Refreshing Pineapple Weight Loss Smoothies

This all depends on what’s IN your smoothies! Because smoothies come in many combinations and sizes, there are those that can definitely support weight loss, in your weight loss journey while others may not. It also depends on your own personal nutritional needs, but I do think smoothies can be a great part of a healthy weight loss plan. 

In my professional opinion, smoothies can support weight loss if they meet the following criteria:

Are free of refined sugars.

This means no added sugar that comes from sweetened juices or other refined sugar sources. Whole fruits and small amounts of natural sweeteners (maple syrup, dates, or honey) are totally fine and healthy way to help with your sweet tooth without loading you up on processed sugars.

Contain protein.

Because smoothies are often fruit-forward, it’s very important they also contain protein to help balance the carbohydrates from the fruit. The protein also supports muscle recovery and building for better body composition. Whether this is peanut butter, almond butter, pea protein, cashew butter, a plant based protein, or vanilla protein powder this can all help to give a nice protein boost to the drink.

Contain healthy fats.

 Just like protein the fat helps to balance out the sugar content of the smoothie, and it also makes the smoothie filling and satisfying. But, because fat is more caloric, it’s important to moderate the fat content. A tablespoon of nut butter or coconut oil, or 1/4 of an avocado is often enough! 

How can pineapple help you lose weight?

Pineapple Weight Loss Smoothie Ingredients

To make this delicious and refreshing smoothie you only need a handful of ingredients, each with a specific purpose tied to weight loss support. 

Here’s what you’ll need for this smoothie recipe:

• Frozen pineapple (benefits listed above)
• Frozen banana (adds a creamy smoothie texture, brings in fibre and natural sweetness making the smoothie super satisfying)
• Unsweetened coconut (brings in satiating dietary fats, and coconut contains medium-chain triglycerides which help to boost fat-burning)
• Spinach (a great source of nutrients and soluble fibre to help with optimal digestion for weight loss)
• Matcha green tea powder (naturally increases fat burning and metabolism)
• Unflavoured collagen peptides** (brings in 20g of protein, promotes blood sugar stabilization, and supports muscle building)
• Unsweetened almond milk (a great low-calorie non-sugary liquid source) oat milk is also acceptable
• Lime (brings in added flavour and is a source of citric acid which naturally boosts metabolism)

**If you prefer you can swap out the collagen for another protein powder of your choice, but I recommend the collagen as it’s undetectable in taste and texture, so it won’t change the flavour of the smoothie at all. It also contains no added sugars or artificial flavours/additives.