Five Ingredients You Should Avoid Adding to Smoothies
Trying to assemble a well-balanced, healthy smoothie is similar to putting together a complicated Lego set: different pieces look good to throw on, but really add nothing, or are simply junk.
In fact, the selections at most smoothie shops include plenty of “healthy” add-ons that add nothing but a few inches to your waistline. Smoothies are popular, with ‘juicing’ diets for the diehards, replacing meals entirely with these thick drinks.
To decode the menu and start melting your belly for real, make sure you recognize and avoid five of the worst ingredients to add to your smoothie.
Wait, what? Isn’t this the backbone of some smoothies? Concentrated fruit juice is actually one of the worst things you can add. Even if you’re worried there isn’t enough liquid in your smoothie, don’t be tempted to add juice. Fruit juices lack the satiating fiber of fresh fruit, and even half a cup of orange juice adds 13 grams of carbs. It gets worse with smoothie chains – for example, some use orange and apple juices packing 68 grams of carbs and 58 grams of sugar into a small serving. That’s like drinking three Snicker bars!
Healthy Alternative: Try green tea.
Ice Cream or Sherbet
Healthy Alternative: A large scoop of unflavored Greek yogurt and handful of frozen fruit will give you exactly the same flavor and consistency.
Whey Protein
Healthy Alternative: Choose plant-based protein powders that side step the stomach-expanding side effects of whey and casein.
Canned Fruit
It’s packed with syrup — upwards of 20 grams of sugars a can! — and nasty additives such as artificial flavorings. Even unsweetened fruit in its own juices doesn’t cut it, with peeled fruit lacking crucial fibers.
Healthy Alternative: Might be a shocker, but fresh fruit is the best substitute. If it’s tough to have a consistent supply near your blender, frozen fruits are an option. Just read the labels on frozen packages to make sure there’s no added sodium, sugar, or chemicals.
Fat-Free Flavoured Yogurt
Healthy Alternative: Stick to plain yogurts that pack more protein than sugar.