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“Weight loss is a journey, not a destination.”
Someone Smart
For many of us, losing weight doesn't come naturally. We tend to over-complicate things and try everything under the sun including fat burners, quick-fix weight loss programs, and other types of "promising" weight-loss supplements - all to hope and pray that we'll lose the unwanted weight in the unwanted areas of our body.
As a nutritionist and certified personal trainer, though, I'm constantly consulting with my Wellness for Womanhood community, letting them know that the above mentioned are merely "quick fixes" and "easy button" short-term weight loss solutions. In other words, they don't and won't work in the long run.
It's no secret that nutritionists and dietitian's believe that dedicating yourself to learning and implementing proper nutrition and exercise is the ultimate way to lose excess weight. Hiring a nutritionist or registered dietitian helps with that, as well as hold you accountable. But, not everyone wants to hire a nutritionist as it could get very expensive!
But, that doesn't mean I don't offer free advice on certain supplements that I stamp my approval on, or even steer you away from supplements or programs that I flat out don't agree with.
Super greens powders are gaining massive popularity, and I know this because my clients are always asking if they should incorporate it into their diet, as well as, the ultimate question, "does a super greens supplement powder help with weight loss?"
I'm here to answer that today, as well as provide my top picks, and my recommendations at the end (along with some weight-loss success tips - even if you're a busy mom trying to lose weight). The ultimate goal - get you started, or keep you moving, towards your weight loss journey.
Recommended Greens Powders for Weight Loss (if you're in a hurry) Table
Product Name | Price | Avg. Rating | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
Opti-Greens 50 | $64.99 for 1x purchase, or $54.99 if you subscribe | 4.9/5 | |
Athletic Greens | $99 for 1x purchase, or $79 if you subscribe | 4.6/5 | |
Greens Ritual | $85 for 1x purchase, or $63.75 if you subscribe | 4.9/5 | |
SuperGreen Tonik | $87 for 1x purchase, or $227 for 3 month supply ($75 monthly) | 4.6/5 | |
Activate Prebiotic Daily Greens | $98.95 for 5 pack (50 total servings) for 1x purchase, or $84.11 if you subscribe | 4.5/5 |
(12,068 reviews)
Now that you have the quick summary, let's get more in-depth with greens powder!
How Does Greens Powder Help You Lose Weight?
As much as weight loss is a decision that you make (eating right, exercise, etc.), there are certain supplements out there that can help you lose weight. One of those supplements is super greens powder.
But how exactly does greens powder help with weight loss?
Well, it all starts with science, and a little biology. And, knowing that greens are extremely beneficial to strengthening your immune system and giving your gut the “good bacteria” it needs to stay healthy.
Did you know that nearly 80% of your immune system is located in your gut?
That’s crazy, right? It’s real though and it’s no wonder why the “gut microbiome” has been a blazing hot topic in the wellness arena.
A study conducted in 2018 by the National Library of Medicine on Dietary Alteration of the Gut Microbiome and Its Impact on Weight and Fat Mass showed that those who cared for and improved their gut microbiome significantly led to reductions in BMI, body weight and fat mass.
One of the most popular and scientifically-backed ways to improve your gut microbiome is to eat lots of vegetables, legumes, beans and fruit.
Another is to incorporate dietary polyphenols (antioxidants), which feed the Bifidobacteria in your gut, which increases the population of the bacteria, thus promoting the health of your gut.
A healthy gut microbiome also aids in the digestion of food, which can play a major role in helping alleviate that feeling of “bloating.”
Super greens powders are also packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber, but also low in calories. Eating a diet like this can have tremendous benefits, including helping with weight loss, promoting a healthy heart, and reducing the risk of obesity.
What to Look For in a Greens Powder
Greens powders are designed to help support your overall health and wellbeing by giving you a daily dose of the fruits, veggies, and micronutrients that your body needs. However, not all greens powders are made equal, so it’s vital that you do your research and understand what to look for before making a decision.
