Never Add These Things to Your Smoothie
By Sara Butler
The options you have for a homemade smoothie are limitless. You can add whatever you want and what tastes good you to. You often hear of people trying out exotic ingredients such as bee pollen or green powders to their smoothies, but the truth is you can keep it simple and still make it healthy.
The problem is that there are a lot of ingredients that may seem like a good idea to add to your healthy smoothie that simply isn't good for you and may defeat your health and wellness goals. Here are a few of the ingredients that you should try to skip in your smoothie and what you should add instead.
Flavored Fat-Free Yogurt
Yogurt is tricky. Many people assume it's simply good for you because it has a reputation for being so, but it really depends on what type of yogurt you want. Flavored fat-free yogurt may seem as if it's a good option, but can be full of sugar -- after all, something has to replace the natural fat.
You should opt for unflavored Greek yogurt in your smoothie. It's full of protein and doesn't have the added sugars you find in flavored yogurt. The fat will help keep you fuller for longer, too.
Fruit Juice
Fruit is another ingredient that people love to put in a smoothie, but adding in the form of juice is not a good call. Fruit juice is devoid of the things that make fruit really good for you since it lacks any fiber and often has a lot of added sugar too.
Whole fruit is always the best option -- frozen or fresh -- for your smoothie. And if you need liquid, consider milk, unsweetened milk alternatives, or simply water.
Added Sweeteners
Not many people would add a scoop of sugar to their healthy smoothie, but if you're adding honey or other sweeteners to it, then that's exactly what you're doing. Even things that sound healthy such as coconut nectar or agave are simply sweeteners that add sugar, making your smoothie more akin to a candy bar than a healthy alternative.
If you want to sweeten your smoothie, rely on fruit. Use whole fruit, skins and all, and you'll be added sweetness right along with vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are beneficial to your health.
Smoothies can be a great addition to your healthy eating plan. Simply make sure you know what to not add.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fairfax, Va.