4 Smoothie Recipes for Weight Loss

By Beth Blair, Fitness

I've always loved making smoothies, but I learned something very important this year while working with my registered dietician, Heather Wallace: It's imperative I include protein with every meal and snack. Therefore I've been adding a scoop of whey protein powder to my daily smoothies and have noticed I do stay fuller longer. The added protein also helps my muscles recover from my workouts. It's a win-win all the way around!

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Here are four of my favorite recipes:

Pumpkin Pie Shake

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 scoop whey vanilla protein powder
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup canned pumpkin
1 teaspoon flaxseed
1 packet Stevia or 1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
7 to 8 ice cubes

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Berry Smoothie

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup water
1 cup frozen mixed berries
1 scoop whey protein powder
1 tablespoon flaxseed
1 teaspoon chia seeds
(Sometimes I throw in a handful of spinach, kale, or a teaspoon of honey.)

RELATED: Try This Flat-Belly Kale Smoothie

Nut-Butter Smoothie

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon almond butter or NuttZo (peanut-free option)
1 scoop whey protein powder
1 teaspoon honey
7 to 8 ice cubes
(I'm off bananas and peanut butter right now for food sensitivity reasons, but if you love bananas, throw one in for extra deliciousness or substitute Nuttzo for peanut butter!)

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Fruit Smoothie

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup water
1 cup frozen mixed fruit
1 scoop whey protein powder
4 to 5 ice cubes