The Best Smoothie after Workout for Weight Loss Recipe

Contrary to popular belief, losing weight doesn't have to taste bad. And if you need proof, look no further than smoothies.

Smoothies can be tailored to your personal preferences and dietary needs, without compromising on flavor. Now, there are certainly tasty smoothies out there with the opposite effect on weight loss.

But if you're smart about the ingredients used, satisfy the proper nutrients, and monitor your caloric intake, you can make a delicious and satisfying smoothie that will help aid in weight loss and help your body recover after an intense workout.

In this post, we're going to show you how to make a delicious smoothie that helps detoxify the body and sustain your protein after a workout.

We'll also go one step further and demystify the role of each ingredient, so you're equipped with the knowledge to customize smoothies on a whim, and still reach your fitness goals and nutritional requirements.

So get ready to gather your fruits, veggies, and nuts; grab your blender and ready your taste buds for one of the best post-workout smoothie recipes around.

SHEFIT's Easy Matcha Berry Smoothie Recipe for Weight Loss

The following smoothie recipe was designed to help your muscles recover after a good sweat session and support a weight loss journey, but it can also be used as a quick and easy breakfast solution in the morning.

Packed with refreshing berry fruits, the wonder of matcha, and muscle-building protein, this recipe checks all the boxes for taste and fitness goals. The ingredients used to make this post-workout smoothie make it friendly to many dietary restrictions, including:

Vegan
Gluten-Free
Dairy-Free
Paleo

From prep to pour, this dairy-free detox smoothie will only take you 5 minutes to make and serves 2.

So you could easily make it at breakfast, and have one on the way to work while saving the other for after your workout.

If you go this route, just remember that your anabolic window, the period where your body can build muscle from protein after a workout, is only 4 hours - so if you prep in the morning, just don't forget to drink your second serving right after your workout.

Ingredients: SHEFIT's Matcha Berry Post-Workout Smoothie

2 Cups of Unsweetened Almond Milk (Chilled) - substitute with any unsweetened nut milk: cashew, macadamia, etc.
1 Cup of Blueberries (Fresh or Frozen)
1 Cup of Strawberries (Fresh or Frozen)
1 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil
1 Banana - Ripe and Peeled - substitute with a frozen banana based on preference.
2 Tablespoons of Plant-Based Protein Powder
1 Tablespoon of Matcha Powder
1/4 Teaspoon of Ground Cinnamon
1/4 Teaspoon of Ground Ginger
1/4 Cup of Coconut Flakes

Directions: SHEFIT's Matcha Berry Post-Workout Smoothie

If you're a smoothie-head, you know one of the greatest parts about smoothies is that outside of prep, the blender does all the work. If this is your first time making a smoothie, then you'll love how quick and easy it is to create a nutritional meal or snack.

Step 1:

Add almond milk (or substitute), blueberries, strawberries, coconut oil, banana, protein powder, matcha, cinnamon, and ginger to the blender and process the ingredients until smooth.

Step 2:

Add ice cubes or chilled water to suit taste and preference, and blend again.

Step 3:

Pour into two glasses and sprinkle a dash of coconut flakes on the top of the smoothies.

Step 4:

Enjoy for breakfast or right after your workout! And that's all it takes to properly fuel and refuel your body before the day starts or post-workout.

10 Health Secrets Behind SHEFIT's Matcha Berry Smoothie

Want to see why this recipe is so effective for post-workout recovery, maintaining a healthy weight, and yet a delicious smoothie? Yes? Great, you've come to the right section of this recipe.

The secrets lie in the ingredients, which perhaps aren't so secret at all. Each element of the matcha berry smoothie is great in a few different areas for your health, but in combination, they become a rounded part of your improved well-being.

Let's explore all 10 of the main ingredients from SHEFIT's Matcha Berry Smoothie so you can see how it all comes together to support health and fitness goals.

1. Bananas

Bananas are an important addition to any smoothie because of their smooth texture, unique flavor, and low-calorie count. Bananas contain essential minerals and vitamins, such as potassium and vitamin B6, which promote optimum muscle recovery after an intense workout.

Additional Benefits:

Bloating: reduces belly bloat and increases bloat-fighting gut bacteria.
Digestion: Bananas also have soluble fiber, which can relieve or prevent constipation.

