This question has come up a few times over the years. Whether it was asked in jest or if a person were really considering living on smoothies in an attempt to lose a lot of weight quickly, the question is valid.
So, can you? There are varying opinions and there are also variables when talking about what kinds of smoothies. If we define smoothies as nothing but juices of fruit and vegetables then a person could probably sustain themselves on them for a while but couldn’t live long term on them. Even though they could get protein from avocado and nuts, the amount of protein needed would have to be supplemented by adding an extra source of protein to hit the required daily protein intake of 56 grams for men and 46 grams for women.
If your smoothies were complex and the amount of nutrients and proteins were measured correctly and supplemented when needed, you could feasibly live on smoothies indefinitely. But with so much delicious healthy food out there why would you want to? You can balance smoothie and regular food intake to lose weight by targeting calorie levels 10-20 % lower than the recommended daily intake for men (about 2500 calories) and women (about 2000).
Calorie restriction is probably the most healthy and consistent way to drop pounds if done in the right amount and making sure one gets the proper nutrients along the way.
So, in conclusion, the answer is yes you could live on smoothies if you took in the correct amount of vitamins, nutrients and proteins. But it is just easier to eat well balanced meals with the proper calorie content and mix in a daily smoothie for more nutrients and for pleasure, because after all, smoothies are delicious!
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Just wanted to respond to your question of “why would you want to?” Many people would want to do this because of depression. We don’t really care how delicious solid food is. We are just trying not to die.
I fully understand and appreciate your response about why someone would want to live on smoothies alone if possible. I’m in the same undesirable boat. May things improve for you in the coming new year.
Some situations as mine, isn’t that I want to live on smoothie’s and sustagen, but after radiation treatment for cancer a year and a half ago. My appetite is almost zero and have lost a lot of weight over that time. I think it’s more for sustenance and survival, looking forward to regaining my appetite
Thanks for the comment Haydn. Hope you can get that appetite back!
My teeth are being extracted for dentures and chewing is an issue. I have a temporary top denture plate and still have some bottom molars but I am hungry all the time and chewing is a huge issue.
You are absolutely right…sometimes, you just don’t feel like eating but you know that your body needs something to survive on. I mean, I have my bouts of depression. There are days I just don’t want to eat anything, but I make it through and then things get back to some semblance of normal. But my reason for wanting to do “just smoothies”, is because I know that it works and I have lost a considerable amount of weight in the past doing 2 smoothies and 1 meal…but this time I want to do smoothies only. The only drawback is that it’s kind of like a slow & gentle detox that could wake up a sleeping gallbladder (my gastroenterologist told me this) and then you have a problem. But the advantages far outweigh the drawbacks. Your hair & skin be on super fleek and your nails too! But it does take discipline to do it. You have to make sure to get all your proteins & nutrients and drink lots of water. I’m going to start this April 1, 2023…wish me luck!
Hello Marsharena, We really enjoyed your comment. Good luck!
I have had stomach surgery five years ago, now leaving me with an injured pyloric valve. The only food going through it is smoothies. For the last month I have vegetable and fruit smoothies. I hope within 6 months, following corrective surgery. I can eat regular food. But now I am frantic to get my blood counts out of the red. I’m 76 and this article help make me relook at my drink to be more exact ratio I will need to survive.
Thank you for the article.
Thank for your comment Linda. We hope everything goes well with surgery.