Why am I gaining weight drinking smoothies?

The mistake: Even low-calorie foods—like fruits and vegetables—add up. And many smoothies include ingredients like yogurt, whipped cream, sweeteners, sorbet, or even ice cream that increase the calories. Bottled and made-to-order smoothies can easily pack in 300 to 600 calories in 16 ounces.

prevention.com - Are Smoothies Healthy? 5 Ways Your Smoothie Is Making You Gain Weight

What drink has no caffeine?

Carbonated water, which is always free of caffeine, includes seltzer water, tonic water, club soda, and sparkling water. Some are consumed on their...

Last updated Sep 9, 2019

Is drinking smoothies the same as eating fruit?

This is why it's better to eat whole fruit, rather than fruit in the form of juice or a smoothie. Fruit juice and smoothies, on the other hand,...

Last updated May 8, 2022

Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

Just because your smoothie is packed with fruits and vegetables doesn't mean it's low in calories or good for you. Even green smoothies can cause weight gain if you aren't careful about what you put in it. Whether it's store-bought or homemade, your favorite blended beverage might be disguising unwanted calories, sugar, and fat.

Is it healthy to have a smoothie for breakfast?

Yes, smoothies can make a healthy breakfast, as long as they're filled with a good balance of nutrients, including protein, carbs, and healthy fats, according to Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, creator of BetterThanDieting.com, and author of Read It Before You Eat It - Taking You from Label to Table. Unlike juices, smoothies don't strip the fiber from vegetables and fruits so they're more filling. "Smoothies can make a healthy breakfast, but they've evolved into having a health halo even if you put a lot of fruit juice and syrups into them," Taub-Dix says. "It can make you feel invigorated for a little bit because of the sugar high, but then you're left feeling hungry shortly afterward." To make your smoothie more filling and reduce the sugar content, dietitians recommend getting between 20 to 30 grams of protein at each meal. Protein powders are an excellent way to pack in this essential macronutrient, but be sure to choose varieties that have little to no sugar and have zero artificial sweeteners. You also want to be wary about the kind of liquid base you choose. Fruit juices are loaded with sugar and lack protein and fat. Instead, go for low-fat milk or an unsweetened, non-dairy milk alternative of your choice, like almond, coconut, or cashew. They won't have as much protein as cow's milk, but they'll have some healthy fats that'll help curb hunger. "I like using Almond Breeze's unsweetened almond milk," says Taub-Dix. "It's only 30 calories per serving and is an excellent source of calcium and vitamins D and E. It’s also a good source of vitamin A and is lactose-, gluten-, and dairy-free so the whole family can enjoy it." Healthy fats can also come from unsweetened nut butter, and hemp, chia, or ground flax seeds; they add bit of crunch, too, for digestion. "Adding some 2% Greek yogurt also incorporates healthy fats and protein without loading too many calories. It also adds creaminess and volume, so it promotes satiety," Taub-Dix says. Moreover, adding low-sugar fruits to your smoothie is a good way to add infuse some natural sweetness without sugar—just remember to stick to only one or two servings. Overloading your smoothies with fruit can cause your blood sugar levels to skyrocket and crash quickly. Using frozen fruits instead of fresh ones also helps thicken your smoothie and makes them creamier. To further promote satiety and aid digestion, Taub-Dix suggests eating your smoothie in a bowl with a spoon, rather than slurping it down with a straw."It's actually better to chew and swallow food rather than drinking food for fullness," says Leah Groppo, a clinical dietitian at Stanford Health Care. For the record, there's no evidence that blending your food increases how well you absorb the nutrients. Blended food just moves through you faster, which means you may end up actually absorbing less than if you were to chew the food.

What moisturizer do Kardashians use?

A firm believer in using SPF on a daily basis, the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star is a huge fan of Olay's Regenerist Whip Facial Moisturizer...

Last updated May 9, 2020

What fruits are good for adrenal fatigue?

Here are some recommended fruits for those with adrenal fatigue: papaya, mango, plums, pears, kiwi, apples, and cherries. Fruits to avoid would be...

Last updated Apr 20, 2022

Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

Are smoothies as good as eating fruit?

Yes and no. If you load up on too much fruit and use fruit juice as your base, then you run the risk of consuming too much sugar and calories, Taub-Dix says. However, if you limit your fruit intake to no more than two servings in your smoothie, then you're getting a healthy amount of fruit while reaping their antioxidants.

Are green smoothies healthy?

If you have trouble eating enough vegetables, smoothies are a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet with the flavors you love. Tossing in dark, leafy greens ensures you're getting a hefty dose of vitamins A and K, as well as fiber, but frozen cauliflower, sweet potato, and zucchini are also great options. For an additional nutrition boost, consider popping in some turmeric, matcha powder, or adaptogens, and warming spices like cinnamon and cardamom for flavor. "Some people who are vegetable averse will find it easier to sip on a green smoothie if it tastes like strawberry banana. And then, there are some people who like to load up on greens and blend it with fresh herbs instead of fruit. It all depends on your taste preference," Taub-Dix says. But you also want to be mindful of portions: Groppo recommends keeping snack smoothies under 150 calories and any that you drink as a meal under 350 calories, if you're trying to lose weight. People who are trying to maintain their weight can go up to 500 to 600 calories for a filling meal replacement shake. Now that you know how to turn a smoothie into a healthy meal, here are some other ways your smoothie can be sabotaging your weight loss—and how to fix it.

prevention.com - Are Smoothies Healthy? 5 Ways Your Smoothie Is Making You Gain Weight

Why is it hard to lose belly fat?

The battle of the bulge. One reason belly fat is so hard to lose is that it's considered an “active fat.” Unlike some fatty tissue that simply sits...

Last updated Sep 15, 2020

What foods cause wrinkles?

Here's what you need to know about the foods that might be causing premature fine lines, wrinkles and dryness. Sugar. Sugar is infamous for...

Last updated Feb 26, 2021

Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

What is putting sugar on fruit called?

In many recipes, sprinkling fruit with sugar is referred to as macerating, too. Even though there is no liquid being applied, the open-minded among...

Last updated Aug 17, 2018

Purple mojito “devours” 57lbs of flab?

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

Is putting peanut butter in oatmeal good?

Yes! Oatmeal and peanut butter make a delicious and healthy combo that tastes delicious together. This combination also makes a well-balanced meal...

Last updated Dec 24, 2019