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory properties. These anthocyanin-rich berries have been shown to reduce inflammation in muscle tissue, which is beneficial for post-workout recovery and overall health.

Blueberries are packed with vitamin C, potassium, and powerful antioxidants to help you reduce belly fat and keep up with your weight loss goals. They’re also full of belly-filling fiber to keep your digestive system going.

Pro Tip: Blueberries are the least expensive between May and October.

Additional Benefits:

Heart: blueberries can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Blood Sugar: Help maintain healthy blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of glucose into your bloodstream - beneficial for those with diabetes.

3. Strawberries

Strawberries can do more than tantalize your taste buds - they can help regulate blood sugar levels. By slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates, these sweet treats also boost fat-burning and metabolic hormones like adiponectin and leptin, leading to a higher metabolism rate that encourages weight loss!

Additional Benefits:

Cancer Prevention: Strawberries have anticancer properties due to the presence of antioxidants like ellagic acid.
Immunity: The vitamin C in strawberries helps boost immunity and fight off certain types of diseases.

4. Coconut Oil

It might not seem like a common smoothie ingredient, but coconut oil is an ideal mix-in because it contains fatty acids (medium-chain triglycerides - MCTs) that can help with weight loss by increasing your metabolism and decreasing hunger, torching belly fat in the process. The MCTs found in coconut oil are also known to reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for post-workout recovery and overall health.

And while the conversation about fats gets a lot of air time, healthy fats aren't discussed nearly as much as they should be. Coconut oil is often lumped into the healthy fats category because it adds good cholesterol, but it does contain a high amount of saturated fats.

Additional Benefits:

Skin Care: Coconut oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help keep skin clear and healthy. This has less to do with eating but was so interesting it had to be shared.
Brain Health: Coconut oil may also improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by aiding in glucose metabolism, thus providing your brain with a steady supply of energy.

5. Plant-Based Protein Powder

Adding plant-based protein powder to your smoothie is a great and easy way to get muscle-building protein while helping you feel full at the same time. Amino acids found in it help build and repair muscle tissue after an intense workout. An increase in lean muscle will help you burn more fat.

Pro Tip: Look for a plant-based protein powder free from whey, casein, and other dairy-based ingredients, since each can contribute to bloating.

Additional Benefits:

Heart Health: Plant-based proteins contain Omega 3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Weight Management: Protein powders promote satiety and help keep you feeling full longer. This can prevent overeating, aiding in weight management.

6. Matcha Powder

Matcha powder is a great addition to any smoothie because it provides both caffeine and antioxidants. Caffeine helps boost your metabolism and burn fat, while the antioxidants act as powerful detoxifiers to help cleanse the body. Matcha is something of a miracle ingredient, with many amazing qualities, but an additional one worth noting is its ability to help speed up recovery after intense workouts, like HIIT Chest Training.

Additional Benefits:

Energy Boost: Matcha powder can give you an energy boost without the crash associated with coffee.
Mood Booster: It has also been known to reduce stress and anxiety, improving mental clarity. Matcha powder can even help promote a better night's sleep.

7. Cinnamon

Looking to nix that pesky belly bloat? Add a dash of cinnamon! Not only does it give your baking and smoothies a delicious flavor, but it's also filled with polyphenols - micronutrients that help reduce uncomfortable swelling.

Plus, some studies suggest cinnamon may even help stabilize blood sugar levels and make you feel full for longer. Trust us, this is one super spice you don't want to miss out on!

Additional Benefits:

Metabolism Booster: Cinnamon helps boost your metabolism and aids in weight loss.
Improved Circulation: It can also help improve blood circulation, thus providing more energy to the body.

8. Ginger

You might not realize it, but adding some delicious ginger to your smoothie can go a long way in helping you stay slim!

Not only does this super spice bring tons of flavor to your favorite beverages, but its natural anti-inflammatory properties also make it one of the best digestive aids out there. Plus, it helps soothe the digestive tract and relax the muscles that cause bloating.

With ginger's help, you can feel fuller for longer and avoid those pesky cravings and overeating urges!

