More and more people are turning to smoothies as a way of life, as a healthy alternative to traditional meal plans. However, while many people enjoy the variety of fruits and vegetables that can be incorporated into a smoothie, not all of them know exactly how many calories they are really taking in when they drink a smoothie. In an effort to enlighten people as to how many calories they are really consuming, we have put together a rough guide to the nutritional content of different types of smoothies.
The Basics Of A Smoothie
At first glance, a smoothie might seem like a simple drink to make. Essentially, all you need is fruit and ice, and you’re ready to go. However, smoothies are a lot more complex than they seem, as there are a few things that you need to bear in mind if you want to make the perfect drink. First off, you need to use frozen fruit, as fresh fruit tends to be very perishable and isn’t going to make your drink as good as it can. Frozen fruit is also a lot cheaper than its fresh counterpart, so you’re better off saving money and going for the cheaper option.
Frozen fruit will also give you a better texture when you make your smoothie. Thawing out frozen fruit can be time-consuming, and you’re better off avoiding this process and using frozen fruit instead. When you’re grinding the fruit to make your drink, make sure that you don’t overdo it and end up with a pasty consistency; you want your drink to have some body. This is particularly important with berries, as you don’t want to end up with a gummy texture; you want your berry to be fairly smooth. You can also add some milk or water to your fruit to make it more enjoyable for your palate. Similarly, adding honey to your fruit gives it an additional layer of texture and flavor, which makes it a lot more satiating.
Now that you know the basics of making a smoothie, let’s discuss the different types of smoothies that you can make.
Healthy Smoothies
To start things off, we’ll discuss the most common type of smoothie, the one that you’ll probably see advertised on a lot of beverage trucks or at the juice bar next to the supermarket. This kind of smoothie is usually based on fruits and vegetables, and it’s a great way to get nutrients and antioxidants into your diet. It’s a popular choice for people looking to shed a few pounds, and it’s also perfect for people seeking to improve their general health. When selecting your produce for a healthy smoothie, pick fruits and vegetables that are in-season, as they’re going to taste a lot better than those that are out of season. You can also use frozen fruit in your smoothie, as it saves a lot of time and is much cheaper. You don’t necessarily need to use all frozen fruit though, as you can always use some fresh fruit as well.
Frozen fruits and vegetables are perfect for making a healthy smoothie, as they’re already in the shape that you need them in, which saves you a lot of time. Preparing them is also a lot easier, as you don’t have to worry about whether or not they are in season, or if they have any bad days (or weeks) behind them. If you prepare your own produce, you’ll also be able to add some seasonal elements to your food, which can make it taste that little bit better.
Fruity Smoothies
People like to drink smoothies because they taste good, and it’s become a popular way for people to get their daily dose of fruit. This kind of smoothie is typically made with a lot of fruit, some yogurt, and ice. It’s light and refreshing, and it’s a great way to get some nutrients and calories into your diet on a hot day. While this type of smoothie is generally healthy, you need to avoid any drinks with a lot of added sugar in them, as these are going to be high in calories and don’t offer much in terms of nutritional content. However, smoothies with added sugar aren’t that bad if you know where to look, as there are healthier versions that you can find, which use honey instead of sugar to sweeten them. You can also use real fruit in your smoothie, instead of fruit juices, which is going to give it a better taste. There’s no rule that says you have to use only fruits in your smoothie; you can add some chocolate or nuts to give it more texture and variety.
Chocolate Smoothies
What would a piece of chocolate-covered literature not include in its description: milk, strawberries, and ice? This is the basic formula for a chocolate smoothie, which is why you’ll often see them at restaurants and cafés around the world. If you’re a chocolate lover and you can’t get your fill at home, this is the perfect alternative, as you can eat the ice as well. This drink is ideal for anyone seeking to shed a few pounds, as it’s high in fiber and low in calories, as well as some of the most satiating ingredients known to man: chocolate and strawberries.
Carrot Smoothies
If you’re looking for a drink that’s packed with color and doesn’t taste like it, make a carrot smoothie. These types of smoothies are typically made with carrot, apples, and spices. The carrot gives it a reddish color, which in some cases can be quite vivid. The color of the carrot doesn’t necessarily translate into its nutritional content; you’ll often find that the more vivid the color, the more nutrients that it contains. The spices that you use will also have an effect on the flavor of your drink, so use them sensibly. If you’re looking for a way to spice up your food intake, make sure that you use only a small amount of spice for this purpose, as too much can turn your drink bitter. Some examples of spices that you can use are cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper, or even whole allspice berries. Remember, the flavor of your carrot smoothie will be subtle, so you might want to add a touch more ice than usual if you want to mask the taste a bit better.
Other Types Of Smoothies
While the above mentioned drinks are the most popular and most discussed, there are a variety of other types of smoothies that you can make. These types of smoothies are typically made with different fruit and ice, but they can also contain dairy, as well as some type of meat or fish. Some examples of these types of smoothies are: