Can a smoothie be a meal replacement if I am trying to lose weight?

On A Penny

Yes! As long as the ingredients are well balanced! If you just have a simple fruit smoothie, you are going to feel pretty hungry pretty quickly after. Plus, the sugars from the fruit will quickly hit your bloodstream, which is not great for weight loss. BUT, if you add some healthy fats, proteins, and fibers to your smoothie, it can be a great meal replacement. It will keep you full and satisfied longer and won't spike your blood sugar. That's why I love these recipes (attached). Nut butters (ex: peanut butter, almond butter) are rich in protein and healthy fats, coconut milk is a good source of fat, berries are loaded with fiber, avocado is a great source of healthy fats, etc. Also, chia and flax seeds have all three: protein, healthy fats, and fiber! So they're a fantastic addition to any weight-loss smoothie!

Marti Rector

Smoothies are one of my go-to breakfasts, especially when I am on the go, or have a workout before work, etc. I agree with On a Penny though, the key is making sure they are well balanced. I always add veggies to mine (usually greens like kale or spinach, and sometimes a carrot or slices of cucumber) along with the avocado she mentioned. Smoothies are a great option cause you can substitute fruit for what is on sale in the freezer section, or what you have on hand that is starting to go bad, or just whatever you are in the mood for. Ratios: 1 c frozen berries (whatever you like, or a mix) 1 c greens (kale, spinach, mixed greens, etc.) 1/2 a banana or avocado (for texture mainly) 1/3 c PLAIN greek yogurt (you don't want the added sugar of the flavored stuff) 1 c (more if needed) of whatever milk you like - I use a mix of unsweetened almond and regular whole milk 1-2 T nuts or nut butter (I usually opt for whole walnuts or almond butter) sprinkle of chia seeds and hemp hearts protein powder - I use a mix of collagen peptides and whey protein powder You can also add mango chunks, peach slices, acai packets, or any other fruits you like. I usually opt for frozen everything, because I can buy in bulk cheaply, and store for use throughout the month. My main advice is how you BUILD the smoothie in the blender... My boyfriend think's I'm "extra" because of this, but I swear it makes a difference. You will get a super smooth (no random chunks of fruit that you can't get up the straw) and creamy smoothie this way. 1. Greens and banana/avocado and yogurt - blend until smooth as possible (add a little of the milk if needed) 2. Add your berries, other fruit/veggies, nut butter, chia seeds and milk. Blend again until smooth (add more milk if needed) 3. Add your protein powder and blend one more time. Sorry for the long read, but I hope this is helpful!

On A Penny

here's the second one:)

Cherry in Spirit

Tnx On A Penny! I saved recipes and I will make one of them tomorrow. Do you recommend eating smoothies in the morning as breakfast or I can replace dinner? What is better option? Your answer was super helpful! If you have more smoothie recipes please share!

On A Penny

Either way should be fine! I've enjoyed these smoothies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (just not all three on the same day...I find my body craves some solid food as well). You can always experiment and see what you like best:) Of course!

Cherry in Spirit

Tnx Martie for great tips! Wow, I never thought that order of adding ingredients to blender can impact texture and taste - I would usually just throw everything in a blender and just blend, but it makes sense I will definitely try this out! What spices do you add to smoothie?