Smoothies can be a great way to help you stay full and fuel you with nutrients.
However, if you buy some of the premade smoothies at “smoothie stores” you need to be careful of how they are made.
They can easily get loaded with sugar which would be going against the reason you why you added smoothies for weight-loss to your healthy eating plan in the first place.
But even the smoothies you make at home can sabotage your weight loss efforts if you are not careful.
Here are 4 reasons why your homemade protein smoothies may not be carrying their weight in your weight-loss efforts and what to do about it.
1. Skimping on the fiber
If you are not using enough fiber-rich ingredients in your smoothies, you run the risk of feeling hungry sooner than you would otherwise.
Fiber keeps you feeling fuller longer because it slows down digestion.
Not only does this prevent a blood-sugar spike (and the resulting crash which heads you straight for something to eat), but the fiber is indigestible meaning it doesn’t add calories to your diet.
By including nuts, berries, seeds, fruit, and dark green vegetables in your smoothies, you can be sure you are getting enough fiber.
Even the type of dark green veggies can make a difference.
For example, kale has twice the fiber as spinach.
2. Not using enough protein
Having enough protein in your smoothies works toward weight loss in a couple of different ways.
The hormone leptin in protein keeps you feeling fuller longer by blocking the hunger signal to the brain.
At the end of the day, blocking the hunger signal reduces the number of calories you would normally eat.
Also, the amino acid leucine found in protein helps prevent muscle loss thus forcing your body to burn fat instead of muscle.
An easy way to add protein to your smoothies is by adding a scoop of protein powder, greek yogurt, a plant-based milk, or peanut butter.
3. Using too much fruit
Fruit makes a smoothie taste good, adds fiber and nutrition, but some fruit is loaded with sugar.
And yes, the argument some use is that it is the natural sugar fructose and they are correct … but it is still sugar and still has 9 calories per gram.
Reduce the sugar content by replacing some of the fruit used in your smoothies with lower calorie vegetables, such as kale or spinach.
Add in some nuts and seeds for some healthy fat without boosting the sugar content.
4. Adding a sweetener
If you are using fruit in your smoothies, don’t use additional sweetener such as honey or maple syrup.
These natural sweeteners will add 60 calories per tablespoon – calories that you don’t need.
How to Reduce the Sugar Content of Your Smoothies
Here are some tips on how to reduce the sugar content, thus making your smoothies healthier.
Note: If the smoothie you are making is helping you reach your weight loss goals don’t switch it up because could end up adding or subtracting calories, fat, and carbs that are working for you.
1. First, you may want to use a base with a lower sugar content.
If you are currently using bananas, try switching to using an avocado instead.
Instead of adding in 9 grams of sugar, you’ll be adding in only one. Besides, the healthy fat in avocados is more satisfying and will help keep you fuller longer.
If you need more sweetness, add in no more than half a banana or try using stevia instead.
Remember: Avocado is fat and will change up the macros in your smoothie.
2. Add in more fresh vegetables.
By adding in green vegetables like kale, spinach, or collard greens, not only do you significantly cut down on the sugar content, but also add in antioxidants, fiber, and a host of good nutrients.
3. Use less fruit, like mangos, bananas, and pineapple and instead replace with less-sweet fruit like raspberries.
Raspberries are one of the lowest fruits as far as sugar content – 3 grams of sugar per half-cup instead of 7 in peaches for example.
Mangos, pineapples, and bananas should be used sparingly in weight loss smoothies.
4. When it comes to adding liquid, use something that is unsweetened.
If you don’t like dairy milk, use one of the unsweetened plant-based milk, like almond or coconut milk.
Of better yet, use green tea or just plain water as your liquid and cut out any more sugar yet.
5. Try to stay away from maple sugar and honey.
If you need additional sweetener use stevia or monk fruit.
6. Instead of nut butter use the powdered version.
Usually, peanut butter doesn’t have a lot of sugar but it can make your smoothie taste really good especially when making any with cocoa.
Use powdered peanut butter for less calories but with the same taste benefit.
5 Superfoods To Add To Your Smoothies
1. Blueberries
Blueberries taste great, they are full of healthy fiber, they add a wonderful blue/purple hue to your smoothies, and they decrease your risk of contracting heart disease.
Eating blueberries regularly can lower unhealthy cholesterol levels and has been directly related to lower rates of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and early death, while promoting healthy, young-looking hair and skin.
