should consume 46 grams of protein a day. Women of childbearing years need 18 milligrams of iron a day.
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Writer Bio
Ireland Wolfe has been writing professionally since 2009, contributing to Toonari Post, Africana Online and Winzer Insurance. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in psychology and Master of Arts in mental health counseling. She is also a licensed mental health counselor, registered nutritionist and yoga teacher.