One thing that can sometimes be a red flag on a container of greens is an ingredient label that states “proprietary blend.” Since the FDA does not regulate supplements, there are some less integral brands out there that use a proprietary blend to cover up what’s inside their products. Additionally, many brands use terms like “natural,” “whole,” and so on. Again, these terms aren’t regulated, so it’s important to be vigilant and ensure you’re making a purchase from a reputable company.
Aside from seeing ingredients like leafy greens, antioxidant-rich berries, and superfoods, these green powders usually also contain ingredients like protein, adaptogens, and probiotics. The biggest takeaway here is that you need to know what to look for and make sure it’s in alignment with what you need from your greens powder before pulling the trigger.
Here are some of the key components of a greens powder that you should be keeping in mind:
Transparent Labeling
If you see proprietary blend/formula, matrix, or formulation, this indicates that there are undisclosed ingredients inside and, I don’t know about you, but I’d like to know exactly what I’m consuming.
Nutrient Variety
The saying, “the more the merrier” rings true in the case of greens powders. The more healthy, rich plant ingredients listed on the label, the better. Make sure that the ingredients are things that you recognize and can easily look up to verify. But, in general, the more healthy stuff inside your powder, the more beneficial nutrients you’ll be able to fuel your body with.
Testing Standards
Check the container to make sure that the powder you choose has been third-party tested for verification. Testing done by a non-biased third party ensures that the product contains what the label indicates and that it’s free of any harmful ingredients and contaminants. A sign of a good product is one that contains a seal that bears the name NSF International, Consumer Lab, or USP tested.
Organic
When it comes to greens, the best products contain certified organic ingredients, not isolated compounds. Of course, this will depend on your personal preferences, but a powder that carries a certified USDA organic label will have higher quality ingredients and none of the harmful ones.
Added Sweeteners
Let’s face it, most greens powders don’t taste all that great. However, you also don’t want to invest in one that uses artificial sweeteners to try to mask the natural flavors of the greens. I recommend choosing one that’s either sweetened with natural sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia or choosing one without any sweeteners at all.
Taste and Consistency
Piggybacking off my last point, while you don’t want to choose a powder that’s full of artificial sweeteners, you also don’t want to be stuck with one that’s almost impossible to choke down. Take a few minutes to read real user reviews of the product’s taste and consistency before making your decision.
Even if the powder doesn’t take the greatest, it absolutely shouldn’t be clunky and chunky. No one wants to gag down chunks of greens. Make sure the one you choose mixes well so that you can mix it in with another beverage to make the taste more bearable.
The 5 Best Greens Powders for Weight Loss (And Reasons Why)
1. Opti-Greens 50
1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 (read full review) is designed to build a strong and healthy immune system, as well as promoting a healthy digestive system, and therefore gets our nod as the best overall greens supplement for weight loss.
Have you ever felt bloated on some days over others? You're not alone on that feeling as it happens to the best of us.
Two of the benefits I love about Opti-Greens 50 is that it includes a digestive enzyme and probiotic blend. This means each scoop provides over one billion CFU's(colony-forming units) from 10 different strains of the good bacteria in our gut.
This is a great combination because it supports digestions, which has shown to help with weight loss and temporary bloating, as bloating could mean that you aren't fully digesting the food you eat.
Another key component to Opti-Greens 50 is that it contains a Glycemic Balance Blend. This helps regulate glycemic response to food, which has shown to help improve smooth boosts of energy, instead of highs and lows (spikes or crashes).
Maintaining good energy throughout your day is critical if you're trying to lose weight, exercise and become more healthy.
