I hate to admit it, but avoiding bloating post-meal isn t an easy task for me. Sometimes it s my hormones, other times I ve eaten something that simply isn t agreeing with me—regardless, living with the feeling of having a swollen belly isn t just annoying but also frustrating. That s where this incredible green drink, created for me by encogrinologist and author Montse Prados, comes in.
I first became interested in green smoothies after seeing Victoria Beckham is a fan—and now, I m obsessed. Read on for everything you need to know.
How to make the perfect green smoothie
Prados says you need to focus on the ingredients when it comes to creating a healthy green drink. “Choosing the right ingredients to use in our smoothie can help reduce abdominal bloating and combat chronic low-grade inflammation,” she says. “It s about selecting and combining components with antioxidant power, attractive and with a flavor that seduces us, and in this way also avoid adding sweeteners.”
- 1 cup of plant-based milk, while I like oat milk I know it s not the healthiest.
- 1 kiwi, an ideal source of potassium and vitamin C.
- 1 pear, which is hydrating and filled with magnesium and calcium.
- A handful of spinach leaves, which has high doses of magnesium and fiber.
- A heaping spoonful of chia seeds, which are filled with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, as well as an ideal source of omega-3s.
- 5 mint leaves, in addition to providing fiber and vitamins, have an anti-bloating effect.
When is the best time to have a green smoothie?
"Mid-morning, after a protein-rich breakfast with healthy fats, or before exercise, as it is a healthy alternative to juices and shakes with added sugars," Prados advises.