Additional Benefits:

Immune System Booster: Ginger can also help boost your immune system and fight off colds.
Pain-Relieving Properties: It has pain-relieving properties as well, making it a great addition to smoothies for those suffering from joint or muscle pains.

9. Coconut Flakes

Coconut flakes are a great source of dietary fiber, which can help keep you feeling full. Plus, they're packed with healthy fats that can boost your metabolism and help you burn fat faster.

Coconut flakes are also high in minerals like magnesium and potassium, helping to regulate electrolyte balance for improved energy levels throughout the day.

Additional Benefits:

Healthy Skin: Coconut flakes can also provide your skin with essential vitamins and minerals, resulting in a healthy glow.
Brain Function: Coconut flakes contain lauric acid, which helps to improve cognition and mental clarity.

10. Unsweetened Almond Milk

Unsweetened almond milk is a great alternative to regular cow's milk, as it contains fewer calories and fat. Not only that, but it also has a variety of vitamins and minerals to support healthy muscle growth.

Additionally, almond milk is naturally low in carbohydrates - perfect for those with weight loss in mind via keto methods.

Additional Benefits:

Low Allergen: Almond milk is also low in allergens, making it suitable for those with dairy allergies and sensitivities.
Cholesterol-Lowering Properties: It has been known to help reduce cholesterol levels as well, making it a great addition to any smoothie.

As you might imagine, when you combine all 10 of these ingredients to form SHEFIT's Matcha Berry Smoothie, it starts to look almost like an elixir.

Customize Your Post-Workout Smoothie

Now that you know the not-so-secret ingredients and what each does for you, you can try substituting other healthy ingredients to try new flavors or give the recipe a kick in a different direction. Here are 2 ideas to get you started:

Add kale for a healthier heart - Kale is high in fiber which can lower LDL levels (bad cholesterol). Kale also contains flavonoids which are anti-oxidants that can lower blood pressure and eliminate free radicals.
Boost your workout energy by adding beet powder - Beets deserve a lifetime achievement award for all the things they can do, but one particular to fitness is how they can increase your pump, which is the widening of your blood vessels to increase blood flow - beneficial for maximizing a workout.

Try Some Other Tasty SHEFIT Treats

The matcha berry recipe above is a bit of a silver bullet for muscle recovery and weight loss. But SHEFIT has a smoothie, juice, or snack for just about any sort of fitness goal. Here's a peek at several delicious items on the menu:

3 Pre-Workout Beet Juice Recipes for Energy: Citrus Beet Juice, Berry Beet Juice, The Vegetable Stand Beet Juice
Post-Workout Smoothie for Recovery: SHEFIT's Very Green Smoothie
Post-Workout Smoothie Popsicle for Weight Loss Snack: SHEFIT's Banana Cherry Yogurt Popsicle
Baked Kale Chips as a Snack Replacement: SHEFIT's Baked Kale Chips Recipe

Lose Weight the Right Way

If you know anything about SHEFIT, it's that peak fitness isn't reached by starving oneself or spending half your life in the gym. We believe that proper nutrition is critical to any fitness goal, which runs counter to fad diets or the absence of nutrition.

Even women on a mission to shed weight quickly don't have to embark on unhealthy diets and fasts to get there.

If you're currently in that phase and entertaining the idea of difficult fasting and restrictions, we'd encourage you to check out the following articles:

Between both of those articles, you'll either find a new strategy or discover a healthy way to go about losing weight quickly. But most importantly, you'll get a look at healthy ways to approach the process, boosting your self-confidence without compromising your health.

Weight Loss Requires Smarter Nutrition and Fitness

You're now ready to head to the grocery store, pick up your favorite ingredients, and make yourself a healthy and delicious smoothie that can help detox your body, repair muscles, aid in weight loss, and much more.

Packed full of nutrition with mouth-watering fruit and muscle-building protein, your body is sure to thank you!

Remember, no plan for healthy weight loss is complete without exercise - even the purest post-workout smoothie won't help you reach your goals alone. Make sure you're also getting more active!

To help motivate your workouts, invest in some great workout wear that’s not only functional but looks fantastic too. Shefit's Ultimate Sports Bra is a fully adjustable sports bra that provides you with personalized support - giving you a sports bra fit as you've never experienced before.