What did you do with your time before you found out about smoothies?
Whilst these types of blended treats have experienced a lot of bad press, with many claiming they can be high in sugar and not nutritionally balanced, smoothies can however be nutrient-dense and support several health goals if the correct ingredients are used.
Read on to find out what some favorite weight loss smoothies are and some additional protein shakes for weight loss.
Find out what these blends can do for you and increase your metabolism – and keep it up for hours!
How to Create the Best Weight-Loss Smoothie
Weight-Loss Smoothies You Can Make at Home (and Tips for Making Your Own)
Here are the essential elements you need to make your perfect blend.
- Liquid Base:
Begin with a base of liquid foundation For a source of vitamin D and calcium, which are used in the process of breaking down fat, Harley Pasternak recommends dairy milk (1 percent or nonfat).
Soy or almond milk and flavored water, however, are acceptable.
- Lean Protein:
Protein shuts down fat gain and can make you burn up to 100 more calories daily.
Choose low-fat plain yogurt, silken tofu, or unflavored protein powder for your protein.
- Healthy Fats:
Using healthy fats gives you the energy and satisfaction your body needs to get through the morning.
Add 1-2 tbsp of monounsaturated fat from avocado, seeds, or nuts to help boost vitamin absorption.
- High-Fiber Carbs:
Opt for fruits like raspberries and blueberries in place of high-sugar, low-fiber fruits. My favorites are spinach and cucumber as they are particularly mild and will therefore blend into your smoothie almost unnoticed.
For use, combine liquid first, then the dry ingredients, and mix in a Vitamix Blender until well blended. Thin it out with some more liquid, if needed.
The Top Smoothies & Protein Shake Recipes for Weight Loss
1. PB&J Weight-Loss Smoothie
You will love this peanut butter and jelly weight loss smoothie if you love the traditional brown paper bag sandwich.
Ingredients:
– 4 ounces plain nonfat Greek yogurt
– 2 cups chopped fresh or frozen strawberries
– 1 frozen banana, chopped
– 2 teaspoons smooth peanut butter
– 1/2 cup ice
2. Tropical Morning Smoothie
Get your daily dose of sun-up style! The mango, pineapple, and banana combo is a sweet treat that will start your day off right.
Ingredients:
– 6 ounces plain nonfat Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks
– 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– 1 frozen banana, chopped
– 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
3. Sweet Spinach Weight-Loss Smoothie
This weight loss smoothie may seem like a rather unconventional mixture but the end product is pure fruit. An avocado to add thickness and a little spinach to the liquid vitamin.
Ingredients:
– 6 ounces plain nonfat Greek yogurt
– 2 cups spinach leaves, packed
– 1 ripe pear, peeled, cored, and chopped
– 15 green or red grapes
– 2 tablespoons chopped avocado
– 1 to 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
4. Banana Cream Pie Smoothie
For those moments when a doughnut or coffee cake looks good, know that Cassie Johnston’s weight-loss smoothie tastes like dessert, but each serving is brimming with Greek yogurt instead.
Ingredients:
– 1 large ripe banana, frozen
– 1 cup plain, low-fat Greek yogurt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/3 cup unsweetened nut, soy, or dairy milk
– Handful of ice cubes
– Crushed graham cracker crumbs for garnish
5. Chocolate Chia Cherry Smoothie
This gorgeous dark chocolate and cherry combo from Johnston is perfect for dessert and has a serving of superfood chia seeds to boot.
One Tablespoon of chia seeds will also give you 2g of protein and 5g of fiber and keep your tummy from rumbling until lunchtime.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened nuts, soy, or dairy milk
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups pitted cherries, halved
1 medium ripe banana
4 to 5 ice cubes
6. Mixed Berry Cobbler Smoothie
This antioxidant mixed berry smoothie uses coconut milk because it perfectly complements the berries. With so many healthy fats, you will be full for hours.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup almond, hemp seed, or coconut milk
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
2 to 3 Medjool dates
7. Peach Milkshake
Even just this much coconut oil a day could bump up calorie burning To increase the satiation – satiety – factor of this Smoothie, Kirk includes 1 teaspoon of coconut oil.
Ingredients:
1 cup almond or hemp seed milk
1 cup fresh or frozen peaches
1/2 cup fresh pineapple juice
1/2 frozen banana
1 teaspoon coconut oil
8. Nut Butter Smoothie
Full of almond butter as well as protein powder, this shake is not just loading on the power, but it’s additionally enjoyable.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon almond or other nut butter
1 scoop whey protein powder
1 teaspoon honey
7 to 8 ice cubes
9. Berry, Flaxseed, & Pomegranate Smoothie
Ginger and Apple Beer Smoothie – This is like drinking a Gale’s ginger beer: it’s a fiery refresher that perks you up.
Ingredients:
1 small handful fresh or frozen blueberries
3 strawberries, stemmed and chopped
2 teaspoons shelled hemp seeds
1 teaspoon acai berry powder
1 tablespoon goji berries
1/4 teaspoon gingko powder
1/2 teaspoon flaxseed oil
1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
1/4 ripe avocado, peeled and chopped
Scant 1/2 cup pomegranate juice, coconut water, or green tea
10. Mellow Yellow Protein Shake
A tropical protein shake from Stephanie Tourles using almond, mango, banana, and vanilla in a cool smoothie.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups purified water
1 cup fresh or frozen mango, pitted, cut into chunks
2 medium or 3 small frozen bananas, cut into 1-inch chunks
1/4 cup raw hulled hemp seeds
2 tablespoons raw almond butter
1 tablespoon raw honey
1 teaspoon natural vanilla
13. Basic Fruit Weight-Loss Smoothie
Try any kind of fruit in this smoothie Nope – grab some peaches from your freezer, or tropical fruits, or whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup water
1 cup frozen mixed fruit
1 scoop whey protein powder
4 to 5 ice cubes
Disclaimer: At Thriven Authority, we strive to provide clear and helpful information for our readers. All products listed are carefully curated by our editorial team, but we recommend using your discretion and seeking an expert’s opinion before using them. Prices and availability may change after publication. If you buy something via the links in this article, we may earn a commission.
