Smoothies are an excellent tool for weight loss. It can be relatively inexpensive and quite tasty I might add.

All you need is fresh or frozen fruit, veggies, and you can also throw in some supplements such as clean protein powder if you like.

Buying smoothies from say Jamba Juice, Smoothie King, or other smoothie joints have a lot of sugar and other fluff you don’t need. They taste good, however, they are filled with sugar which equals a lot of extra calories.

Using Smoothies for Weight Loss

Making your smoothies at home is the best way to go. You know and control all the contents of what’s going into your smoothie.

By substituting one meal a day with a smoothie, you control your calorie intake, get all your nutrients, and have one meal you don’t have to worry about out of the way already.

You can efficiently meal prep your ingredients in a ziplock bag, and then throw in the freezer to have ready for the next day. I like having my smoothies for breakfast, but you can choose whatever mealtime your heart desires.

Ingredient Options

Proteins

Hemp seeds or powder, protein powder, plain Greek yogurt, spinach, kale, natural nut butter, and oats. Protein keeps you full and fuels your body throughout the day.

Fats

Avocado, flax seed powder or oil, chia seed, and coconut oil are great options.

Veggies

Spinach, kale, romaine, celery or celery juice for less pulp, carrot juice, and beet juice. Veggies provide all the vitamins and nutrients you need to keep your smoothie balanced.

Fruits

Berries (Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries), kiwi, peach, and melons. In addition, fruits are also filled with antioxidants and mask the taste of the veggies if you’re not a fan of them. They add natural sweetness and are filling as well.

Sweeteners

Stevia, honey, maple syrup, dates, and fruit are healthier alternatives to sugar. If your sweet tooth is asking for more, these natural sweeteners will do the trick.

Ingredients To Be Cautious Of

Not all fruits and veggies are made equal. Just like not all smoothies are created equal. Be cautious of adding in elements with an overload of sugar and preservatives.

Canned fruits in syrup

Canned fruits are full of additives and artificial flavorings. It is full of processed sugar and has no nutritional value.

Store bought juice/concentrate

Juice you buy from the store is packed with sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and lacks fiber.

Certain Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners such as refined sugar, Splenda, or any other sugar substitute, should be very limited.

The FDA has only approved five sugar substitutes.

Dairy

Never add ice cream or frozen yogurt to your smoothies. These extras have way too much sugar and are extra high in fats. A lot of the big smoothie chains add dairy to their smoothies.

Smoothie Diet

Because you are substituting one meal a day with a smoothie, your other two meals still have to be sensible. For instance, this means just because you had a smoothie for breakfast; you can’t have an entire pizza to yourself for dinner.

Also, adding in slight to moderate exercise will assist in your weight loss efforts as well. You don’t have to run a marathon, add in some extra activity throughout your day. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator or park further away from your office.

Recipe Idea

[lt_recipe name=”Triple Berry Smoothie” servings=”1″ total_time=”5M” difficulty=”Easy” print=”yes” image=”https://www.learnlovehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_2192-1024×683.jpg” ingredients=”1-2 cups of mixed frozen fruit (strawberry, blueberry, blackberry) One cup of fruit if you want a small smoothie and two cups if you want a bigger one. FYI sometimes I drink a smaller smoothie if i’m not that hungry in the morning but still want to put something in my stomach.;1/3 cup of plain greek yogurt ;One scoop of plant based protein powder;One handful of fresh spinach;1 cup of flax milk or almond milk (can use any plant based milk of your choice)” ]Put all ingredients in blender;Mix;Enjoy![/lt_recipe]

Triple Berry Smoothie

• 1 1/2 cups of frozen fruit (I use Targets Market Pantry Brand Mixed Berry Blend)
• A heaping spoonful of plain Greek yogurt
• One scoop of protein powder
• 1 Tsp of MCT oil
• A handful of fresh spinach
• 1 cup of flax milk

Blend and enjoy!

In short, if you have tried smoothie substitutes in your diet, let me know in the comment section down below. Also, any tasty recipes you make at home, please feel free to share.

Talk to you soon!

Andie 😀