Although smoothies can be a delicious, easy way to grab nutrients on the go, they aren’t always the healthiest thing to eat (well, drink, but you know what we mean.) Depending on the ingredients, smoothies can be loaded with sugar and fat. That said, not all smoothies are created equal. There a number of homemade smoothie recipes that are not only chock full of nutrients, but can even help shed some pounds if you looking to do so. By choosing specific ingredients that help aid digestion, burn fat, decrease inflammation, and so much more, you can create a weight loss smoothie that won’t have you reaching for something to eat an hour later.
Does this mean you should strictly stick to smoothies to lose weight? Of course not! But with these homemade smoothie recipes, you can give your body specific nutrients that will help you keep up during workouts, maintain your energy levels, and make sure all that hard work pays off. With superfoods like spinach and kale, and sweet ingredients like strawberries, mango, and pineapple, any one of these homemade smoothies will sustain you for a few hours, and have you ready to conquer whatever the day has in store for you.
Overall, the drink can be a compact way to obtain key nutrients that may be otherwise lacking in your daily diet and to also quickly give your body what it needs to maximize the recovery response after a workout,” Sumbal says.
One catch: Drinks from smoothie shops often contain more calories and sugar than you’d imagine. However, it’s easy to make healthy, protein-fortified smoothies if you opt for the DIY approach. Of course, you’ll still need to watch portions and limit added sugars from sweeteners like honey.
So how should you make a healthy, protein-packed smoothie? Start by using roughly one cup of fruit per smoothie. Then, you’ll also want to measure out a single serving of high-fat additions like nut butters, chia seeds, and avocados, because these can easily make you consume more calories overall. Finally, try adding a handful of greens, such as kale or spinach, is a great way to boost antioxidant and fiber intake. As a bonus, they bulk up beverages to make you feel fuller for longer.
