DOWAGIAC — Wednesday morning, Dowagiac resident Angela Johnson stood behind a counter, adding spoonfuls of various powders to a blender, chatting with customers about the powders’ health benefits before she hit the pulse button.

“I’m going to give you two scoops of protein powder,” Johnson, 34, said cheerfully to a customer. “This is a true meal replacement.”

Johnson opened Lifestyle Nutrition, a smoothie shop located at 56042 M-51 S., Monday morning. The store sells more than 50 flavors of smoothies and a selection of teas and “tea bombs.” Currently, the store is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., but hopes to soon extend its hours to 7 p.m., once it can find additional employees.

Though the shakes offered can satisfy even the most hardcore dessert enthusiast, Johnson said her products offer more than a just a sweet treat. The shakes and teas are meant to be eaten as a meal replacement in order to boost energy and maintain a healthy lifestyle, she said.

Different booster powders, including collagen, fiber and protein, can be added to the shakes for added benefits.

“With these products, you can lose weight, gain weight or maintain weight,” Johnson said. “It is all dependent on what your individual goals are.”

Johnson is a true believer in the shakes, which she has used to lose 50 pounds over the course of two years.

“When I had my kid, I was really overweight. I didn’t have any energy and I didn’t want to be in pictures,” Johnson recalled. “This isn’t about fitting into a certain dress or a certain size, it is about feeling better. I noticed a lot of people didn’t really feel good about themselves, and this helps with that, I think.”

After that, Johnson made healthy living and fitness a part of her lifestyle — and something she wants to share with others. She, along with a partner, offers cardio drumming classes in Cass County, in addition to operating Lifestyle Nutrition.

Johnson added that Lifestyle Nutrition will serve as a sort of community and support group for people looking to live healthier lives. To illustrate this, Johnson pointed out a chalkboard wall to the right of the serving counter where people achieving their weight loss goals can sign their names.

“I have seen people go through transformations, and it is amazing how it unfolds. Their self-esteem goes up. Their energy goes up. They just feel healthier,” she said. “I think I can help people this way.”

Already, Johnson said the Dowagiac community is responding to her vision and passion, as she has had a steady stream of customers keeping her busy during her days of operation. Seeing the community’s response has made her more excited for Lifestyle Nutrition’s grand opening, to take place in August, she said.

“We just want to have a good, healthy, happy environment in Dowagiac. That’s why I opened [Lifestyle Nutrition],” she said. “I hope everyone will come out and see us.”