Last Updated on February 14, 2022 by Guillermina
With this new year, it is common to want to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle, you can by consuming a nopal smoothie to lose weight. Nopal is a delicious fruit that is flavorful and packed with natural vitamins and nutrients. You can use this smoothie to lose weight and as an antioxidant for better skin.
This recipe is simple and only takes about 10 minutes to complete! It is a great smoothie recipe for beginner cooks and you can make changes if necessary. Nopal smoothies are a great way to start your day or end your day.
What Is Nopal?
Nopal is the small young pods that emerge from the nopal cactus. Another more common name for the nopal cactus is the prickly pear cactus. This fruit is mainly eaten in Mexico and is considered a superfood because of all of its health benefits.
The taste of nopal is slightly bitter. Many dishes incorporate nopal that is boiled, although it tastes great when blended as it enhances the over-fruits flavors. The inside of the Nopal is slimy and chewy. Although it is possible to eat the pod raw, it is harder to consume because of the bitter flavor and the prickly outsides
Drinking a Nopal smoothie to lose weight is a great option because oh how the pods enhance the flavors. However, you need to carefully prepare the spiky pod. In Mexico, Nopal is actually referred to by its Spanish name, Nopales. These plants grow well in dry and hot areas.
The Health Benefits Of Nopal
Not only can this Nopal smoothie help you lose weight, but it has many health benefits. The rich and succulent texture holds various vitamins including vitamin C, vitamin k, copper, and fiber. These vitamins are good for you and yet the plant is a low-calorie fruit that aids in weight loss.
This superfood also fights against viruses by building your immune system. Some researchers noticed in studies that Nopal has an effect on RSV and herpes. You can also drink a Nopal smoothie for diabetes as this miracle pod has sugar regulating properties.
What You Will Need To Make This Nopal Smoothie To Lose Weight
Ingredients
- 8oz of Nopal Pods
- 3 Bananas
- 8oz of blueberries. Although I prefer blueberries because of their taste and the color they give to the Nopal smoothie to lose weight, you can substitute this fruit for any fruit in the berry family. These are low in calories which can aid in weight loss.
- 3 Cups of Coconut Milk. You can substitute coconut milk for any milk that you desire to use in this recipe. Personally, coconut oil brings a kick of sweet flavor, while also reducing the calories. Cow milk is higher in calories which can interfere with your weight loss.
- 1 Cup of Vanilla Yogurt
- 12 Oz of Pineapple. Again, although I choose to use pineapples because they have a strong flavor and can cancel the bitterness of Nopal leaves, you can use any citric fruit you would like! Oranges are high in vitamins, antioxidants, and flavor.
Equipment
- Blender
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Bowl
- Cup to Serve
Step by Step Instructions On Making This Nopal Smoothie For Diabetes
Step 1: Prepare The Nopal Leaves
It is important to prepare your Nopal smoothie to lose weight properly. You must start by preparing the nopal leaves. In order to be able to blend this cactus fruit/pod, you will need to slice and cut off the needles. Afterward, chop the nopal so that it is easier to blend.
During this stage, you should also clean the Nopal smoothie to lose weight with cool water.
Step 2: Cut the Rest of the Fruits
Although you can make a Nopal smoothie to lose weight with only nopal, fruits bring extra flavor and color. During this step, you will need to slice and dice the rest of the fruits and place them to the side in a bowl. It is best to have all the fruits prepared before you add them to a blender to create a Nopal smoothie to lose weight.
Step 4: Blend the Ingredients
After everything is prepared, add all of the ingredients to the blender. You should blend the mixture for about 2 minutes long. The smoothie should be smooth and cold once it is done.
Tips and Tricks for Making a Nopal Smoothie to Lose Weight
There are many tips and tricks you can use to make a nopal smoothie to lose weight. Although there are only 4 simple steps, any changes can enhance the flavors of your smoothie. One tip I have for you is to look for new and delicious fruit to blend Nopal with.
While Nopal is a healthy plant that boosts physical health, it does not taste well. The bitter taste makes some people run away from this superfood. To mask the taste, while also examining the benefits and sweet parts, you can pick strong and flavorful fruits.
