
If you are making your smoothie at home you have much more control of what you include (more about that below). Stick to 8 - 10 ounces for a good serving size.įinally, pay attention to how much added sugar and fat are in your smoothie. If it is a meal replacement, your portion can be a bit higher than if you are using it as a snack.

Consider how you are using your smoothie. A recent large meta-analysis indicated that people who filled up on nutrient-rich, low-calorie foods had better weight loss and weight maintenance results than those who ate more calorie-dense foods. These types of foods play an important role in weight loss. There are few key principles to follow if you want to include smoothies in your weight loss plan.įirst, include nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and dairy products (or plant-based non-dairy beverages) as the base for your smoothie. Drinking liquids has been shown to help reduce your appetite and some research has shown fruit smoothies to be more satiating than drinking a glass of milk alone. Smoothies can contain many essential nutrients and be a great part of a weight loss program. Learn about how excess sugar can lead to weight gain Can Smoothies Help With Weight Loss? Many ingredients can be high in sugar and fat, which can add extra calories and added sugar you don’t need. With all that good stuff packed in, is there a downside to smoothies? Sure, if you aren’t careful about what you add, or the portion size, smoothies can derail even the best weight loss plan. These are a perfect combination if you are working on losing weight, or maintaining your weight. Many of these nutritious ingredients are also low in calories and high in fiber which helps fill you up. Many of the ingredients in smoothies are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber that help support our heart, brain, and GI tract. All of these nutrients are important for bone and muscle strength as well as helping to support the immune system. Dairy products, and many plant-based non-dairy beverages, are rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Most smoothies start with a dairy or plant-based dairy base.

Learn about eating colorful produce for optimal health Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that are important for reducing the risk of chronic disease. With only one in ten Americans eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables daily 1, smoothies can be an easy way to get an extra serving or two of fresh produce. We’ll wrap up with some of my favorite smoothie recipes to get your day off to a great start or give yourself an afternoon energy boost! Are Smoothies Healthy?

In this article, we’ll look at ways to boost nutrition as well as some common smoothie pitfalls. But are smoothies healthy, and can they be good for weight loss? They can be a rich and creamy cool treat that makes you feel just a little indulgent while enjoying one. People have been making smoothies for many years, but they really became popular in the 1990s when you could buy them at your favorite coffee shop or at the gym after a workout.