Important Ingredients
Opti-Greens 50 includes:
- a diverse blend of fruits, vegetables and grasses
- 50 hand-chosen, gluten-free, alkalizing ingredients (helps support immune system)
- low-temperature processed
- 100% organic grasses
- non-synthetic botanical superfoods
- non-GMO
- 8 organic grasses and greens
- carotenoids and bioflavonoids (helps your overall well-being)
Pros
Cons
2. Athletic Greens (AG1)
Athletic Greens, otherwise known as AG1, could easily be my number one choice on this list. However, it's just really hard for any supplement brand to beat 1st Phorm because of many factors (read my review of them and you'll know why).
That said, if you decide to go with AG1, you're going to love them too! I've tried both and there isn't much of a difference to be honest. The biggest difference is the price - Athletic Greens costs $88 for a single subscription.
But who can put a price tag on their health? It is what it is, and here's why this high-quality greens supplement for weight loss is pricey:
Athletic Greens is made up of high-quality ingredients in accordance with the strictest standards. Their blend is highly-scientific and almost obsessive (which you have to love in a brand). I love the fact that AG1 wants to be the best greens powder on the market - they are constantly improving their blend through science, trial and error. Plus, they take their customer feedback very seriously.
AG1 helps strengthen your immune system, boosts energy, helps recovery (packed with strong antioxidants, superfoods and adaptogens), and aids digestion (contains natural occurring enzymes that enhance nutrient absorption and bolster the digestive process).
We also tabbed AG1 in our best vitamin packs for women, so this product has earned our respect in many different ways.
Important Ingredients
Athletic Greens (AG1) includes:
- 75 vitamins, minerals and whole-food sourced nutrients in one serving
- gluten-free
- no eggs
- no added sugar
- nut free
- non-GMO
- no herbicides or pesticides
- no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners
Pros
Cons
3. Skipwith Organics Greens Ritual
Who doesn’t want to wake up each morning with the intent to begin again with a clean, fresh slate? This is exactly the goal of Skipwith Organics Greens Ritual powder. This fresh, clean, organic super greens powder is designed to be your all-in-one secret weapon for feeling your absolute best.
Skipwith Organics likes to think of their Greens Ritual powder as your daily reset, a chance to start off the new day with an infusion of energy and health that you can take with you throughout your entire day.
One of the reasons why this particular greens powder made its way onto our list of the best for weight loss is that it’s formulated with organic wheatgrass and organic alfalfa grass which have both been shown to support metabolism. These potent super greens can help improve your metabolic health and aid in your weight loss journey.
Another way that this powder sticks out among the crowd is in its ability to help users feel centered and de-stress. According to the American Institute of Stress, it takes 90 minutes for our metabolism to recover after a stressful situation. Greens Ritual is made with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics that have been shown to aid in immunity and your stress response.
This powder feels very classy, clean, and holistic as if drinking it will give you the energy kick you need while also calming your mind, body, and spirit to prepare for whatever your day has coming ahead. Those who have a high-stress career or lifestyle may consider this greens powder over other options for its stress-relieving ingredients.
Important Ingredients
Greens Ritual includes:
- Organic wholefood greens blend for clean energy
- Organic fruit and vegetable blend for antioxidants
- Stress + immunity superfoods for immunity and brain function
- Digestive enzymes + probiotics for gut health and absorption
- Low glycemic sweeteners
- Made in small batches in a USDA Organic Certified Facility
- Naturally sweetened with zero additives or synthetic ingredients
- Free of GMOs, fertilizers, and pesticides
Pros
Cons
4. SuperGreen Tonik
Once you land on supergreentonik.com, you’ll be greeted with the saying, “Be Invigorated.” This supplement promises benefits on:
- Immunity
- Energy
- Brain
- Sleep
Supergreen Tonik is packed with 38 superfoods, vitamins and minerals and will invigorate you with greens, brain nutrients and immune support. Most importantly, because of the vitamins and minerals, this makes a great greens powder for weight loss.
Read detailed review of SuperGreen TONIK for even more information.
