Best Weight Loss Smoothie Recipes & Beverages to Burn Belly Fat

Written by: Allison Ditmer

Medically Reviewed by: Alyssa Paglia, RD, CLT

You're busy. You want to lose weight. But time is working against you.

We get it....oh, do we get it.

But there's some good news—smoothies can be a solution! But not just any smoothies—smoothies specifically targeted for weight loss.

Learn about the four essential components weight loss smoothies must have, additional smoothie prep tips, and, of course...the best weight loss smoothie recipes and beverages to help you reach your weight loss goals.

We promise to keep it easy and simple.

Why Smoothies Can Help You Lose Weight

Weight gain occurs because there's an imbalance between the amount of calories you intake and the rate at which you burn calories.

The right smoothies for weight loss can help by...

• Serving as a high-calorie food replacement

• Satisfying a "sweet" craving while getting the energy boost from natural sugars and minerals

• Helping with portion control - consuming less but still feeling satisfied

Essential Components for Weight Loss Smoothies

Alyssa Paglia, RD at Goode Health, breaks down a smoothie into four essential weight-loss components.

#1 - Protein

Your smoothie needs at least 10 grams of protein if you're using it as a snack or 20-30 grams for a meal replacement. To preserve lean muscle mass, adequate protein amounts are vital for intake.

A scoop of Unsweetened Goode Health protein powder has 14 grams of protein per serving, which you can add to any smoothie mixture.

The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. Protein also helps you feel satiated and prevents cravings for other unhealthy foods or ones with added unnecessary calories.

#2 - Fiber

Weight loss smoothies should have at least 5 grams of fiber.

Fiber helps you feel full. It can stabilize your blood sugars and nourish the good gut microbes essential for a healthy metabolism.

#3 - Micronutrients

Deficiencies in certain micronutrients (vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, etc) can lead to increased cravings.

Your body also needs micronutrients to function optimally. To achieve this, focus on using antioxidant-rich fruits like berries and citrus in your smoothies.

#4 - Healthy Fats

If your smoothie is serving as a meal replacement, it helps to include a healthy fat source.

Fats improve satiety, support hormone health, and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Examples of some of these healthy fats are avocados, coconut milk, and almond milk.

Smoothie Recipes for Your Weight Loss Journey

Here are a few different recipes, from green smoothies to protein-packed ones, that deliver flavor, energy, and weight loss.

Green Smoothie Recipes

Green smoothies are a delicious way to get essential nutrients and promote weight loss.

Many green smoothies use spinach, kale, green apple, and lemon juice to create a refreshing and healthy drink. But Goode Health has a green smoothie with a slightly different twist.

Go-To Greens Smoothie

• 1/4 cup of frozen cauliflower

• 1/2 avocado

• 1/2 cup of unsweetened nut milk

• 1 scoop of Vanilla Goode Health Superfood Powder

• 1/2 frozen banana (optional)

Fruit-Based Smoothies for Detox and Energy

Fruit-based smoothies can help support weight loss and boost natural energy with key ingredients such as pineapple, mango, and coconut milk.

Fiber-rich ingredients like chia seeds in smoothies can also be added to support digestive health and weight loss efforts.

Here are some fruit-based smoothies for weight loss that experts at Goode Health use daily.

Berry Goode Smoothie

• 1 1/2 cups frozen berries (raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries)

• 3/4 cup milk (plant-based or regular) or yogurt (for a creamy texture)

• 1 scoop Vanilla Spice Goode Health Superfood Powder

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie

• 1 cup strawberries

• 8 ounces of milk of choice

• 1 scoop Moroccan Chocolate Goode Health Superfood Powder

• 4-5 ice cubes

Protein-Packed Smoothies with Almond Milk

Protein-packed smoothies can help support muscle growth and weight loss. Peanut butter or almond butter can be healthy fats added to increase satiety and support weight loss.

At Goode Health, we have two tasty smoothie recipes you can make with dessert vibes you'll love.

Reeses Cup Smoothie

• 1 scoop Moroccan Chocolate Goode Health Superfood Powder

• 1-2 tablespoons peanut butter (or almond butter)

• 2 cups of unsweetened nut milk or milk of choice

• 1 cup ice cubes

Mint Chip Smoothie

• 1 handful of fresh mint leaves

• 8 ounces of milk of choice

• 1 scoop Moroccan Chocolate Goode Health Superfood Powder

• 4-5 ice cubes

Beverage Recipes to Lose Weight

And if you want to change it up from smoothies, we have some other drink recipes you may want to try.

