Smoothies are an excellent way to get your daily vitamins and minerals in without having to eat large quantities of fruits and veggies. However, it's easy to get carried away when making your own blends that they can easily become unhealthy! For all you know you are adding some of these unhealthy ingredients to your blends and are sabotaging your diet.
You can easily avoid this problem by making some healthy food swaps…
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Making my own smoothies and protein shakes are some of the ways I get my nutrients in and they are especially helpful when I'm on the go. Many people immediately assume that become a beverage is labeled a smoothie that it is automatically healthy, but that's not always the case.
In fact below you will find the worst things to add to your smoothie, and the swaps that will make them healthier and tastier. Don't forget to pick these up at your local supermarket!
Chocolate syrup: Chocolate syrup is packed with sugar and don't provide anything nutritional to your blend. Instead opt for antioxidant packing cacao powder or cacao nibs for your chocolate fix in your smoothies. The best part is they are naturally sugar free!
Canned fruit: If you're on the go and don't have fresh fruit, avoid canned fruit at all costs. They are packed with sugar and your smoothie should be healthy, not send you in diabetic shock. Opt for frozen fruits which are a better choice since they are frozen at their nutritional peak.
Ice cream: Ice cream is a dairy item you want to avoid when making your smoothies. Although they can make the drink taste sweeter, the sugar and full fat can ruin your healthy blend. If you want some creaminess add protein packed non-fat Greek yogurt. You'll also get your daily dose of probiotics!
Extra sugar: The worst thing you can do to your smoothie is add sugar. Therefore it's best to stick to fruits that naturally sweet, or add peanut butter, and flavored almond milk to naturally add extra sweetness.
Full fat milk: Opt for nut milks such as almond and coconut milk to make your blend tastier and less fattening. Their nutty flavor even makes them taste yummier!
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