These yummy little berries deliver phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron, calcium, manganese, and vitamin K, all of which contribute to healthy bones.
Additionally, zinc and iron are two minerals many people have insufficient levels of in their bodies, which are important for keeping your joints healthy.
Because of the above-mentioned minerals, a regular consumption of blueberries decreases blood pressure naturally, helps diabetes sufferers manage their condition, prevents the development of cancer, improves mental health, and promotes healthy digestion.
2. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds get healthy levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids into your body.
As you probably know, omega-3 is present in very high levels in fish.
Not everyone likes to eat fish. This is great to ensure you are getting omega-3 into your body if you don’t want to eat fish 3 to 4 times a week.
Chia seeds are also chock full of calcium and dietary fiber.
This means they promote bone health and a strong digestive process that promotes a healthy body weight maintenance.
A tablespoon or two in your smoothie and a little extra time blending can deliver a lot of health benefits.
By the way, Chia seeds are almost totally tasteless in a smoothie, so you don’t affect the flavor of your favorite recipe.
3. Avocados
Along with blueberries, avocados have long been considered a superfood.
If you are looking to thicken up a smoothie, a healthy avocado is perfect for the job.
You get more than 20 essential vitamins and minerals, healthy fats and protein, and healthier, younger-looking skin.
Avocado is also good at making you feel full longer, which means you may eat fewer calories throughout the day, leading to weight loss.
4. Spirulina
Spirulina is a microalgae that grows naturally in fresh, warm water lakes.
Actually, its blue-green color is what gives some freshwater a greenish tent.
It can be purchased in a powder form that works great in smoothies.
You get protein, amino acids, and antioxidants your body craves, you promote the detoxing of dangerous toxins and poisons from your body, and you also benefit from an excellent source of iron.
Spirulina is between 55 and 70% protein, a higher level than chicken, beef, or soybeans.
Add 18 essential and nonessential amino acids and more than a dozen other minerals, vitamins, and nutrients, and you see why you should probably start adding spirulina to your next smoothie today.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is so unbelievably healthy that it definitely qualifies as a superfood.
Adding just 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to your daily diet means stronger, healthier, younger-looking skin, hair, and nails.
When you cook with coconut oil, you enjoy the highest flash point of any healthy oil.
This means that unhealthy oxidation does not occur, which is what happens when commonly using other oils to fry, sauté, and bake.
You can also plop some into your next smoothie.
If you are making a 16 to 32-ounce smoothie, a tablespoon or two of coconut oil will go unnoticed. It will not affect the taste of your smoothie, and studies show coconut oil supports healthy mental functions.
You also experience an increase in natural energy, while this wonderful oil goes to work killing harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses in your body.
Beginner’s Weight Loss Smoothie
By limiting the amount of calories while still consuming dietary fiber and liquid, you should feel full after drinking a smoothie.
This means you eat fewer calories throughout the day, and with fresh fruits and vegetables in your body, it should reduce your cravings for unhealthy processed foods and snacks.
The fat in this smoothie is “good” fat, essential fatty acids that lead to optimal health.
The natural sugars in this recipe are not like refined sugar and they won’t cause your body to store fat because they are accompanied by fiber and nutrients, proteins and vitamins, and add healthy flavor.
Beginner’s Weight Loss Smoothie
- 8 ounces filtered water
- 1/2 medium avocado
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 tablespoon honey (optionally use stevia or maple syrup or 1/2 banana to sweeten)
331 cal, 4 g protein, 31 g carbs, 11 g fiber, 24 g fat
Smoothie Tips For Beginners
- Don’t spend a lot of money on a blender at first because any blender can get you started.
- Buy produce in season for the best prices and the most nutrition.
- Get to know your grocer or produce provider. You will get better access to information like sales, as well as exactly when each new shipment of produce arrives.
- If you think your smoothie needs to be sweeter try adding stevia instead of fruit.
- Add protein powder for extra protein but only if it is organic and grass-fed whey
- If money is tight, only buy organic foods listed in the Dirty Dozen. The Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 are published annually, revealing the dirtiest and cleanest produce.
- Buy a meal replacement shake for days you don’t feel like messing with all the ingredients.
Have fun! Experiment. Getting healthy is your goal, but why not enjoy the process and create new, tasty, one-of-a-kind recipes along the way?
Pin this pin on Pinterest to your favorite fitness board and share with a friend who may be looking to learn how to start working out.
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