Cold beverage recipes for weight loss

Iced tea, anyone? Or is it?

Kelly's Iced Tea

• 8-12 ounces black coffee of choice

• 2 ounces milk (plant-based or regular)

• 1 scoop Moroccan Chocolate or Vanilla Spice Goode Health Superfood Powder

• For a sweeter touch, add a teaspoon of honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup

Or how about enjoying a pumpkin spice latte at home?

At Home Pumpkin Spice Latte

• 6-8 oz cold brew coffee (unsweetened)

• 1/2 cup milk of choice

• 1 scoop Vanilla Spice Goode Health Superfood Powder

• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice seasoning

• Cinnamon and vanilla syrup to taste

Hot beverage recipes for weight loss

And who says your weight loss drink needs to be cold? We have some hot beverage recipes that may top a fat-burning smoothie recipe, especially on a chilly day.

Hot Chocolate

• 6 ounces hot water

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder

• 2 ounces milk (plant-based or regular)

• 1 scoop Moroccan Chocolate Goode Health Superfood Powder

Or what about an unconventional take on hot chocolate with bone broth?

Bone Broth Hot Chocolate

• 1 cup bone broth

• 1 cup almond or oat milk

• 1 scoop Moroccan Chocolate Goode Health Superfood Powder

• 1-2 tablespoons cocoa powder

• For a sweeter touch, add honey or maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon

Tips for Making Effective Weight Loss Smoothies

There are other additional tips to remember after selecting which weight-loss smoothie recipe you want to try next.

Focus on the right balance of smoothie inputs

Use a combination of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to keep you full and satisfied.

Consume your smoothie with intention

Enjoy your smoothie. Don't drink in a rush. Slowing down and drinking more intentionally also helps your digestive health.

And avoid using too much ice. If you add too much to your smoothie recipe, it can become too watery and unsatisfying.

Experiment with different smoothie ingredients

Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new ingredients and flavors. It's smart to have a few recipes you can rotate, adding in new ingredients leftover from weekly meals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Weight Loss Smoothies

There are two big mistakes to avoid when making your healthy smoothie recipe at home.

Mistake #1 - Including too many calories and not enough protein

Overdoing it with high-calorie ingredients like nut butter, full-fat dairy, avocados, and excessive quantities of high-glycemic fruit is easy. So, be conscious of the calorie count of these items.

While these foods are nutritious, portion control is key, especially for weight loss.

Mistake #2 - Including too much added sugar

Store-bought smoothies and homemade versions with flavored yogurt, fruit juices, honey, and syrups can have more sugar than a dessert.

Check the labels and try to buy ingredients that contain 0 grams of added sugar.

If purchasing a premade smoothie, look for options with at least 10-15 grams of protein per every 100 calories and minimal added sugars. 

Weight Loss Smoothie Meal Prep and Storage Tips

Prep your smoothie ingredients in advance to save time and make healthy choices easier. Having chopped veggies and fruits in the fridge makes it easy to throw into a blender on the go.

You can also make your smoothies ahead of time, store them in the fridge for convenience, or consider making a batch and freezing them to pull out as needed throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Loss Smoothies

Can I use smoothies as a meal replacement for weight loss?

You can use smoothies as a meal replacement if they contain 20-30 grams of protein. The important tip is ensuring you have enough protein to help you feel full. If there is insufficient protein, you'll be hungry afterward, potentially eating more empty calories than you need.

How often should I drink smoothies for weight loss?

Many people opt for a smoothie as a breakfast option. It can be a great way to get your protein, veggies, and fruit into your diet right at the beginning of the day before reaching for higher-calorie options like bagels and donuts. Then you're ready for lean protein and veggies like grilled chicken and a leafy greens salad by lunch.

Can I add chocolate protein powder to my smoothie for weight loss?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate protein powder to a smoothie for weight loss. In fact, at Goode Health, we recommend our Moroccan Chocolate Goode Health superfood protein powder. With a velvety, chocolate goodness taste and packed with 14 grams per scoop, it's a great addition to any smoothie or beverage. 

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