FLAT-BELLY SMOOTHIES
First for Women|June 03, 2024
FOUND: The missing ingredient that burns 3x more calories! (No, it's not protein.) Here, the daily drink that powers off pounds
LISA MAXBAUER
FLAT-BELLY SMOOTHIES

We’ve all heard about how fruit and veggie smoothies can help us lose weight. Those green, purple and pink drinks are loaded with vitamins, minerals and protein powders. But why aren’t they sliming us down? Weight-loss experts caution that most of the health food smoothies concocted in kitchens are missing a crucial ingredient needed to rev weight loss. Sure, protein is important, but healthy fats are equally powerful.

“People are short-changing themselves on fats in their smoothie recipes,” says integrative physician and weight-loss expert Eric J. Rosenbaum, M.D., who studied at Yale University and completed his residency at Harvard Medical School. He’s helped countless women in his practice reach their weight-loss goals by adding things like coconut oil, extra-virgin olive oil, seeds and nut butters into smoothies.

Why does this work wonders? Without dietary fat, our body can’t properly use all the fat-soluble nutrients (like vitamin D, calcium and magnesium) loaded into these drinks, so our metabolism misses out. Plus, healthy fats help women’s bodies function better—building cell walls, keeping skin supple, supporting hormone production and boosting brain function. 

Gut-health specialist and fivetime New York Times bestselling author Frank Lipman, M.D., agrees. He says, “A protein shake for breakfast is no longer just about packing in the protein, greens and fruit. It’s about functional medicine ingredients.” Dr. Lipman, who developed the ActivatedYou Superfood Plant Protein shake, which contains fatrich hemp, likes to blend nut butter or whole nuts into his drinks.

This story is from the June 03, 2024 edition of First for Women.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 03, 2024 edition of First for Women.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM FIRST FOR WOMENView All
IS 'SPAVING' The New Saving?
First for Women

IS 'SPAVING' The New Saving?

Spending more to save more—is it worth it? How to know if a deal is too good to be true

time-read
2 mins  |
October 07, 2024
I CREATED A JOYFUL 'NEW NORMAL' AS MY SON'S CAREGIVER
First for Women

I CREATED A JOYFUL 'NEW NORMAL' AS MY SON'S CAREGIVER

As the mother and caretaker of a 24-year-old son with autism, Anne Couldridge feels a tug on her heart as she watches her friends' adult kids fly the nest to pursue their dreams. But Anne's unique life has taught her there are so many beautiful moments worth celebrating

time-read
3 mins  |
October 07, 2024
CHARM with chalk paint!
First for Women

CHARM with chalk paint!

This trendy paint technique adds style and function to your home-for pennies!

time-read
1 min  |
October 07, 2024
3 TRUE & UPLIFTING TALES
First for Women

3 TRUE & UPLIFTING TALES

\"I was having a particularly hard day.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 07, 2024
FOUND: What It Really Means to Have Dense Breasts
First for Women

FOUND: What It Really Means to Have Dense Breasts

A new FDA rule says women must be told if their breasts are considered dense a factor that raises breast cancer risk. What you need to know

time-read
3 mins  |
October 07, 2024
Kerry Mellin
First for Women

Kerry Mellin

Home: Hidden Hills, CA/Age: 66 Occupation: Founder of EaZyHold

time-read
1 min  |
October 07, 2024
PROVEN WAYS TO LIVE LONGER & HEALTHIER
First for Women

PROVEN WAYS TO LIVE LONGER & HEALTHIER

Feel your absolute best for years to come with these simple strategies

time-read
2 mins  |
October 07, 2024
RESET YOUR BRAIN & BODY IN 30 Days Flat!
First for Women

RESET YOUR BRAIN & BODY IN 30 Days Flat!

Personalized, sustainable and virtually free. Changes to the popular Whole30 protocol make it easier than ever to lose weight and get healthy for life!

time-read
5 mins  |
October 07, 2024
10 BRILLIANT USES FOR STALE BEER
First for Women

10 BRILLIANT USES FOR STALE BEER

Clever ways the beverage can save the day

time-read
3 mins  |
October 07, 2024
SELF-CARE, SOUL FOOD & Bouncing Back with Hallmark actress, author and TV host ALISON SWEENEY
First for Women

SELF-CARE, SOUL FOOD & Bouncing Back with Hallmark actress, author and TV host ALISON SWEENEY

Beloved for her breakout role as Sami Brady on the daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives, Alison Sweeney became so popular at just age 16 that she brought home four Soap Opera Digest Awards and a Fan-Voted Daytime Emmy.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 07, 2024