Counting Macros? The Best Formula For Creating Healthy Smoothie Recipes For Weight Loss
If you’ve been following along with me for a while, you know that I have a deep love for smoothies! They are so versatile, healthy, macro-friendly, and can be enjoyed anytime of the day as a meal, a snack, or even a dessert. I typically enjoy one smoothie a day, and sometimes two on those crazy busy days or hot summer days. If you’re counting macros and wondering what macros are the best to include in your smoothie concoctions, read on to learn the best formula for creating healthy smoothie recipes for weight loss.
The Benefits of Smoothies
There are so many great benefits to drinking smoothies as a regular part of your diet. As I mentioned above, they are super versatile and make for a great meal, snack, or treat anytime of the day. They are also a quick grab and go option when you’re running around.
Several of my Total Body Transformation clients drink their smoothies for breakfast on the way to work or school drop-off to ensure they are fueling their bodies properly in the morning. Others enjoy them as a snack to prevent them from reaching for a bag of chips or something less healthy in between meals.
Smoothies are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth in a much healthier, macro-friendly way than treats or sugary desserts. They also help to keep you hydrated, while releasing toxins from your body.
The Best Formula For Creating Healthy Smoothies For Weight Loss
Smoothies are pretty simple to make, but you do need to be mindful of how thick, thin, or powerful in flavor they can be. A good smoothie should be satisfying to your taste buds, but at the same time, nutritious and macro-friendly. This is where balance comes into play. By using my tried and true smoothie formula, you can ensure that your smoothie of choice fits your daily macros and keeps you on track to hit your weight loss goals.
Macro-Friendly Smoothie Recipe Formula
1 cup liquid (water, coconut water, unsweetened almond milk, etc.)
1 handful of berries
1 handful of dark, leafy greens (spinach, kale, etc.)
1-2 tbsp healthy fat (peanut butter, almond butter, etc.)
Protein powder
1 tsp superfood boosters (optional)
Now, you can’t just throw all of these ingredients into a blender and get a delicious tasting smoothie every time. I’ll break down my formula to help ensure you become a smoothie-making pro!
Liquid - You need to add enough liquid to your smoothie to ensure your smoothie is drinkable. My favorite liquids to use in my smoothies are unsweetened almond milk, coconut water, or just plain old water. Start by adding 1 cup of liquid. You can always add a touch more liquid if your smoothie is too thick.
Berries - You can really use any kind of fruit in your smoothie, but it’s best to start with a low sugar fruit that is also high in nutrients and antioxidants, such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. Cherries are even a great option! If you like a thicker smoothie, use frozen berries. If you prefer a thinner consistency, use fresh berries. You may also choose to add other fruits to your smoothie. Just remember to ensure that your smoothie fits your macros for the day. Other fruit alternatives are frozen banana, mango, pineapple, and dragonfruit. The sky's the limit (as long as it fits your macros!).
Dark Leafy Greens - You don’t have to add greens to your smoothie, but it’s a great way to pack essential vitamins and minerals into your day without really tasting them. Just remember, adding greens to your smoothie will change the color to a shade of green, but you’ll barely notice the flavor. Start off with a small handful and increase the amount as you get used to the flavor. Baby spinach and baby kale are my favorites to add to my smoothies.
**Smoothie Tip: Freeze your greens to ensure you always have them on hand.Healthy Fat - Some great healthy fat options are natural nut butters like peanut, almond, or cashew. Other options are flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, or even a little bit of avocado. Even though these are healthy fats, too much is not a good thing, so just be conscious of your macros.
Protein Powder - Adding protein to your smoothie is essential for making sure it is healthy and macro-balanced so that your blood sugar levels don’t hit the roof. Just remember, not all protein powders are the same. Some have added ingredients that won’t serve you and your weight loss goals. I enjoy pumpkin seed protein powder (made from pumpkin seeds) or Garden of Life protein powder in the vanilla or chocolate flavors. If you’re not sure about adding a protein powder to your smoothies, try tofu! This superfood is tasteless and packed with protein.
Superfood Boosters - These are completely optional, but are a great way to give your body a quick nutrient boost. If you’re keen on loading up on extra nutrients and antioxidants, start by adding in a teaspoon of any of these superfoods - acai berry powder, gogi berries, grated fresh ginger (store in your freezer to keep fresh), turmeric (add a dash of fresh ground black pepper to receive all the benefits of turmeric), cinnamon, spirulina, wheatgrass, or maca. These are all great superfoods that I like to play with when creating my smoothie recipes.
The most important thing to keep in mind when making healthy smoothie recipes for weight loss is to have FUN with it. Get creative and try new combinations and ingredients. You might be surprised by the flavors you love and the colors you make!
Mood Boosting Smoothie Recipe
Now for a little smoothie recipe inspiration! Try out this delicious Mood Boosting Smoothie recipe. Trust me, it’s like happiness and sunshine in a cup!
Would you like to get access to new macro-friendly, delicious, and healthy smoothie recipes for weight loss? When you join the Total Body Transformation program, you’ll receive new smoothie recipes and customized macros, as well as a 3-day smoothie cleanse to help you detox and reboot your system!
What’s your favorite healthy smoothie recipe? Share it in the comments below!