Can smoothies help you lose weight? Plus RECIPES

"Hey Tanya, can I ask you something?" -- Client

"Absolutely" -- Me

"If I add smoothies into my day will it actually help me lose weight?"-- Client

"Ooooooohhhh this is such a good question" -- Me

This was the exact exchange I had with a client 2 weeks ago. Now she's dropped 5 pounds and feeling much more confident!  But this is not a "magic pill" that will solve all of our problems, but it could be the change needed at this moment?

My answer is (as always):

"It depends"

It depends on what you are currently eating.

It depends on what you are putting in your smoothies? And there are other "depends" but let's start with these two. ​​

Let's just start with breakfast.

What are you currently eating for breakfast and is it working for you? If so, awesome. If not, keep reading.

I used to eat mostly cereal, pancakes, toast, muffins, oatmeal, yogurt & fruit, and on occasion eggs and bacon. It was not working for me and my goals of being healthy and having the body and energy I wanted. I was feeling puffy, hangry, emotional and experiencing low energy.  So after years of trying not to change because I was resisting changing from the foods I was enjoying, I finally took the jump to experimenting with smoothies.

What's great about smoothies is that>>>>>

It's fast and easy to make

I can pack so much needed nutrition into them

They balance my blood sugars so I don't get "hangry" anymore

I dropped some inches and weight and boosted my energy.

They taste amazing after I perfected my smoothie making skills!!

Pretty great results!!

Maybe you are doing smoothies but may not be getting the results you want.

Well, what are you adding to your smoothies.

Not so great things to add to smoothies - dairy products, lots of fruit, extra sources of sugar

 

Great things to add to smoothies - a healthy source of fat, a healthy source of protein, flax seeds/chia and or hemp, nuts and seeds, a great smoothie mix, and you can even sneak some greens in there that you won't taste.

Fat Releasing Smoothie - my breakfast every day

What you have for breakfast can put you into fat storage or fat burning mode. It can cause a boost in energy or cause you to drag your butt all day.

Recently, working with a client who is a busy mum of 2, looking to drop weight, drop inches (aka fat) and gain energy, we switched her breakfast to include healthy fats and proteins. She was eating what is said to be healthy in “main stream” media but does not support her goals. She was absolutely shocked at the difference this one change could make.

Years ago, I switched out “the typical” breakfast that was causing me to feel tired, bloated and achy and for years have enjoyed a variation of this Fat Releasing Smoothie which also boosts my energy for hours. 

 

It’s fat releasing because it has the proper ratio of macro-nutrients (carbs, fats and proteins), plus the micronutrition that we need daily to function optimally.
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Avoiding the blood sugar dips are super important to lasting energy and for avoiding binges and eating too many processed carbs, and this smoothie AVOIDS that dipping and keeps your blood sugar levels even!! 
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By using Juice Plus+ Whole Complete you can see in the picture below all the amazing benefits I give my body every morning.
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When I first started making this shake, I did add a whole frozen banana and then keep decreasing it until I didn’t put one in anymore. Adjust to your taste buds.
 
I’d love to hear what shake you have to start your day!! Please email me or share it in our facebook group, Tanya's Smoothie Club.

Happy slurping today!! 

 

What’s in my Fat Releasing Smoothie?

• 1 tsp-tbsp. Brain Octane, MCT Oil
• 1 tsp maca, optional
• 1 tsp bee pollen, optional 
• Ice
• 2 tbsp flax seeds
• 1 ¼ cup water or any liquid that you like, milk, almond milk, coconut milk etc
• 1 scoop Chocolate Juice Plus Whole Complete Protein Powder, you can use whatever you like but this is the best one I have found for me and my clients. You can also use raw cocao powder to make it chocolately!!   • Juice Plus+ Whole Complete Non-GMO, vegan, dairy free, packed with fruit and veggie concentrates

 • 1 scoop collagen ( I now use Modere collagen as I find it highly effective, click here and will NOT put it in my smoothie but rather just take it 2x during the day). I've tried many Collagen's and this one is by far the most effective.

