Smoothies - Good or Bad?

ashley22238
ashley22238 Posts: 22 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I have recently started to get back on track to finally lose this weight. I have decided to try and replace at least one meal a day with a fruit based smoothie. I have been doing this for about 2 weeks. I haven't noticed a change in my weight yet, but I do feel like I have more energy. I think all the vitamins in the fruits is giving my body a boost. I have read that smoothies are a bad idea, because they can have a lot of calories. Mine are usually under 300 calories. Has anyone had any success doing meal replacement with smoothies?

Replies

  • klegendre20
    klegendre20 Posts: 13
    Yes! My husband and I decided to do Arbonne's 30 day fit plan this month. We're on day 13/30 of replacing both breakfast and lunch with vegan protein shakes and we can absolutely see a huge difference in the way we feel and our clothes feel! We decided not to take any weight or measurements until after the 30 days, but I can't tell you how great it feels to have the bloat around our midsection gone!!! I can hook you up with the 30 day plan info if you're interested :) ~Kari
  • Liz55
    Liz55 Posts: 20 Member
    Bump :)
  • MorganLeighRN
    MorganLeighRN Posts: 411 Member
    If you are having all fruit smoothies, there is no problem-essentially it is the same as eating fruit. I am guessing the reason that "experts" say that smoothies are bad is most smoothie shops add ice cream to theirs. I sometimes add a little bit of plain non fat yogurt to mine, along with the fruit.
  • randrews0407
    randrews0407 Posts: 216 Member
    I never tried meal replacement by way of fruit-based smoothie. There are plenty of juice and smoothie spots here (Manhattan)...Fuel, Jamba Juice and countless others. Smoothies can make for a great low-cal treat but I wouldn't attempt it on a consistent basis because even though they can be under 300 calories, its usually over 50g carbs and over 40g sugar and I'm trying to watch both.
  • wannabtight
    wannabtight Posts: 187 Member
    I have a smoothie every morning, have added a Tbsp flax for fibre and fat and have been able to lose 5 lbs total since Jan01 2013>
    I think it all depends what you are adding to your shake that matters.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,224 Member
    Smooth=good
    Lumps=bad
    :smile:
  • Shal1217
    Shal1217 Posts: 37
    It depends on what you put in them. Some companies make pre-made smoothies and those are usually the ones to look out for, or those meal replacement shakes (such as Carnation Breakfast). If you're making your own and you know what goes into them, then you're fine. I personally make mine with a scoop of protein powder, some frozen berries, ice and vanilla almond milk - yummy!
  • byHISstrength
    byHISstrength Posts: 984 Member
    I'm no authority, but I would think that it depends on how much sugar is in it. I personally think it's a good idea to add some form of protein (greek yogurt, protein powder), and some veggies. Think a lot of folks will add a handful of spinach. I also like adding flaxseed to mine.

    Basically, if the smoothie is going to be your meal, try to make it as complete a meal as possible. IMO
  • bumblebums
    bumblebums Posts: 2,181 Member
    If you are worried about specific ingredients, just don't put them in your smoothie. They can be very low in calories and completely healthy. Google "green smoothie recipe" for ideas.

    I usually use frozen berries and mango or pineapple or peach chunks, half a banana, and either spinach/lemon juice/water or almond milk and yogurt if I want some protein.
  • witchy_wife
    witchy_wife Posts: 792 Member
    Honestly, I think I would rather eat the fruit and drink the milk. But hey, 300 calories isn't going to kill any diet so as long as you are eating the right amount of calories, hitting other important nutritional values every day, and enjoy it then why not? Just go for it.
  • atrebor18
    atrebor18 Posts: 235 Member
    I love smoothies and I think they help me get more fruit in my diet because i don't like fruit much by itself but I do like them in smoothies. I use to work at Tropical Smoothie and a lot of theirs weren't healthy because of the sugar and fruit concentrate syrups that go in them so I rarely get smoothies from resturants. Its all about what you put in them.
    Right now I've been making oatmeal and chia seed based smoothies that I blend up and drink through out the week. I like strawberry banana, pomegranete blueberry, and apple PB cinnamon! They also have greek yogurt and almond milk in them.
  • tlacox1
    tlacox1 Posts: 373 Member
    I make my own smoothies and use them for my breakfast. It is 318 calories but a pretty large smoothie.

    1 cup frozen mixed berries fruit
    1/2 cup milk (I use whole so skim would be less calories)
    1/4 cup orange juice
    1/4 cup plain non fat yogurt
    1/2 large banana or just one small
    2 packets truvia (this is optional as some may feel it is sweet enough without)
    1 cup fresh spinach

    You don't have to put in the spinach but I promise you that you can't taste it. I add it for the extra vitamins.

    I really do feel much better. I don't know if it is because I am eating more fruit or because I quit putting greasy breakfast foods such as kolaches into my system on a daily basis. I have lost about four pounds since the beginning of January when I started this but I have also been practicing portion control in my other meals.
  • Shal1217
    Shal1217 Posts: 37
    I make my own smoothies and use them for my breakfast. It is 318 calories but a pretty large smoothie.

    1 cup frozen mixed berries fruit
    1/2 cup milk (I use whole so skim would be less calories)
    1/4 cup orange juice
    1/4 cup plain non fat yogurt
    1/2 large banana or just one small
    2 packets truvia (this is optional as some may feel it is sweet enough without)
    1 cup fresh spinach

    You don't have to put in the spinach but I promise you that you can't taste it. I add it for the extra vitamins.

    I really do feel much better. I don't know if it is because I am eating more fruit or because I quit putting greasy breakfast foods such as kolaches into my system on a daily basis. I have lost about four pounds since the beginning of January when I started this but I have also been practicing portion control in my other meals.

    Aren't you worried about the OJ and milk/yogurt mix in your stomach?
  • JustJennie1
    JustJennie1 Posts: 3,749 Member
    Are you making your own smoothie or buying them at the store? I make my own smoothies with fruit, milk, protein powder, peanut butter and yogurt. It's good and satisfying.
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    If they fit in your calorie and macro goals, nothing wrong with them. IIFYM!
  • ashley22238
    ashley22238 Posts: 22 Member
    Thank you everyone for your input. I make my own smoothies and I use yoplait light yogart, fruit, and juice. I feel like it is helping me get the fruits and calcium in my diet. I am not sure if it is helping, but I don't think it is hurting my diet either. Thank you all for the tips. I will have to give them a try. :-)

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