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Smoothies are often criticized as being unhealthy, high calorie, sugar-laden, diabetes-inducing abominations – to put it mildly! Many have been caught out not realising the amount of sugar – natural or otherwise – that can be in a purchased smoothie.
But as with all stories there is another side. And as with so many things, it depends on your purpose.
It is perfectly legitimate to enjoy a smoothie as a sweet snack or dessert. However, if you do this it is wise to consider the size and to avoid the 32-ounce variety, unless you plan to share it around in small glasses.
And as I have said on several occasions on this website, I have lost weight and gone down two dress sizes by following a healthy eating program that included 1, or even sometimes 2, meal-replacement smoothies a day. So in the right place they are healthy and very effective weight-loss tools.
It’s not considered healthy, especially for diabetics or folks with some other health issues, to have all your fruit in one meal. (Click through on the link to see our article for how diabetics can enjoy smoothies.) Spread your fruits throughout the day, enjoying them as both whole fruit or a smoothie because sometimes you just want to drink rather than eat. Blend your fruit with just plain water or with a little low-calorie additions like coconut water or lemon juice or lime juice.
This is what Deborah at TasteAndTell did. She got caught in the high-calorie, questionably ‘healthy’ smoothie trap. She says …
For the longest time … I was thinking I was being all healthy, throwing all kinds of things into a blender and serving up this ginormous cup full of goodness. Or stopping at the local smoothie joint for a “healthy” pick me up. Until I actually sat down and realized what I was drinking. Most of the time, even though the smoothies were full of fruit and sometimes vegetables, they were filled with tons of calories. Like half of the calories you should have all day, or more! Many times, especially with smoothies that you get at a smoothie place, these smoothies are filled with ingredients that make them more of a dessert than a healthy drink.
But then I started writing my own formulas, staying careful to keep the calories down and filling them with nutritious ingredients. So now, I am a believer that you really can have a smoothie for breakfast, or lunch, or for an afternoon snack – and still keep it healthy and good for you.
So take control of your smoothie ingredients and calories and make your own.
Recipe: Take Control of Your Smoothies: Simple 3-Ingredient Healthy Smoothie Formula
Serves 2-3
There are 115 cals each when serving two; less if served to three.
Ingredients:
2 cups frozen, pitted Cherries, or Fruit of your Choice
1 cup Coconut Water*
1 tablespoon fresh Lime juice
Blend and enjoy as a refreshing snack.
* Note: The calorie count will be slightly lower again if you simply use water; it will be simply the value of the fruit.
Source: TasteAndTell
Photo: DrinkMeHealthy
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