•   1 tsp cinnamon (high in antioxidants, relieves inflammation, protects heart, stabilizes blood sugar, preserves brain function, may lower cancer risk, fights infections and viruses, prevents candida, benefits skin, reduces allergies, lowers glycemic load - https://draxe.com/nutrition/health-benefits-cinnamon/)

I used to use a whole banana but then gradually started using less and now don't use one at all.

The PROs of making Smoothies:

Helps your body rid itself of toxins by consuming dietary fiber. When you rid fat cells of toxins they shrink and this can result in weight lose and inches lost.

 

Blending breaks up our food thereby allowing the nutrients to be absorbed. Our cells are craving this nutrition.

Blending your greens saves all the vital nutrients in the food. Cooking greens diminishes the quality of the nutrients.

Properly prepared smoothies are a complete food. They are fresh and quick to make.

Green smoothies will keep for a couple of days in a mason jar in the refrigerator or freezer. Just shake and drink! 

Assists greatly in the maintenance of a good alkaline pH balance due to the large consumption of dark leafy greens.

Contains fiber, a balanced and complete food to help you poop.

Allows the addition of kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, and sprouts, into your diet. This boosts the enzymes, minerals, chlorophyll and phytonutrients that assist the body in detoxification and healing.

Allows  superfoods into your diet: mix in chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, maca powder, bee pollen, MSM powder, goji berries, pumpkin seeds, spirulina, chlorella, etc.

Allows healthy fats into our diet like avocados, MCT oil and the healthy fats from flax, chia and hemp

Using a high quality Smoothie Powder, like the one I use here, can add needed nutrients that we are lacking in our diets. 

 

It is so easy to pack so much nutrition into one glass that is DELICIOUS. 

RECIPES for YOU

My Green Smoothie

I make about 4-6 mason jars which will last about 7 days.  Adjust amounts depending upon your taste buds.

1 peeled lemon

1 organic ginger root  1/2" piece

1 organic turmeric root 1/2" piece

1 avocado (or more) frozen or fresh

apples or pineapple frozen or fresh

Mix and match the following

whole cucumber

celery

kale

lettuce

spinach

parsley

any greens you like!!

Lots of water

I blend this in stages as everything won't fit in for the amount I make. If you want less - play around with portions.

Enjoy.

Popeye Power Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

• 3 peaches or apples
• 2 cups spinach
• ½ - 1 cup water
• ½ peeled lemon

Directions:

Blend in your blender until your desired consistency. Water can be added for desired consistency and herbs to cater to your taste buds!

Caramel Date Shake (Servings 2) Great dessert alternative!

 

Ingredients:

• 5 Medjool dates, pitted
  ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk
  1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  1 ½ cups ice
• 1 scoop Juice Plus Vanilla Whole Complete​
  (optional- a handful of frozen blueberries makes a nice addition also!)

 Directions:

Put all of the ingredients: dates, coconut milk, vanilla, sea salt, lemon juice, and ice in a blender…. and BLEND!  Pour into 2 glasses and enjoy! 

Berry Green Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

• 2-3 cups kale
• 1 ¼ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 large banana
• 1 medium orange, peeled
• ½-1 cup water depending on how you like the consistency

Directions:

Put all of the ingredients: dates, coconut milk, vanilla, sea salt, lemon juice, and ice in a blender…. and BLEND!  Pour into 2 glasses and enjoy! 

Blueberry Matcha Smoothie

 

 
Ingredients: 
·         1 cup frozen blueberries (organic if possible) 
·         1 cup baby spinach 
·         1 ripe banana 
​ ·        1 scoop Vanilla Juice Plus Whole Complete
·         1 cup unsweetened almond milk 
·         2 tablespoons old fashioned oats 
·         1 teaspoon matcha powder 
 
Directions: 
Combine everything in a blender, and blend until smooth!  Enjoy! 

