6 Smoothies that Won’t Break the Calorie Bank

Low calorie diets don’t have to be boring. Get creative with some of these low-cal smoothies.

When you are trying to lose weight or get fit, calorie counting is a frustrating but necessary evil. However, it doesn’t always have to be an exhausting task, especially if you integrate some fun smoothie recipes into your diet. But beware: smoothies can often masquerade as a healthy snack or meal substitute, when in reality their ingredients can rack up calories with you being none the wiser.

Be aware that smoothie is not necessary synonymous with healthy. (I learned this the hard way after constantly scarfing down large Peanut Butter Bananas at my go-to smoothie place.)

Here are some recipes that you can easily do at home that will help you out with your low-calorie goals.

1. Blueberry Banana Blast Smoothie

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  • 2 cups non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 banana
  •  ½ cup fresh blueberries
  • ½ cup skim milk
  •  1 tbsp cinnamon

Calories: about 400

This is a great breakfast smoothie, which combines cinnamon, bananas and blueberries. It’s enough calories to keep you full and potentially serve as your entire breakfast on-the-go while still maintaining a lower amount of calories that gives you plenty to work with for the rest of the day.

The cinnamon will wake you up and prepare you for the day, while also giving you ridiculous amounts of health benefits. Cinnamon is equal parts delicious and healthy. For an even lower calorie option, ditch the milk and use ice to blend the ingredients smoothly. To make things a bit more lush, drizzle some whipped cream on top and add a stick of cinnamon as a garnish, but be aware of the added calories.

2. Piña Colada Smoothie

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  • 2 cups non-fat vanilla yogurt
  •  ½ cup fresh pineapple
  • 2 tbsp coconut
  • ice

Calories: about 400

This is the perfect summer drink for when you’re craving a cocktail but don’t want to spare the calories on alcohol. The pineapple will give you a tropical burst of flavor and get you refreshed for the day and ice will give it a slushy, beachy feel that will let you pretend you’re strolling down the boardwalk. For an extra bit of fun, add some whipped cream on top and sprinkle some shredded toasted coconut.

3. Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie

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  • 2 cups non-fat vanilla yogurt
  • ½ cup cherries
  • 2 tbsp Hershey’s syrup
  • ice

Calories: about 420

To satisfy your sweet tooth without ruining a day of healthy eating, try this smoothie. This is great for a decadent lunch substitute or a dessert if you have some extra calories to spare. It could even work as a post-workout snack as cherries are known to combat post-workout aches according to the Huffington Post.

They also are packed with antioxidants, and—perhaps more importantly—they are incredibly tasty. To make your smoothie a bit creamier, add a ½ cup of skim milk to the ice (which will also add about 40 calories to your smoothie).

4. Mango Madness Smoothie

  • 2 cups non-fat Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup diced mango
  • ½ cup pineapple
  • ½ banana
  • ice

Calories: about 400

Incredibly filling and delightfully delish, this smoothie combines mango, pineapple, banana and Greek yogurt to give you something that can keep you satisfied until your next meal. If mangos are difficult to get ahold of at your local supermarket, most larger stores have them in the frozen foods section, which will work just as well as freshly diced mango.

5. Very Berry Smoothie

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  • 2 cups non-fat vanilla yogurt
  • ½ cup blueberries
  •  ½ cup raspberries
  • 1 cup strawberries
  •  ice

Calories: about 410

For all you berry lovers out there, this will satisfy your cravings. The blend of berries is rich in antioxidants and low in calories. If you’re feeling creative, add some blackberries, cherries, a squirt of honey or even some cinnamon. Just watch those calories if you’re not willing to treat yo’self too much.

6. Peanut Butter Banana

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  • 2 cups non-fat vanilla yogurt
  • 1 banana
  • 1 tbsp peanut butter
  •  ½ cup skim milk

Calories: about 490

This last smoothie is a classic combination of two favorite foods, a perfect post-workout pick-me-up and lets you splurge a little more on those calories. Peanut butter can be super high in calories, but it’s also very high in protein.

It’s also one of the most glorious foods on this earth and will give you an extra boost of joy, so factor that into your decision-making. Don’t let calorie counting steal all of your fun. As this smoothie definitely has the power to hold you over until dinner, it would be best served as a meal substitute rather than a snack or a side dish.

So there you have it, folks — my list of my personal favorite smoothies for when I’m watching my calorie intake. But don’t limit yourself to this list — or any list, for that matter. We live in the 21st century with Pinterest and blenders, and with those two tools you can accomplish almost anything. Try new recipes and ingredient substitutions to see what works for you.

Calorie counting sucks sometimes, but don’t let yourself think that it means you have to be boring with what you choose to eat. Eating healthy should be a lifestyle choice, and it’s only sustainable if you enjoy what you’re doing. Long story short: have fun with it.

Do you have any fun smoothie recipes you’d like to share? What’s your go-to concoction? Let us know in the comments section!

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About the author

Taylor Maple

Taylor is a junior at Ohio University studying journalism & political science. You can almost always find her at a concert, a bookstore, or in bed binge-watching Grey's Anatomy. She is passionate about empowering women and helping them succeed in life, love, & careers.

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