Introduction: Why Smoothies are Ideal for Weight Gain

In my opinion, the best smoothies for weight gain are a simple and handy way to increase the caloric content of your daily diet. This is especially true for people who cannot gain weight by consuming solid foods. In addition, smoothies are very easy to make, and they allow you to include the most necessary ingredients that will help you increase your weight in a balanced way.

Many tried-and-tested snack bars and sweet foods will not provide your body with the necessary vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients, such as valuable fats, proteins, or complex carbohydrates. Therefore, smoothies are the most suitable solution if you need to give yourself some calories. Plus, it is perfectly customizable to meet your needs and taste preferences, whether you want a more caloric content, protein, or certain vitamins. Also, smoothies are well-absorbed and are perfect for those with poor appetites.

What Makes the Best Smoothies for Gaining Weight?

The goals of the intended smoothie determine the ingredient and their ration in smoothies. If the smoothie is meant to foster weight gain. Then the following ingredients are used, and their ratios are. This is because they ensure the smoothie is calorie-dense while still providing a balanced diet.

1. High-calorie fruits

These should make about 1 – 2 cups of the smoothie. They include fruits like bananas and mangoes that are high in carbohydrates, fat, and sugar nutrition. Other fruits that make good high-calorie fruits include the avocado and berries. These ingredients are used because of their calories, healthy fats, and sugar which contribute to the calorie provision and the energy that the smoothie may provide.

2. Healthy fat

They make about one tablespoon. When putting ingredients like peanut butter, flaxseed, and chia seeds that result in a calorie portion of about 10 – 15g, the smoothie becomes rich in fiber, omega 3 and 6, and monounsaturated fat. The recipe also ensures that when the peanut butter is used, then the ingredients must also include alcohol for moisture provision. If these ingredients are then varied at about one tablespoon, they will also provide the extra calories of the smoothie.

3. Protein source

These should make about 1/4 – 1/2 cup. They include the likes of yogurt, protein powder, tofu, and cottage cheese. The whole-fat yogurt provides the calories mentioned. The protein source along with the cup will provide protein that helps to use the energy the smoothie provides and it is essential for muscle building.

4. Liquid base

When varied, it should make about 1 – 2 cups. The calorie variation is dependent on the smoothie base. The ingredients that should be used include the liquid base of whole milk, coconut milk, and yogurt.

Top Liquid Bases for High-Calorie Smoothies

No smoothie is possible without a liquid base, and besides, it can provide a good share of the calories. The best options are:

1. Whole Milk

Whole milk is one of the high-calorie liquid bases. And it is a popular choice for people willing to gain weight. One cup of this product contains around 150 calories. But it also provides the body with such essential nutrients as calcium and vitamin D. Protein is another beneficial component of whole milk.

2. Almond Milk

When unsweetened, this type of milk contains fewer calories in comparison to whole milk. Enriched or sweetened almond milk. However, can add all the healthy fats of almonds, create a unique texture, and provide a more intense flavor. Still, it may be higher in calories in comparison to whole milk.

3. Coconut Milk

This liquid base is one of the highest-calorie options, and the whole-fat version is good at providing the smoothie with the desired volume and texture. The explanation is in the high content of saturated fats.

4. Yogurt

One can use both full-fat Greek or regular yogurt to increase the protein and fat content. Besides, it has a perfect texture and a sour taste which go well with the majority of fruits.

High-Calorie Fruits and Vegetables for Smoothies

Certain fruits and vegetables are better than others for their extra caloric and nutritional content. For example:

1. Bananas

One of the favorite fruits added to most smoothies. Carbs and natural sugar from bananas can provide great amounts of calories with one medium fruit having approximately 100 calories.

2. Avocados

Natural fats are one of the most caloric-dense nutrients and even a half of an avocado can provide over 150 calories. Avocados are also used for their dense texture and how well they blend in smoothies.

3. Berries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries

Although they do not provide as many calories as the previously mentioned, they bring in antioxidants, flavor, and fiber. It is also easy to mix on the same smoothie more than one calorie-dense fruit.

