Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie for Weight Loss

This chocolate raspberry smoothie for weight loss is low in calories, satisfies chocolate cravings and tastes like dessert! It’s easy to make with just 6 healthy ingredients in 5 minutes. Vegan, gluten free, nut free and soy free.

Why You’ll Love This Smoothie

• Thick and creamy
• Only 323 calories
• High in antioxidants

This chocolate raspberry smoothie is delicious and great for weight loss! It’s low in calories and high in nutrients, making it an ideal breakfast or snack during any weight loss journey. It tastes so good it can also be enjoyed as a healthy dessert when chocolate cravings hit. This weight loss smoothie is made with a handful of simple ingredients including ground flax seed, cocoa powder and raspberries.

Raspberries and banana make up the base of this smoothie. These fruits are high in fibre, which is a key nutrient for increasing satiety. All berries, including raspberries, are extremely protective foods and should be consumed regularly to maintain good health. Raspberries are packed with antioxidant compounds, phytonutrients and minerals.

Cocoa powder gives this smoothie its rich chocolate flavour. There are antioxidants in cocoa powder like polyphenols, which protect your body from radical cell damage. This is important as oxidative stress accumulates over time and leads to chronic diseases. Both raspberries and cocoa powder are shown to improve blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. Cocoa powder also has an anti-inflammatory effect on the gut, and may even improve cognitive function!

Flax seed for Health

Flax seeds are one of the best sources of healthy fats like omega-3. These fats have a powerful ani-inflammatory effect and can benefit the body in many ways. Conditions like arthritis may be improved by consuming flax regularly. Omega-3 also improves skin quality and can reduce acne.

Flax is great for keeping the digestive tract clear and functioning optimally, which helps to reduce uncomfortable bloating. So drink this smoothie every day for a flat stomach!

When blending flax it’s important to use a pre-ground variety. Blenders have a hard time breaking down the tough hulls of flax seeds. By using ground flax you will ensure the pieces get fully broken down in the smoothie, allowing for maximum nutrient absorption. Ground flax (sometimes called flax meal) can be found in most grocery stores.

Ingredients Needed

These are the ingredients you will need to make this chocolate raspberry smoothie.

Cocoa powder: Gives the smoothie its chocolate flavour. Raw cacao powder can be used instead if preferred.

Agave syrup: Adds sweetness to balance any tartness in the raspberries.

Flax seed: A brown or golden variety both work well. Be sure to use ground flax seed for easier blending. Even the best blenders may have a hard time breaking down whole flax seeds.

Frozen raspberries & banana: Creates the thick, creamy base of the smoothie and adds natural sweetness.

Oat milk: The liquid that brings all of the other ingredients together to blend smoothly and adds a creamy consistency.

For ingredient amounts and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Benefits

Hydrating

Staying properly hydrated is a basic requirement for optimal health. By incorporating daily smoothies you can maintain your ideal hydration level more easily. Start each morning with a smoothie for easy hydration!

High fibre

Easily get more fibre in your every day diet! In addition to being generally healthy, getting enough fibre can be extremely helpful for weight loss as it helps keep you feeling full for longer, without adding calories. Fibre also helps improve our gut health.

Nutrient dense

Vegan smoothies are a great way to get more nutrient rich foods in each day. By blending them into a single meal, it’s super quick, easy and fun! Choose ingredients like dark leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds and fruits to make your smoothies nutrient rich.

Variations

Try an alternative plant milk

This recipe uses oat milk but you can try using any plant based milk you prefer. Some alternatives include soy, almond or cashew! You can also make your own plant milk from scratch.

Adjust the consistency

If you prefer a thicker consistency you can try the recipe using a bit less liquid than what is suggested. If you want a thinner consistency, try adding a bit of extra liquid to the recipe.

Make it without banana

If you don’t like bananas then try using frozen pineapple instead. Pineapple tastes delicious with raspberries and will create a very similar consistency to using bananas. The smoothie will probably be less sweet than the banana version, so consider adding an extra tbsp of agave syrup or a couple of medjool dates.

Topping ideas

Sometimes it’s fun to add a few toppings to your smoothie. Low calorie topping ideas are raw cacao nibs, fresh raspberries, chia seeds, freeze dried raspberries or strawberries and dark chocolate shavings.

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to blender.

• Start blending at low speed for 5-10 seconds. Increase to high speed and blend for 1-2 minutes. Use the blender tamper to push ingredients down towards the blades.

• Pour into a glass and serve your chocolate raspberry smoothie.

Prep & Blending

Add ingredients in the correct order

Always add liquid ingredients to your blender first. Then add powders, nut butters, nuts and seeds. Then add fresh greens and fresh fruit. Finally add your solid ingredients like frozen fruit. If using a small blender container with a twist on lid, reverse the order so that when you turn the container over to blend the frozen ingredients are farthest away from the blades.

Use a tamper

Push ingredients down towards the blades while blending using the tamper that comes with your blender. This helps to avoid thick smoothies from getting stuck, so you don’t have to stop blending and scrape down the sides of the container.

Don’t over blend

Try to blend your smoothie for less than a couple of minutes. If blended for too long, even thick smoothies will become thin. This is because the heat generated by the blades and motor of the blender heat up your ingredients while they are being blended.

Use a high power blender

For smoothies that have a perfectly smooth and creamy texture use a high powered blender such as a Vitamix. It can break down any ingredients to much finer particles than standard blenders, and more nutrients are released. A high speed blender also reduces the time you need to blend your recipe, which helps keep it nice and cold.

Chill your glass

By placing your smoothie glass in the freezer for a few moments you can help your smoothie stay cool for longer. This is especially helpful if you’re in a hot climate. Pop it into the freezer while you are prepping and blending, then take it out when it’s time to pour your finished smoothie!

How to Freeze Bananas for Smoothies

There are different ways to freeze bananas for making smoothies and smoothie bowls. This method is the simplest way to freeze plenty of ripe bananas for smoothies at one time.

1. Peel your fully ripe bananas.
2. Break each banana into two or three pieces.
3. Freeze the banana pieces overnight in a reusable freezer bag.

FAQ’s

How can I make it even lower in calories?

Switch out the oat milk for coconut water to further reduce the calorie content. Keep in mind the smoothie consistency will be a bit more icy than creamy if you make this swap.

Can I lose weight with smoothies?

Smoothies are an excellent weight loss food! This is because they are generally lower calorie and higher in fibre and nutrients. Due to high water content, the large volume of a smoothie helps your stomach to feel satiated. And the fibre keeps you feeling full for longer, without feeling weighed down or tired like a huge meal would.

Can smoothies be refrigerated?

Smoothies are best enjoyed immediately after blending, while they are freshest. However you can refrigerate most smoothies for 1-2 days in an airtight container such as a jar. Be aware the consistency won’t be as thick as when it was first blended.

Can I make smoothies without a high speed blender?

Yes, you can still make smoothies with a regular blender. It might take more patience depending on the recipe, but it can work. Turn off the blender to scrape down the sides of the container, and secure the lid before continuing to blend. Repeat as needed. Alternatively you can add a small amount of additional liquid to the recipe, which should help.

How can I increase the protein?

If you wish for your smoothie to have a higher protein content, you can simply add protein powder to the recipe. Chocolate vegan protein powder is the best choice for this smoothie. Plain unsweetened plant based protein will work in any smoothie. Alternatively you can try adding protein rich ingredients like hemp seeds or almond butter.

Related

Raspberry Chocolate Protein Smoothie

Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie Bowl

Healthy Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie

Easy Strawberry Weight Loss Smoothie (No Banana)

Pink Pineapple Weight Loss Smoothie

Save Recipe for Later