Important Ingredients
Supergreen TONIK includes:
- Kale (2000mg)
- Spinach Leaf (1000mg)
- Spirulina (2000mg)
- Ashwagandha (500mg)
- Ginkgo Leaf (250mg)
- Bacopa Leaf & Herb (500mg)
- Chlorella (1000mg)
- Barley Grass (1000mg)
- Rhodiola Root & Extract (500mg)
- Moringa (500mg)
- Dandelion Leaf (500mg)
- Olive Leaf (250mg)
Pros
Cons
5. Laird Superfood Prebiotic Daily Greens
Laird Superfood has become a household name in the supplement world (most notably for the coffee creamer), gaining trust from customers by producing high quality products. Activate Prebiotic Daily Greens is no different. Their main focus with this greens powder is to nourish your gut easy and deliciously. Is any green powder "delicious?" I highly doubt that, but like I mentioned earlier, it's about the benefits.
What's different about this greens powder is that it features Shilajit, a superfood harvested from the Himalayan Mountains. Laird Superfood also included 17 other superfood ingredients. This helps nourish your gut with prebiotics, polyphenols, fruits and vegetables.
Important Ingredients
Activate Prebiotic Daily Greens includes:
- Green Banana Flour
- Himalayan Shilajit
- Organic Apple Fiber Powder
- Organic Kale Powder
- Reishi Mushroom
- Freeze-dried Acai Powder
- Organic Wheatgrass Powder
- Organic Spinach
- Organic Sweet Potato Powder
Pros
Cons
You Should Consider A Super Greens Supplement Powder If…
Does anyone take a super greens supplement powder for the taste? No, we take it to get the benefits. So, if you decide greens powder is a great choice for you, just know that you probably won’t like the taste that much, but the focus is on our overall well-being, not a taste bud.
Claimed benefits
- Increases mental clarity (no more brain fog)
Safety and Side Effects
First and foremost, you should always consult with a medical professional (your doctor) before taking any supplement, including greens powder products. Generally, greens powder is a great and safe way to enhance a healthy diet as you'll be getting extra vitamins, minerals and fiber so you can reach your recommended levels. However, the vitamins, minerals and nutrients included in the product itself vary based on the brand. Always ask your doctor which formula is best for your health before purchasing.
That said, I'd like to share some things to be aware of in terms of potential side effects.
Medication Interactions
Have awareness of vitamin K, which can interact with certain medications. For example, it can interact with antibiotics, weight-loss drugs (glp-1 medications), and cholesterol medications. Additionally, it can have a serious interaction with blood thinners.
Contaminates
In the past, there have been lab tests that found certain greens powder products that contain lead and other heavy metals. These contaminates can cause organ damage and lower energy levels if they are taken in high amounts. Be sure to thoroughly check into the brand and make sure they use high quality ingredients and no contaminates.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There isn't enough evidence of the intake of added herbal and nutritional supplements in greens powder for pregnant or breastfeeding women. In other words, the added intake could result in risks.
Allergies
Sound fitting when talking about grass and greens, right? Well, the fact is that some greens powders have additions to it, like green tea extract, herbs or wheatgrass that could cause allergic reactions, such as headaches, sneezing, nausea and diarrheas.
Conclusion
Make sure you read through all of the customer reviews to see which greens powder resonates with you most before purchasing. And, remember, weight loss is a journey and I meant it when I said I want this article to help you start or continue your weight loss journey.
There are three outstanding green powder supplements on this list, made by incredible brands that you can trust. Of course, they’re going to cost more than what’s on amazon, but these are made in the USA with the highest quality ingredients.
My Recommendations, in this order
Weight Loss Tips From Our Nutritionist
As mentioned in the beginning of the article, I believe strongly in creating healthy eating habits and daily exercise routines for best weight loss results. I would be biased to say you must consult with a nutritionist or registered dietitian if you want to eat healthier and lose weight. The truth is, there are tools and resources (free and paid) to help track your progress. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and drink water throughout your day. I also encourage you to count macros and follow a strict diet plan. Results vary with counting macros, but the process works if you pay attention to the details.