Not only can you make Nopal on the spot, but you can clean, cut, and freeze the selection for longer use. Since Nopal is not common in most parts of the U.S, it would be beneficial to have Nopal leaves stored. If you want to lose weight with the smoothie, you also need to change your routine and lifestyle.
Since this plant gives you energy, you should drink the smoothie daily in the morning. Although tempting, you cannot freeze the smoothies as they are hard to defrost.
Serving Size and Preparation Time
|
Cook Time |
Preparation Time |
Serving Size |
|
0 minutes |
5-10 Minutes |
8 Cups |
In conclusion, Nopal leaves and pods are delicious and nutritious. These small pods are slimy and bitter, but come with many health benefits including weight loss and diabetes control. Although this is true, they are most famous for their involvement in nopal smoothies for weight loss.
What do you think about this recipe? Let us know if you have any thoughts or questions in the comment section below. Also, don’t be afraid to share this recipe with your friends and families that love Mexican food.
Read more about 3 Ways To Excitedly Find Out How Many Calories In Menudo Quickly
FAQs
How do you blend cactus juice?
There are many ways you can blend cactus juice! The most common way is to remove the needles and cut the cactus leaves to a blendable size.
Does cactus juice make you lose weight?
Cactus juice can help you lose weight because it is a low calorie option that is nutritious. However, it takes more then just drinking cactus juice.
Nopal Smoothie To Lose Weight
Equipment
- blender
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Bowl
- Cup to Serve
Ingredients
- 8 oz of Nopal Pods
- 3 Bananas
- 8 oz of blueberries. Although I prefer blueberries because of their taste and the color they give to the Nopal smoothie to lose weight you can substitute this fruit for any fruit in the berry family. These are low in calories which can aid in weight loss.
- 3 Cups of Coconut Milk. You can substitute coconut milk for any milk that you desire to use in this recipe. Personally coconut oil brings a kick of sweet flavor, while also reducing the calories. Cow milk is higher in calories which can interfere with your weight loss.
- 1 Cup of Vanilla Yogurt
- 12 Oz of Pineapple. although I choose to use pineapples because they have a strong flavor and can cancel the bitterness of Nopal leaves, you can use any citric fruit you would like! Oranges are high in vitamins, antioxidants, and flavor.
Instructions
- It is important to prepare your Nopal smoothie to lose weight properly. You must start by preparing the nopal leaves. In order to be able to blend this cactus fruit/pod, you will need to slice and cut off the needles. Afterward, chop the nopal so that it is easier to blend.
- During this stage, you should also clean the Nopal smoothie to lose weight with cool water.
- Although you can make a Nopal smoothie to lose weight with only nopal, fruits bring extra flavor and color. During this step, you will need to slice and dice the rest of the fruits and place them to the side in a bowl. It is best to have all the fruits prepared before you add them to a blender to create a Nopal smoothie to lose weight.
- After everything is prepared, add all of the ingredients to the blender. You should blend the mixture for about 2 minutes long. The smoothie should be smooth and cold once it is done.
Notes
Tips and Tricks for Making a Nopal Smoothie to Lose Weight
There are many tips and tricks you can use to make a nopal smoothie to lose weight. Although there are only 4 simple steps, any changes can enhance the flavors of your smoothie. One tip I have for you is to look for new and delicious fruit to blend Nopal with. While Nopal is a healthy plant that boosts physical health, it does not taste well. The bitter taste makes some people run away from this superfood. To mask the taste, while also examining the benefits and sweet parts, you can pick strong and flavorful fruits.
Nixza is a passionate chef who loves to cook Mexican food. She has been cooking since a young age and has developed a deep understanding of the flavors and techniques of Mexican cuisine. She strives to bring the flavors of Mexico to life in every dish she creates. Nixza loves to experiment in the kitchen and is always looking for new recipes to add to her repertoire. Whether it‘s a traditional dish or something more modern and inventive, Nixza loves to share her passion for Mexican cuisine with friends and family. Her delicious creations have earned her a loyal following of admirers, who enjoy her unique and flavorful dishes. Nixza is passionate about making sure her food is both delicious and healthy, and she takes great pride in the quality of her recipes.
