Smoothies: The Real Deal or Just a “Health” Trend?

In today’s busy world, the reality for many of us is that we have to eat on the go. Many busy people trying to stay healthy turn to smoothies as a solution for eating on the go. So the question remains, is this a kind solution for healthy living or not?

There is really no straight answer to this question because it depends where you get the smoothie and what ingredients are used to make it. Smoothies in many retail shops are made with added sugars, pre-sweetened fruit, high-fat yogurt/ice cream and unhealthy toppings.

This means you must be careful and clear about EXACTLY what you want if you are ordering from a shop/restaurant. Try to aim for fresh or frozen fruit, coconut water or dairy free milks (like almond, coconut or hemp), plain yogurt, and nut butters to really stick to clean eating. If you like things a little sweeter, try to avoid refined sugars and juices, and instead opt for honey, agave syrup, maple syrup, or stevia.

Making smoothies at home is a great option too. They can last for up to three days in your refrigerator, so you can make them in large batches. Plus, then you have total control over what you put in them! Below are some more specific tips on making your smoothies awesome!

1)    Only use low-fat plain yogurt in your smoothies. The added sugars in flavored yogurts are unnecessary calories because the natural sweetness from the fruit is enough to make most smoothies sweet. But if it’s still not sweet enough for you, a teaspoon of honey should do the trick!

2)    Use only fresh or frozen fruit in your smoothies that has not been pre-sweetened. Read labels carefully because often berries and other frozen fruit have sugars added before they are frozen.

3)    Add crushed ice to your smoothies before blending. The crushed ice will make the yogurt have a thicker consistency, more like ice cream without adding any extra calories or diluting the taste. You get a better smoothie with fewer calories – a win win!

4)    Make your smoothies at home. Investing in a good blender will save you money over time since smoothies can cost upwards of $5 each. Make a large amount at once and store in single-serve containers because they can stay in the refrigerator for up to three days for a quick grab-and-go snack instead of grabbing for chips or sweets.

So start your blenders and enjoy! I’d love to hear your smoothie secrets and your favorite smoothie recipes!