Smoothie replacement for banana?

Tenoreo90

I make smoothies a lot during the summer with frozen berries, 1/2 cup of light soymilk, and a banana. I've been trying to stay under my sugar intake better (or, you know, at all) and I realized my banana is adding TWELVE grams of sugar per smoothie! I mainly just use it as a thickener, what's an alternative to thicken it up?

meshashesha2012

that's why i stopped tracking sugar. MFP needs to differentiate between fruit sugar and processed sugar.
i wouldnt worry about it, or if you are really worried you can use half a banana. when i get bananas i cut them in half and freeze them that way

barb_ww

I make smoothies with 3/4 cup frozen berries, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt and 1/2 cup of skim milk. The frozen berries and Greek yogurt make it pretty thick. Sometimes I need to add a bit of water because it is to thick. Also sometimes throw in 1 or 2 tsp of ground flax seed. You could try just using half of a banana also.

nrvo

Avocado!

chris1816

Strawberries, which though they have a fair amount of sugar; actually have properties that lower blood sugar levels as a whole.

Avocados, as blondie mentioned; bananas are from the same family, and it is one of the highest fiber fruit items in existance.

maryfobian

Use HALF a banana! I agree that they add a nice thickening effect to smoothies. I slice bananas and freeze them on a baking sheet, then toss them into a quart-sized freezer bag. Advantages: substitutes for ice, extends shelf life, and allows serving size flexibility.

B_Running

Adding ground flax seeds works for me - it adds protein, fiber, and ZERO sugar : )

chris1816

Adding ground flax seeds works for me - it adds protein, fiber, and ZERO sugar : )

Oi, yeah, almost forgot. Flax or chia seed/powder are awesome for thickening but nutritionally are great.

Tenoreo90

Thanks, everyone! I think I'll go with just using half and freeze it.

cbevan1229

I use half a banana.