Whenever I’m prepping for a fitness contest, I have to be wary of my daily calorie intake. Some of my go-to recipes during this time include cereal, candy, and low calorie smoothies. For three months of the year, I follow a strict, calorie-controlled diet. This ensures I’m in the best physical shape before I compete, and that my body composition is in its finest form. While my food options are quite limited, there is always room to keep things interesting while keeping the calories low. One of my go-to breakfast or snacks is often a smoothie! Smoothies have to be one of the most calorie friendly foods out there. They are filling, satisfying, are use very few ingredients. While some smoothies can contain as many calories as an entire pizza (Smoothie King’s ‘Hulk’ smoothie has close to 1000 calories!), many can contain much, much less than that! While I do enjoy smoothies on a year-round basis (my favorites include ones made with almond milk, oat milk, and an almond butter), during prep time, I have a special collection of six recipes that I make on rotation.
Low calorie smoothie recipes- 6 Flavors!
These low calorie smoothie recipes prove just that. They all use less than 4 ingredients and most contain fewer than 100 calories per smoothie. These smoothies are thick, creamy, and deceptively filling, and taste so delicious. Here are the flavor options-
Strawberry smoothieBlueberry smoothieBanana smoothieGreen smoothieChocolate smoothieCoffee smoothie
What I love about these smoothies is that you can easily customize them while keeping the calories super low! Combine them with other low calorie fruits (like berries!), low calorie ice cream, or even some low calorie peanut butter!
How to make a low calorie smoothie?
The Ingredients.
Frozen fruit– Frozen fruit thickens the smoothie and adds natural sweetness. Milk of choice– The lowest calorie milks include unsweetened almond milk or unsweetened coconut milk. Other milk options will add extra calories. Optional extras– Sweeteners, ice, spices, etc.
The Instructions.
In a high speed blender or food processor, add the frozen fruit and milk of choice and blend until a thick and creamy smoothie remains. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Low calorie smoothie flavors
Here are six flavor ideas that are all between 80-125 calories per smoothie!
Strawberry smoothie
Frozen strawberriesUnsweetened almond milkOptional add-ins– cinnamon, non-fat yogurt.
Blueberry smoothie
Frozen blueberriesUnsweetened almond milkOptional add-ins– banana, raspberries, non-fat yogurt.
Banana smoothie
Frozen bananasUnsweetened almond milkOptional add-ins– cinnamon, sugar free honey, non-fat yogurt.
Green smoothie
Frozen bananasBaby spinachUnsweetened almond milkOptional add-ins– sugar free maple syrup, cocoa powder, non-fat yogurt.
Chocolate smoothie
Frozen bananaIceUnsweetened almond milkSugar free hot chocolate powder
Coffee smoothie
Frozen bananasUnsweetened almond milkBrewed coffee or espressoIce
Dietary and Flavor Variations
Add protein! Make it a low calorie protein smoothie by adding 1/4 cup of your favorite protein powder and/or half a cup of non-fat Greek yogurt. Make it a smoothie bowl. For a low calorie smoothie bowl, add 1 cup of ice to any of the smoothies. You will need to add a sweetener to them to compensate. Add sweeteners. For sweeter smoothies without adding calories, you can add some sugar free maple syrup, sugar free honey, sugar free simple syrup or even a brown sugar substitute. Add some healthy fats. This gives the smoothies more satiety, protein and fiber. For an extra 100 calories, add a tablespoon of peanut butter, almond butter, or a nut free alternative.
Tips to make the best recipe
Your smoothie can be as thick or as thin as you like. Simply blend the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency.For an extra thick and creamy smoothie, freeze half or all of your almond milk into an ice cube tray before making it. Add it to the smoothie instead of standard milk and it will taste like a frosty or soft serve ice cream. Do not freeze the smoothies or store them to enjoy later. They are best to be enjoyed fresh.
More low calorie recipes to try
CookiesPancakesPeanut butterChipsWraps