Weight loss smoothies are a quick and easy way to rev up your metabolism, get essential nutrients and tons of energy all in one drink! However, it is important to know that not all smoothies are created equal. For example, many people load up their smoothies with tons of fruit, making it a high sugar, low fat and low protein drink. Unfortunately, these people often find themselves starving an hour later because they did not get adequate nutrition.
The primary goal of your weight loss smoothie is to promote the following:
- increased energy
- increased satiety
- improved digestion
- reduced cravings
So, how do you create a smoothie that meets all of these requirements? In a nutshell, it is a combination of 3 key nutrients that will be discussed below.
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR WEIGHT LOSS SMOOTHIES:
FIBER
Firstly, eating foods rich in soluble fiber is essential to healthy digestion and fat loss. Fiber helps keep you feeling full and also helps regulate your blood sugar, which is key for healthy weight loss. Women should aim for about 25 grams of fiber a day and men should aim for 35 grams a day. Some great sources of soluble fiber to add to your smoothies are:
- Seeds (chia seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds)
- Berries
- Greens (spinach, kale)
- Vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini)
- Pumpkin
PROTEIN
Secondly, protein is a must for your weight loss smoothies. It will help to keep you from fighting hunger throughout the day and will also help with increasing muscle mass for a more robust metabolism. To get adequate protein, add a scoop of plant based protein powder or hemp protein.
FAT
Finally, consuming healthy fat in the morning will help you feel satiated throughout the day and prevent you from overeating. Some great sources of fat to add to your smoothies are:
- avocado
- coconut oil or coconut milk
- nuts/nut butter
- seeds
Now that you know what to include, it’s time to put it into action and start creating delicious and nutritious smoothies!
5 WEIGHT LOSS SMOOTHIES YOU WILL LOVE!
BLUEBERRY BLISS
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 scoop or ¼ cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk or oat milk
STRAWBERRY BANANA
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or oat milk
- ¼ avocado
- 1 scoop or ¼ cup vanilla protein powder
- ½ cup frozen strawberries
- ½ frozen banana
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
CHOCOLATE DELUXE
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or oat milk
- ½ cup frozen cauliflower
- 1 scoop or ¼ cup chocolate protein powder
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- ½ frozen banana
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
MATCHA LATTE
- 1 scoop or ¼ cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or oat milk
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 tsp matcha (green tea powder)
- 1 frozen banana
GINGER PINEAPPLE
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 scoop or ¼ cup vanilla protein powder
- ½ avocado
- 2 tsp ginger (peeled and grated)
- 1 cup baby spinach
In conclusion, creating a perfectly balanced weight loss smoothie is quick, easy and a delicious way to start your day. Start blending!
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