I just bought a Vitamix blender last weekend.  It's been wonderful! We have used it at least twice a day and sometimes 3 times.  I've made fabulous green smoothies, buffalo hummus, vegan ice cream, raw frosting, and lots more.  It's so easy to clean!  Definitely worth it!

I have the Ninja Blender and have a Chocolate Shakeology smoothie blended with frozen bananas and skim milk each day after my workout.  This product has been a key component of my 100 lb weight loss as it provides a daily healthy treat that gives me the nutrients to fuel my body for the next day's workout!

ive been combining almond milk w/silken tofu as a base to my fruit smoothies. theyve been turning out very creamy and thick. The other day i tried some dried peanut butter called PB2 and it was so  yummy w/raw cacao and bananna. We also like to use frosen seedless grapes in our green smoothies. They add sweetness.

I want to caution people about quasi diet / healthy foods like smoothies and granola bars....

They can be filled with a ton of calories.  Even with minimal amounts of added sweets.  One strawberry smoothie can have a pint of strawberries in it.

Studies have shown multiple times that eating a plan strawberry will make you feel fuller than sipping the same strawberry mixed up.  Lots of theories as to why...  The food stays in your mouth longer.  The chewing motion releases some kind of chemical reaction...etc.

There are no short cuts and those in the middle of making a life style change should be cautious about sipping what could amount to a ton of calories.  Whole foods = better.

I just starting making smoothies again 2 weeks ago.  I found a recipe for a pumpking oatmeal smoothie that is really good.  This week I did chocolate banana oatmeal smoothie using chocolate protein power.  It's very good, filling and under 200 calories.

I have to agree with afreiman.  I usually feel VERY HUNGRY about an hour after drinking a smoothie!  And some are so high in calories, they should be counted as a meal or Snack 1 or Snack 2!!!

Also, it seems that "juicing" is all the rage right now.  Everyone is "juicing their way thin!!!"  Thing is, what do they do when they can't juice?!?  They EAT and probably eat way too much.  So, although it is healthier than a lot of things, juicing and smoothies may be sabotaging your efforts.  

eraebecker's recipe looks YUMMY!  Although a little low in calories to replace a meal or snack, there's a lot of yummy goodness in that recipe.  Thanks eraebecker!

Jim ~ How to eat 400 to 800 calories less PER DAY.

While it's true that you will probably feel fuller eating the strawberries rather than throwing them in a smoothie, for some of us it's a nice treat and healthier than a milkshake.

After all, what do you think is a better idea if you're trying to lose weight and craving a big chocolate milkshake: go to Wendy's and buy a large chocolate Frosty, or use lowfat/fat-free plain yogurt, fresh fruit and perhaps a light chocolate protein powder and enjoy a healthy treat?

If you make your own smoothies at home, you control the calorie content and everything else in it. So why be worried that it might sabotage your diet? Smoothies can have a place in a healthy lifestyle.

If you are going to be drinking blended smoothies and/or protein shakes like me daily, you might want to invest in a "magic bullet."  It is so easy to clean up and you blend right in the cup from which you drink.  I use it at least two times a day, once in the morning for my protein shake, then once a day for a low carb smoothie snack.

You want a low carb/low calorie smoothie?  Use 1.5 cups of unsweetened almond milk and dump some berries in there (2 large strawberries and 10 black berries) and blend away.  It is less then 5g of carbs for around 100 calories total.  Excellent stuff!!!  If you can afford more carbs and calories, add some banana and/or spoonfull of peanut butter.  

Original Post by: gcousins

If you are going to be drinking blended smoothies and/or protein shakes like me daily, you might want to invest in a "magic bullet."  It is so easy to clean up and you blend right in the cup from which you drink.  I use it at least two times a day, once in the morning for my protein shake, then once a day for a low carb smoothie snack.

You want a low carb/low calorie smoothie?  Use 1.5 cups of unsweetened almond milk and dump some berries in there (2 large strawberries and 10 black berries) and blend away.  It is less then 5g of carbs for around 100 calories total.  Excellent stuff!!!  If you can afford more carbs and calories, add some banana and/or spoonfull of peanut butter.  

Oh yeah, I also add a few ice cubes before blending.  It brings up the temp and adds a little more texture/thickness to it

Ground/milled stabilized flaxseed is a great addition to smoothies, yogurt, (and many other foods) and is a great anti-inflammatory for those with arthritis or joint problems. (I'm not sure about the bromelain in pineapple). 2 tbsp a day is all you need to receive the great benefits of flaxseed, packed with omega-3 essential fatty acids! :)

As for smoothies, I also recently bought a personal (like the "Bullet") blender. And I too, struggle a bit making a truly healthy (and great tasting!) low-calorie smoothie... 

