Smoothie 21 Day

The 21-Day Smoothie Diet, created by Drew Sgoutas, has spawned dozens of imitations and variations. All promise that replacing some of your meals with smoothies will lead to quick and easy weight loss.

As with so many weight-loss plans, though, the details are important. As part of a balanced diet, smoothies can help you lose weight. But ingredients, portion size, and your overall eating plan will make all the difference.

What Experts Say

“The smoothie diet promises rapid weight loss, but pounds shed may be regained when transitioning back to normal eating habits. While increasing fruit and vegetable intake is smart, some people may struggle to meet protein requirements on this diet without proper planning.”      Chrissy Carroll, RD, MPH

Modifications

If necessary, plan a “flex day,” in which you consume one smoothie and two regular meals. Also of note: The e-book suggests that this diet is not for people with food allergies.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Emphasis on fruits and vegetables

Less calorie-counting and food tracking

Shopping lists included

Cons:

Restrictive

Preparation could be time-consuming

Pros

Fruits and Vegetables