 Peanut Butter Chocolate Shake

I used to love Reese’s Peanut Butter cups but I’ve upgraded to this healthier more satisfying option. In minutes you too, can enjoy this for breakfast, lunch or a snack.

When I was growing up, Snickers was one of my favourites, check out this tasty treat upgrade and if you’ve read about my sugar addiction in my posts you will be super excited to read Cookie Dough in the Dark when it is released this fall, you will understand why The Skinny on Chocolate is so important to me. I love having some “sweetness” in my life but the other stuff was slowly killing me. This is a yummmmmmy addition to my lifestyle of shifting to healthier choices.

• 1 scoop Chocolate Whole Complete Protein Powder - this is what I use
• 1-2 tbsps. Organic peanut butter
• 1 cup almond milk or water
• Ice

 Blend and enjoy

Shamrock Mint Chip Shake

I love mint and chocolate and greens!!!

And they taste great all mixed up together!

Enjoy this light, refreshing smoothie that will put a spring in your step!

Ingredients:

•  1 ½ cups almond mylk, or make your own Almond Mylk
• 1-2 large frozen bananas
  1 cup packed spinach
  ¼ cup packed mint leaves
  2 tbsp almond butter
  1 tsp vanilla extract or powder (I love Giddy Yo Yo Vanilla Powder)
  2 heaping tbsp raw cacao nibs and/or Juice Plus Whole Complete Chocolate Protein Powder (non-dairy, non-gmo, plant based, low glycemic and gluten free). Click here to order or email me at [email protected]
  1-3 tbsp Brain Octane or MCT oil (optional but remember your brain is 60% fat)

Directions:

Blend everything EXCEPT cacao nibs, until smooth.  Add cacao nibs at the very end and blend briefly, if you like your smoothie to have some texture. I find that they get stuck in my straw so I put them in at the beginning.

Need help getting your 13 a day, check out the help I use here. 

Blueberry Mango Smoothie

Blueberries and mangoes both contain essential vitamins and antioxidants that improve health and mood.

Blueberries are considered a superfood, so are just bursting with health benefits! They are helpful in skin, heart, and mental health, as well as blood pressure, cancer prevention, bone strength, and more!

Mangoes also have a hand in skin health, as well as being proficient in promoting a healthy gut, lowering cholesterol, benefiting eye health, stimulating digestion, and boosting immunity.

Fat Releasing Smoothie 

• 1 tsp-tbsp. Brain Octane, MCT Oil
• 1 tsp maca, optional
• 1 tsp bee pollen, optional 
• Ice
• 2 tbsp flax seeds
• 1 ¼ cup water or any liquid that you like, milk, almond milk, coconut milk etc
• 1 scoop Chocolate Juice Plus Whole Complete Protein Powder, you can use whatever you like but this is the best one I have found for me and my clients. You can also use raw cocao powder to make it chocolately!!   • Juice Plus+ Whole Complete Non-GMO, vegan, dairy free, packed with fruit and veggie concentrates

 • 1 scoop collagen ( I now use Modere collagen as I find it highly effective, click here and will NOT put it in my smoothie but rather just take it 2x during the day). I've tried many Collagen's and this one is by far the most effective.

•   1 tsp cinnamon (high in antioxidants, relieves inflammation, protects heart, stabilizes blood sugar, preserves brain function, may lower cancer risk, fights infections and viruses, prevents candida, benefits skin, reduces allergies, lowers glycemic load - https://draxe.com/nutrition/health-benefits-cinnamon/)

I used to use a whole banana but then gradually started using less and now don't use one at all.

Are you ready for a change??

  "Thank you for your raw, honest and candid story about sugar and the experiences that drove your emotions that drove the journey. Congratulations on not just defining and finding the balance but determining for your readers how to maintain a lasting resolve.

While I have often experienced the flip flops between my interest in things and my commitment,  I have never really understood what it was I was doing. Thank you for the clear, black and white define of self sabotage!!

Cookie Dough in the Dark was the wake-up call I needed. Thank you." - Trish M.

 

Yes, I want to crush my cravings >> get your guide here

 

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