What I use:  1 cup of almond milk, a few tablespoons of Stonyfield Oikos Organic Plain Yogurt, fresh or freeze dried fruit -- strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and a 1/3 or less of a banana... I like to add vegetables like carrots and spinach and then mint leaves and ginger for more flavor. I'm a vegetarian, so I like to add a few nuts in there as well, which actually blend quite nicely! (Peanut butter is too high in calories and fat). And can't forget, ground (milled) flaxseed. Never use whole seeds; your body can't absorb the nutrients with the shell on.

I don't like to add sweetener (like sugar, honey or chocolate) because the fruit already is so high in sugar and carbohydrates.

All said and done, I LOVE the fact that I'm getting so many nutrients in a drink, but it's not THAT great tasting and I find myself grabbing for something else, (a yogurt, protein bar, or nuts) as I am still hungry for something else. I recently read an article on this site or linked from that said that eating whole foods, rather than drinking smoothies tend to fill you up more than a smoothie, so why not just pack the fruit (you'd probably use half the amt.) in a container and snack/graze on that while you're at work..?

I'll probably still make smoothies a few times a week, but I may cut my serving size in half. It sucks when you're adding up your calories throughout the day and you already have 400 consumed before 10 AM! That can be a lot depending on your daily calorie goal/limit to lose weight! Mine is 1300...!

Tip? So I've noticed that drinking tea throughout the day at work really helps to curve hunger. I used to try to make frequent trips to the Culligan water tank, but it can really be difficult to drink a lot of water without having something to munch on. Tea isn't like that... and on top of that, you're receiving the (antioxidant and metabolism) benefits of tea! :)

I keep a freezer bag full of banana halves in my freezer just for smoothies.  My favorite - 1/2 banana, 1 T cocoa powder, 1-2 T Splenda, a splash of pure vanilla extract, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (Almond Breeze unsweetened almond coconut milk is even better if you can find it) and a scoop of Biochem low carb whey protein powder.  It tastes just like a chocolate banana milkshake with only about 180 calories, low fat, and a nice boost of protein.  I love these after I work out.If you are just looking for a nice low cal dessert (just less than 100 calories!), omit the protein powder.

A blender is a perennial must have in my house. I may not use it every day, but then there are times when I use it all day long ----for smoothies,  protein shakes, soups, sauces, and holiday cocktails for guests. 

I'm surprised no one has even mentioned the use of a blender for salsa... It's so easy and low cal and can be added to just about anything while giving lots of flavor...

Easy Salsa in the Blender

2 tomatoes (You could also use tomatillos)

either 1/4 of an onion or a couple green onions w/ the both ends trimmed

1 or 2 cloves of garlic

as many chile peppers as you prefer (I usually use 2 or three serranos)

a handful of cilantro

salt to taste

Instructions: Blend everything together (add a little water if necessary to get things started if you're having a hard time blending it)

This should make a jarful or salsa

I make a protein smoothie almost every morning. The base is soy milk and protein whey.  From there anything is subject to getting tossed in ... always a frozen fruit (no sugar added) to thicken the mix, sometimes Greek yogurt, 2 Tbs cottage cheese, coffee ice cubes, fresh squeezed orange juice ice cubes, fresh baby spinach, a Tbsp peanut butter, Walden's or Torani's sugar free chocolate syrup, wheat germ or flax seed, no sugar added fruit juice, pure pumpkin puree ... add-ins are endless.

True, my 2-serving concoction of the day usually comes in at between 300-400 calories, but I sip those 2 servings for several hours, just blending in more ice when I need to cool it back down.  My old breakfast cereal had the same amount of calories and lasted me 10 minutes at most, leaving me hungry within an hour, and didn't have the protein I needed.

Since I'm making the smoothie, I have total control over the calories and nutrients in it.  I'm also throwing away a LOT less fresh fruit now, because when it hits its prime, I can just flash freeze it for my smoothies.  (Most any fruit will freeze and keep well for a few weeks without any special treatment.) I don't have the luxury of being able to shop every 2-3 days to keep fruit at its premium state.

I agree that I don't feel as satiated when I "drink" my meal or snack rather than eat it, but I know it's all psychological. After all, drinks are often an afterthought during a meal, and something we "do" between meals. And let's be honest, a lot of times people don't think about the calories they add by having a glass of milk, a soda or even a beer at a meal.

That said, most of us on here do think about the extra calories in drinks, and so if you're like me you drink diet or water. I have a hard time justifying adding liquid calories to a meal, it seems like a "waste" because often a little adds a lot, and we're back to the satiation issue. I can have a 20oz Americano for 20 calories (with a splash of milk) or a 8oz smoothie for 150 calories...

Any thoughts on this? How do people "justify" liquid calories?

I recently rediscovered the blender too. But hard to clean? I couldn't disagree more. Mine disassembles completely in about 20 seconds. Drop it and wash in soapy water (or throw in the dishwasher), rinse, and then put in the drying rack - very simple.

I love my blender and I have found that if you just pour out your ingredients and add warm water and a few drops of dish detergent  right then you can then blend that and it is sort of self cleans.

