A Diet Wrecking Food That May Surprise You

Fruit Smoothies

The fruit smoothie you order from the latest craze smoothie shop or drive-thru smoothie store can have a whopping 80 grams of sugar and more than 350 calories or more and very little protein. Fruit concentrates are often used instead of fresh fruit. And sorbet, ice cream, and sweeteners can make these no better than a milkshake.

Here’s a good example:

At a popular juice and smoothie shop, their signature Pineapple Smoothie has great marketing content to get you to buy one. The highlighted ingredients say Made With Real Fruit and 100% Fruit Juice and contains no gluten, artificial preservatives, artificial flavors, HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) and 0g trans fat.

Sound good?

Here’s the reality…..

It’s a blend of Pineapple Juice, Strawberries, Pineapple Sherbert (Contains Milk), Ice, Bananas, Greek Yogurt (Contains Milk).

The nutritional content for a small is 310 calories, 67 grams of carbohydrates, and 67 grams of sugar (yes 67 grams). It does have 7 grams of protein but that doesn’t balance the carbs and sugar it contains.

In other words, IT’S A NO-NO for everyone.

Here’s a fix to make a healthier smoothie:

If you are ordering out, customize your smoothie. Ask for fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt, unsweetened nut milk, and add a scoop of their protein powder to blend in protein and good nutrition.

Better yet, make your own at home. Here’s a recipe to get you started. Mix up fruit and find the blend you like the best.

Energy Smoothie Recipe

Makes 2 servings (16 to 20 ounces)

Ingredients:

• 1 small banana, frozen (or 1/2 avocado)
• 1 cup watermelon chunks  or berries
• 1 1/2 -2 cups nondairy unsweetened milk of your choice
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
• 1 cup kale, leaves only, (or spinach) tightly packed
• 1/2 serving protein booster (here’s the one I use)
• ice as desired

Directions:

Wash & prep all ingredients.  Blend, adding ice as desired.  Serve in a mason jar or fancy glass to make it special.

 

Drink better smoothies!