On the other hand, calorie-dense vegetables can also be used in smoothies, such as sweet potatoes. These fruits and vegetables can be used for a solid weight and nutrient-rich base for a weight gain smoothie.

Boost Your Smoothie: Add-ons for Extra Calories and Nutrition

If you want to increase the number of calories you take with your smoothie, a good idea is to add some toppings.

You can choose from the following list:

1. Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and peanut butter can add hundreds of calories to your beverage. They also provide fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and healthy fats.

2. Protein Powders

Whey, casein, and soy or pea protein powder possibilities. They add muscle-building amino acids and increase the protein content of your smoothie without making it bulkier.

3. Healthy Oils

If you add one spoonful of coconut, flaxseed, or olive oil to your drink, the fat level will increase, which will also add to the caloric count.
All of these simple additions can be adapted for you in your mixing, based on your preferences and even diet limitations or needs.

Best Smoothies for Weight Gain: 5 Easy Recipes

Below are five easy smoothie recipes you should try and all of them are based on high-calorie ingredients:

1. Banana Peanut Butter Delight

A delicious creamy, and high in calories smoothie.

Ingredients

1. Whole milk

2. Bananas

3. Peanut butter

4. Honey

5. Yogurt

2. Avocado Berry Blast

This smoothie is not only creamy but also tangy and full of healthy fats.

Ingredients

1. Coconut milk

2. Avocado

3. Mixed berries

4. Protein powder (optional)

3. Tropical Mango Smoothie

This is a delicious and high-calorie/protein drink.

Ingredients

1. Mango

2. Coconut milk

3. Greek yogurt

4. Chia seeds

4. Nutty Chocolate Protein

This smoothie is my favorite and perfect for weight gain. This is rich in proteins and satisfying as well.

Ingredients

1. Almond milk

2. Chocolate

3. Protein powder

4. Banana

5. Almond butter

5. Sweet Potato Cinnamon Swirl

It tastes like a dessert smoothie, but it is very good for you and high in calories.

Ingredients

1. Cooked sweet potatoes

2. Cinnamon

4. Yogurt

5. Almond milk

High-Calorie Smoothie Recipes for Weight Gain Without Protein Powder

If you are among people who would prefer not to use protein powders. There are still many options available for making a high-calorie smoothie. Greek yogurt, tofu, or cottage cheese will provide proteins without the unnecessary powder while adding some nuts, seeds, or avocado to the drink will make it more calorific.

High-Protein Low-Calorie Smoothies for Balanced Nutrition

Even though your aim is likely to gain weight, it is crucial to make sure that your smoothies contain balanced nutrition, especially protein. When you are concentrating more on gaining muscle than on gaining fat. It might be beneficial to create high-protein smoothies that are low in calories. Your best choice is to use low-fat Greek yogurt, egg whites, and some lean protein powders.

How to Calculate Smoothie Calories: Use a Smoothie Calorie Calculator

Use a Smoothie Calorie Calculator
To begin with, you need to know the calories of food you eat, including smoothies. There are a few online calculators that will give you a smoothie’s calories provided that you know its ingredients and see how large your serving size is. So, you can decrease, for example, the amount of ice cream to make the smoothie leaner. Below is the Smoothie Calorie calculator that will help you know the calories in smoothies.

Conclusion

Smoothies could be a perfect way to increase the caloric load without violating the principles of balanced nutrition. Given the right choice of ingredients and the portion size, it is possible to make a milkshake meet your weight goals. High-calorie smoothies, protein smoothies, or balanced ingredients, adding them to the diet may be a practical and pleasant way to gain weight

Frequently Asked Questions

Do smoothies make you gain weight?

The answer is yes, a negative one. This is because smoothies contain more calories than you expend, which will cause you to gain weight healthily.

Which are the highest-calorie smoothies?

Smoothies with high-calorie fruits, such as bananas, avocados, and mangoes, along with additional healthy fats, such as peanut butter, nuts, and seeds, are the highest-calorie ones.