Original Post by: cmhehre

I agree that I don't feel as satiated when I "drink" my meal or snack rather than eat it, but I know it's all psychological. After all, drinks are often an afterthought during a meal, and something we "do" between meals. And let's be honest, a lot of times people don't think about the calories they add by having a glass of milk, a soda or even a beer at a meal.

That said, most of us on here do think about the extra calories in drinks, and so if you're like me you drink diet or water. I have a hard time justifying adding liquid calories to a meal, it seems like a "waste" because often a little adds a lot, and we're back to the satiation issue. I can have a 20oz Americano for 20 calories (with a splash of milk) or a 8oz smoothie for 150 calories...

Any thoughts on this? How do people "justify" liquid calories?

My Smoothie 'liquid calories' are my meal.  They fill me up just fine.  I pack them with protein and vitamins.  Without them, I'd never get enough calcium, since I had to cut my cheese intake (due to sodium) to a bare minimum.

I don't feel a need to justify everything I take in.  Gawd, I'd never be able to justify my half-slice of pie.  I'd be making up reasons for why I'm eating that oatmeal (I need the fiber) cookie or why I'm putting sour cream (I need calcium) on my baked potato.

Then again, I'm a black with no sugar decaf coffee drinker ... and now a water drinker. I haven't had a soda in 30 years.  I can't drink straight juice as it tears up my tummy.  I don't like plain milk. Tea leaves a nasty taste in my mouth.  I don't drink alcohol.

Like sundownlinda, my blender is easy to clean as well - once you're done, a few drops of liquid Dawn, hot water, and all my other measuring/stirring implements go in it too. Easy. 

I just discovered homemade smoothies last year, and was glad to be able to find a use for that blender!  For satiety, I add one tablespoon whey protein powder, lightly vanilla flavored, it actually has no taste with the rest of the ingredients.  Usual smoothie for breakfast - 1 c. plain, low fat yogurt, 1 c frozen berries thawed slightly, protein powder as above, a splash 1% milk, and a sugar substitute. Yes, it's about 300 cals, but I love it! And I don't need a snack, like I did this morning an hour after eating one piece of toast (160 cals) with peanut butter (188 cals) and strawberry preserves (30 cals). It's the protein powder that makes you feel satisfied, and there's no added sugar in mine, except the fruit.

I love smoothies as a quick breakfast! I use flax meal to add fiber and it's much more filling than some other quick breakfast options I've tried. I always put carrots and spinach, then whatever fruit and plain yogurt I have on hand. Delicious! And yes, there is about 300-400 calories in my smoothies, but as a meal replacement I really don't think that's a bad thing!

Agreed, jgreen!  I don't add spinach, I'd rather just have that steamed as a veggie with a little salt & pepper or, like last night, added to my homemade vegetable beef soup.  It doesn't seem to blend well with the sweet, to my palate, and leaves a weird aftertaste.  However, that being said, fruit smoothies are definitely a great quick breakfast, and even sometimes a tasty lunch if I don't have a lot of time. You've got to add the protein, though, or it won't stick with you, which is very important.

Post your great sharing, I enjoyed your content and posts are always waiting for the next time you share

I almost can't believe in all these comments and smoothie recipes that NO ONE has mentioned using chia seeds. They have an equivalent if not better dietary profile than flax, doesn't need to be milled (they don't have a hard shell like flax,and your body can absorb the whole thing) and therefore doesn't have the risk of going rancid like milled flax can. They Also absorb a lot of water. Put some in a cup with some water and it forms a gel. It does this in your stomach as well - keeping you full longer. Or let it sit in the smoothie for a bit and it acts as a natural thickener- without adding any more solid food (yogurt etc) and thus calories to the shake. Toss some in and watch the volume of your smoothie grow!! Might be worth a try. Just swap the flax out for chia!! Or do half and half. It also works well in baking.

Chia sounds great, but it doesn't fit into my food budget at this time.

I make smoothies all the time and found that just plain filtered water with frozen fruit and protein powder tastes great.  You don't even need the extra calories from the various types of milks or the yogurt.  I have a VitaMix and grind up flax seeds and add that and also add some Barleans Oil.  The calories from the healthy oil is offset by not using the milks or yogurt.  It tastes great made with water alone.  I would have never believed it until I tried it one day.  That's how I make mine most of the time now.

I purchased a vitamix last year when I went vegan and have never regretted the purchase. I drink two green smoothies every day. As for the sugar content that a few have mentioned, when fruit is blended with greens the greens will slow down how fast your body absorbs the sugar. One of my new favorites is this one: http://caloriecount.about.com/glowing-green-smoothie-radiant -skin-recipe-r1019312 This makes about 48 ounces and can be drank as a meal replacement at about 500 calories or broken into two servings. Since I became vegan and started drinking two smoothies a day I do not even have to count calories and the last 35 pounds I had to lose just fell off my body.