Tips for thickening smoothies?

kristenanna

I've been making smoothies lately, and want ways to thicken them other than having a banana in it as this seems to be the only thing that makes it thicker but would like to be able to make without them due to the high cal/card content of them and so can try different flavors. Any tips?

red01angel

Try vanilla greek yogurt. Delish.

fitbot

mango

johnthefatman

I use low fat yoghurt and frozen berry fruit straight from the freezer - get the proportions right and it comes out like soft ice cream ..

ischmelle

I know it sounds weird, but either avocado or dates will thicken smoothies without adding much taste. Avo might not be the best bet if you are trying to cut calories thought. You could also just throw in plain ice cubes. The chopped ice will make it thicker.

goatskinlegs

Avocado, and Yogurt. I agree with everyone else above work great, they will off set your calories a bit higher, but like I try to tell everyone it's not always about the calories it's what you get from your calories. Yogurt has cultures and enzymes that help aid in digestion as well as calcium that help keep your bones, teeth, fingernails and hair extra healthy (and not falling out from malnourishment) Avocado, on the other hand, is one of natures superfoods, while being full of vitamins, and plant-based lean proteins, it also has mono and poly unsaturated fats which research shows can help maintain a healthy weight and break down unhealthy saturated fats, as well as helping to eliminating bloat and water retention. But if you are truly a stickler on the calories a happy handful of ice and a few pulses on the blender will add thickness for a few minutes with no calorie increase. Good luck

amyfly

I agree with Goatskinlegs. I started adding a little avocado to my smoothies a few months ago - it helps keep me full longer and hasn't affected (effected? - I never know which one is right) my weight loss at all - if anything I seemed to be losing weight faster.

FreshPaint

Oatbran

goatskinlegs

I agree with Goatskinlegs. I started adding a little avocado to my smoothies a few months ago - it helps keep me full longer and hasn't affected (effected? - I never know which one is right) my weight loss at all - if anything I seemed to be losing weight faster.

You probably are losing faster because of the Avocado. Cashews are good for that too, another one of those awesome superfoods. The reason you stay feeling full longer is because nutrient-dense foods offer your body more than just surface calories, so your body processes them longer getting more of what it needs. Unlike calorie-dense low nutrient foods like enriched flours, and High Fructose Corn Death. Which are in almost everything including "healthy" foods. So keep it up, and look into more superfoods. We are what we eat

arewethereyet

I agree with Goatskinlegs. I started adding a little avocado to my smoothies a few months ago - it helps keep me full longer and hasn't affected (effected? - I never know which one is right) my weight loss at all - if anything I seemed to be losing weight faster.

You probably are losing faster because of the Avocado. Cashews are good for that too, another one of those awesome superfoods. The reason you stay feeling full longer is because nutrient-dense foods offer your body more than just surface calories, so your body processes them longer getting more of what it needs. Unlike calorie-dense low nutrient foods like enriched flours, and High Fructose Corn Death. Which are in almost everything including "healthy" foods. So keep it up, and look into more superfoods. We are what we eat

High Fructose Corn Death:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

I saw a commercial trying to convince me it is no different than cane sugar. Uh OK, but I don't need cane sugar in my foods EITHER thankyouverymuch. I am amazed when I see this in everything.

hozik

You could also try a spoonful of ground flaxseeds-a decent source of fiber and omega 3's-and a tablespoon only has about 30 cals. Creamy nutbutters are also great in smoothies-try a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter-especially good with cocoa powder mixed in

SaraTN

I blend in 1/4cup of prepared plain oatmeal with greek yogurt and some frozen fruit or some organic apple butter. Another thing I recently discovered was the Jell-O pudding snack cups - sugar free. They are 60 calories and make that protein shake taste like a decedant cheat meal.

acmecoyote42

I go the frozen berry route, and with a tablespoon of coca powder, it comes out really sinful splurge on a really good cocoa powder, too. it's worth the extra fat calories. Penzey's has a marvelous high fat dutch process cocoa powder that is just stupid good and is pretty harmless in small amounts (no, i don't work there!).

sanura

psyllium husks work too, blend it in and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. super cheap, no flavour and great fiber.

megamom

I have been making the Green monster smoothies using almond mild and spinach with frozen fruit I freeze, between the frozen fruit and some ice cubes it great, but I love the banana in it.

brityn

I mix 1 scoop of chia seeds in cold water and let that thicken for 5 min. then shake it in my protein shake in the morning. It is packed with vitamins, protein, omega-3 and a ton of other nutrients

xarrium

I saw a commercial trying to convince me it is no different than cane sugar. Uh OK, but I don't need cane sugar in my foods EITHER thankyouverymuch. I am amazed when I see this in everything.

Um... what? How did they twist the facts for that one?!

I, too, agree with goatskinlegs et al... bananas really aren't too bad for you, and avocados are super good for you! I'm intrigued by the oat bran idea... maybe that would up the fiber, too?

mrslaxton

I use frozen berries and low fat yogurt. It turns out really thick.

sailormars28

I've actually just started juicing and making smoothies. I want some of the smoothies I make to replace a meal. Like for breakfast and my two snack throughout the day. So I figured if my smoothies have fruits or veggies in it instead of having half of a sandwich or just nothing. I'm trying to turn over a new leaf on my eating. I actually found a website that gave me some good smoothie making advice. It said to thicken a smoothie you can add peanut butter, 1-2 tbs of flour or cornstarch, or silken tofu. So far I found that the silken tofu works very well. I just tried a smoothie with peanut butter, but I fear that will only work with some recipes not all recipes. That is what I am looking for a thickener to work with all of my fruit and veggie smoothie recipes.

57rainbows

Whatever fruits you're already putting in it, be sure and freeze the night before. Your smoothie will come out thicker and stay cold longer!

If you're already using frozen fruits, the greek yoghurt is a good idea. I just use regular (plain) yoghurt, fresh fruit (not frozen), a bit of milk, and a few ice cubes, and I'm happy with the texture.

mousepaws22

I use a dollop of low fat natural yogurt

josieonmars

A wee bit of Xanthan gum is all you need!

darwinwoodka

ice cream. ;^)

morticia16

you could also try silken tofu

jen_zz

How about chia seeds? Anyone tried adding those in their protein drinks?

_Zardoz_

Bananas aren't that high in calories. No more than avocados that everyone is suggesting

ninjakowski

I use greek yoghurt and a splash of water instead of milk. Frozen fruit is also a great way to make a smoothie thicker - I buy frozen berries anyway as they are cheaper than fresh, but you can freeze anything, banana, mangoes etc.

AprilRN10

I only use fruits and ice. I never add anything else to mine, but I like the "slushie" texture better.

Alythatgirl

i know this sounds weird but i have tried recipes that use fat free cottage cheese to thicken smoothies. it tasted pretty good!
http://dashingdish.com/recipe/key-lime-pie-protein-shake/

Ladysquire

I use psyllium husk to thicken mine up. Keeps me fuller for longer too. I like the avocado idea....might give that a go

kopmom

Check out the Dashing Dish website. All her's are really thick and yummy !