Meal prepping for smoothies and shakes is a fantastic way to stay on track with your weight loss goals while still enjoying delicious and nutritious drinks. By preparing ingredients in advance, you save time and ensure you have healthy options ready to go. Here are three diverse examples of meal prep for smoothies and shakes that you can easily incorporate into your routine.
This example is perfect for those busy mornings when you need a quick breakfast. By pre-packaging your smoothie ingredients, you can simply grab a bag and blend it up in seconds.
Start by gathering your ingredients: 1 cup of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries), 1 banana, 1 cup of spinach, and 1 tablespoon of chia seeds.
Now, take a gallon-sized freezer bag and add the berries, banana (sliced), spinach, and chia seeds. Seal the bag tightly and label it with the date. When you’re ready to make your smoothie, just pour the contents into your blender, add 1 cup of almond milk or water, and blend until smooth.
Notes: You can substitute the berries with any seasonal fruits or add a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost. These packs can last up to three months in the freezer.
If you enjoy a refreshing shake that keeps you energized throughout the day, this example is a great fit! Prepping your shakes in jars allows for easy grab-and-go options.
For this shake, you’ll need 1 cup of kale, 1 mango (cubed), 1/2 avocado, and 1/2 cup of coconut water. In a mason jar, layer the kale first, then add the mango, avocado, and finally pour the coconut water on top. Seal the jar and store it in the refrigerator.
When it’s time to enjoy your shake, simply pour the contents into a blender, blend until smooth, and serve! This shake is perfect for lunch or as a post-workout treat.
Notes: Feel free to switch kale for spinach or use different fruits like pineapple or papaya. These jars can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
This example is ideal for those who crave something a bit indulgent yet healthy. Prepping these shake bags can help curb your chocolate cravings while providing a good source of protein.
For this shake, you’ll need 1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter, 1 banana, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 1 scoop of protein powder. In a quart-sized freezer bag, combine the peanut butter, banana (sliced), cocoa powder, and protein powder. Seal it up and freeze it.
When you’re ready to enjoy your shake, pour the contents into your blender, add 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy), and blend until creamy. This shake makes a great breakfast or a satisfying afternoon snack.
Notes: You can swap peanut butter for almond butter or use a plant-based protein powder to make it vegan-friendly. These bags can last up to one month in the freezer.
By incorporating these examples of meal prep for smoothies and shakes into your week, you can streamline your nutrition and enjoy delicious options that support your weight loss journey. Happy blending!