Weight Loss Smoothies | Not only are they super tasty, but they also feed the body an incredible array of health benefits.
One such benefit is weight loss. Smoothies are so dense with nutrients, and you can make them a true superfood for weight loss if you’re so inclined. Unlike other meals, you can add mega superfood boosters to smoothies, without even tasting them. Spirulina, for example, is a real superfood, but its taste isn’t that great. When added to a blueberry-banana smoothie, you don’t even taste the spirulina. And it packs a real protein punch, which is an essential key for weight loss. That said, if you’re looking to lose weight in a tasty and efficient manner, superfood smoothies are the way to go.
Here are my top 7 smoothies for weight loss.
Iced Pumpkin Latte Smoothie
Doesn’t the name just sound divine? And it’s perfect for the autumn season! Pumpkin is full of the nutrient beta-carotene, hence the orange color. Beta carotene is thought to be a true anti-aging nutrient. Pumpkin also contains immune-boosting vitamin C, which is an essential weight loss antioxidant, as well as fiber, one of the most important weight loss ingredients. So, what goes into this delicious autumnal drink? Here’s what:
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree (you can roast a pumpkin and use the fresh puree, or simply by a can of pumpkin puree)
- ½ of a banana (to make this an iced pumpkin latte, you’ll want to freeze the banana ahead of time)
- A few ice cubes
- A sprinkling of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
Pretty simple, right? All you need is to whip everything up in a blender and serve. This amount is good for one person. Double it and have it for breakfast and again at lunch if time is limited.
Green Rise and Shine Smoothie
This smoothie packs a nutrient-dense punch that’s full of vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids—all of which build strength in the body, while supporting your weight loss goals. Here’s what’s in it:
- 1 cup nut milk of your choice (I typically opt for almond milk, hemp milk, or cashew milk.)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds (both are good)
- 1 cup of fresh spinach (any dark, leafy green is good—kale, collard greens, mustard greens, etc.)
- ½ of an avocado, sliced
- 1 cup of your favorite protein powder
Another easy-to-make smoothie, this one is full of protein and omega-3 fatty acids—both of which are part and parcel to weight loss. These ingredients are good for one serving.
Purple belly fat blaster
Looking to get rid of that excess fat around the midsection? Look no further than the purple belly fat blaster. This berry-centric smoothie is full of fiber, which alleviates cravings and keeps you feeling full for hours on end. With the addition of chia seeds, we add in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, a key weight loss component, which also happens to help decrease chronic inflammation in the body and decrease stress hormones that contribute to weight gain.
Here’s what we put in the purple belly fat blaster:
- 1 cup frozen berries (Choose dark, antioxidant-rich berries like blueberries, acai berries, blackberries, and raspberries.)
- 1 cup yogurt of your choice (I prefer Greek yogurt or organic whole milk yogurt. Healthy fats are an essential part of weight loss.)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ cup ice
As you can see, the ingredients here are super simple. This is the true beauty of smoothies. It doesn’t take a master chef to make them! All you do is throw everything in a blender and you’ve got a tried and true meal—and one that helps you lose weight, no less.
Tropical Green Delight
This smoothie will have you dreaming of tropical climes. It’s full of tropical fruits which happen to be bursting with fiber and vitamin C—two of our essential weight loss nutrients. The healthy fat in this one is full-fat coconut milk from a can. Remember, full-fat foods are necessary for losing weight. A low-fat or no fat smoothie isn’t something we’re aiming for. Just FYI. Here’s what you need for the tropical green delight:
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (I typically just buy the canned version.)
- ⅛ cup lime juice
- ½ cup frozen pineapple chunks
- ½ cup frozen mango chunks
- ¾ cup dark leafy greens (I typically use kale mixed with romaine to cut the bitterness.)
This recipe serves 1. Feel free to double the ingredients for a larger serving.
