Weight loss is hard. It’s even more complicated if you’re trying to eat healthy, too. Greek yogurt smoothie weight loss makes this task easier by adding protein and calcium to your diet and curbing your appetite.
Plus, when blended with other nutritious ingredients like fruit and nut butter, you end up with a delicious smoothie.
And it won’t make you feel like you’re missing out on anything.
This guide will show you how to prepare yogurt smoothie recipes for weight loss. We’ll also discuss the benefits each ingredient has to help lose weight.
Let’s begin.
Yogurt Smoothie Recipes for Weight Loss: Nutrition and Health Benefits of Ingredients
1. One Cup Full-Fat Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is more protein than regular yogurt.
For example, a serving of nonfat Greek yogurt has 15 grams of protein, compared to 11.5 grams for low-fat and 10 for regular nonfat yogurts.
Protein has been shown to help you feel fuller longer, which can be beneficial if you’re trying to lose weight.
Additionally, Greek yogurt is higher in calcium than regular yogurts. One cup contains about 43 percent of your recommended daily (1,000 milligrams).
Calcium helps keep your bones strong and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life.
Greek Yogurt Has Less Sugar
Greek yogurt tends to have less sugar than other types of yogurt because it’s strained more than other types.
The process removes some lactose (milk sugar) from the mix, creating a thicker texture with fewer carbs and calories overall.
This also results in a slightly sour taste than traditional yogurts.
Their sweeteners are added after extracting excess liquid from milk products like whole milk or cream cheese.
Some people enjoy this flavor more, but others might not prefer it as much. So consider how important this factor is when choosing between brands and flavors.
Also Read: What is Double Cream? Uses and Ingredients
2. 1/3 Cup Fresh or Frozen Blueberries
Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants, which help protect your body from harmful free radicals.
These compounds can also help prevent cancer and reduce the risk of heart disease.
It lowers blood pressure and prevents cholesterol from forming plaque in the arteries.
They’re also packed with fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients that can help you feel fuller for longer.
3. 1 Tbsp Honey, to Taste
This easy Greek yogurt smoothie for weight loss is a great way to start your day. The natural sweetener honey isn’t only delicious and has many health benefits.
Honey contains antioxidants that help prevent damage to cells.
In addition, it’s an excellent source of vitamins and minerals such as copper, manganese, and zinc.
The antibacterial properties in honey can also fight off infections by killing harmful bacteria like E-coli and salmonella.
It even helps with digestion because honey acts as an antiseptic agent against bacteria (especially strep throat).
4. 1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is a flavoring that comes from the seedpod of the vanilla orchid.
It’s made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol and can flavor lots of things like yogurt smoothies!
5. 3-4 Ice Cubes, If Desired
You can also add ice cubes (3-4) if you want a smoothie that is more like a milkshake.
That will make your smoothie thicker. But it’ll also dilute the flavors of your ingredients.
If you’re looking for something that’s more like juice, then use less or no ice at all in this recipe.
You’ll still get all the same benefits from Greek yogurt and bananas.
Just that it’s without as much added creaminess to make your smoothie feel heavy or filling before lunchtime hits.
6. 1 Medium Banana
Bananas are a good source of energy, potassium, and fiber. It’s also rich in vitamin B6. In addition, they contain tryptophan, which is an amino acid that helps to make serotonin.
7. 1/2 Cup Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is an excellent source of healthy fats, which will help keep you feeling full.
The calcium in the coconut milk can also contribute to the greek yogurt smoothie weight loss.
You can use coconut milk as a substitute for any other liquid in your smoothies or other recipes that call for dairy products.
8. 3 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder is made from cocoa beans, which naturally contain antioxidants. Antioxidants help avoid free radicals that cause damage to cells.
Cocoa is also a good source of magnesium and iron. Two minerals that are often lacking in the diet of those who don’t eat meat or dairy products.
Magnesium helps improve your mood, so eating chocolate might be just what you need to cheer up!
Cocoa powder can also help reduce blood pressure, reducing your risk for heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Greek Yogurt Smoothies Weight Loss: Benefits of Eating Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a good source of calcium, which helps build strong bones. In addition, it’s a good source of protein, which helps build muscle.
Greek yogurt contains probiotics, which can improve digestive health and promote weight loss.
In addition, it improves your immune system and helps you feel full longer.
Furthermore, it provides antioxidants that help fight off free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in Greek yogurt help support healthy circulation, cell growth, and strong bones.
It also provides potassium, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins B6 & B12 (Biotin), folic acid, magnesium, phosphorous, and sodium.
Greek Yogurt Smoothie Recipes for Weight Loss: How to Make the Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tbsp honey, to taste
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 ice cubes, if desired
- 1 medium banana
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Preparation
Making the greek yogurt smoothie is simple. Just put all the ingredients discussed previously in a blender. Blend until everything is smooth.
Pour the smoothie into a serving glass, add ice cubes, and enjoy!
Also Read: Hand Mixer vs. Immersion Blender: Which One Is Better?
Conclusion
Greek yogurt smoothies for weight loss are a great way to start your day or end it with a refreshing treat.
So if you’re looking for an easy recipe to help you lose weight, this is the one for you.
[…] if you’re trying to avoid dairy, are vegan, or don’t want to spend money on yogurt smoothies, just add nut butter. It can add creaminess and protein to your smoothie without using […]