Changing your diet to a raw smoothie one can bring amazing health benefits, yet it is not always easy to do. For most, this is a completely different way of eating than they are used to. With that difference means a lot of adjustments. If you want to try a vegan smoothie diet, but fear it may be too hard, here are some simple tips that will help you succeed.

1. Take it slow. You do not have to become a full-time smoothie drinker on your first day. Start with just one smoothie a day, then add more over the course of weeks. This can be frustrating for those looking for fast results, but studies repeatedly show that a slow weight loss plan works better in the long run.
2. Keep plenty of good snacks on hand. It can be tempting to reach for the chocolate doughnut when you hit an afternoon slump, but that one temptation can undo all the hard work you’ve already done. Keep a supply of nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables, and low-fat snacks nearby when you feel temptation creeping in.
3. Be creative! – When it comes to green smoothies, there are no rules set in stone. Do not be afraid to mix things up to your liking. Go ahead and sprinkle cinnamon in your apple-pear smoothie, or add water to thin it out more. The important thing is that you enjoy your smoothie experience.
4. Don’t rely on just smoothies – Despite some claims, you cannot sit on the couch all day long and lose weight by drinking a smoothie now and then. You are going to have to put some effort into your weight and health goals. Along with drinking smoothies, regular exercise will do wonders for your body.

When you are starting out on a vegan smoothie diet, you can feel overwhelmed and not sure what to do. You can succeed though, it is possible to change your life one step at a time.

photo credit: Tim Patterson

The first question many people have about the vegan green smoothie diet is just how many smoothies should they drink each day. There really is no one size fits all answer to this, it’s all about you and your personal needs.

For beginners, one smoothie each day is more than enough. You may want to replace a meal with your smoothie, or drink one during your afternoon as a snack. As you adjust to this new way of eating, you may begin to add in more smoothies to your day. The end result, however, should be what ever is most comfortable to you and makes you feel at your best.

Most experienced green smoothie drinkers say you should drink no more than 80 ounces of green smoothie each day. If weight loss if your goal, you should concentrate on keeping calories between 1200 and 1500 per day. If you feel hungry after drinking a green smoothie you should eat. Sticking to raw foods, such as nuts, can be a great way to keep hunger at bay while still eating healthy.

Some people will feel jittery or stressed when they begin a green smoothie diet. This is perfectly normal as your body is adjusting and ridding itself of toxins that have built up. Within a week these feelings should pass.

Never deprive yourself of food or an adequate amount of calories in order to lose weight. As always, you should consult with your physician before starting any diet to make sure it will not interfere with any medical issues you may have.